Health and Lifestyle

For a good deal of my life, I lived under a dark cloud of fear that I would end up financially destitute — a bag lady. Studies reveal that I’m not the only one. Most of us have felt that way, not because we’re broke but…

I am always entertained and often educated by the tips readers mail in. Today is no exception. I’m pretty sure you’re about to agree with me.SAFELY FROZENI am on a waiting list to get a safe deposit box at my bank. While I…

There are many things in my life that I enjoy but would not be completely devastated if required to give them up. My dishwasher is not one of them.During our last kitchen remodel, we donated the old appliances to Habitat for…

Dear Rusty: I was born in April 1958, and my plan has been to take my Social Security at age 70. However, my sister-in-law says that it is smarter to take it now while I am still working. I will be 70 in 2.5 years. Her…

When my kids were little, I shelled out a pile of hard-earned dollars to make matching Popeye the Sailor Man costumes. I spent entire evenings determined to make them authentic to the muscular guy himself, right down to the…

They’re convenient and tasty, but have you ever considered the high cost of your favorite prepared mixes and spices?In less time than it takes you to run to the market to pick up a box of Rice-A-Rani or Shake’N Bake, you…

If you don’t have enough money to pay all your bills, which should you pay first, and which ones can slide for a while? That’s the question frequently showing up in my email inbox these days. The past year has been so…

If it seems as though you never have enough money to consistently save some of it for emergencies — consistent, regular deposits out of every paycheck that go straight into a savings account — perhaps it’s time to consider…

Every fall, trees throw their own version of a ticker-tape parade, and like clockwork, we’re the lucky ones who get to clean up the confetti. Leaves everywhere — on the lawn, in the flower beds, and somehow in the dog’s water…

Dear Rusty: I hope you can answer this question. I’m currently receiving Social Security Disability benefits, and I will be turning 65 in February 2026. I’m confused as to how Social Security Disability transitions to regular…