By Tom Margenau Every week, I probably get a dozen emails from readers who tell me they want to "maximize" their Social Security benefits. So many senior citizens are absolutely obsessed with the notion that there is some secret to getting more money from Social Security that they don't know about. As I've explained hundreds of times in this column, the alleged "secret" … [Read more...] about Social Security Maximizing Madness
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The Benefits of Algae
Hi, my name is Al G. Greene. We need to talk. I would like to set the record straight about some things you have been saying about me and my cousins, the Browns and the Bluegreens. First, let us clear up who we are not. We are not duckweed, which is a tiny (by your standards) flowering plant. It takes five or 10 of them to reach 1 inch long. We are also not the … [Read more...] about The Benefits of Algae
Here’s How to Build a Wood Burning Fireplace – Minus the Smoke
Dear James: Whenever we use our great room fireplace, some smoke comes out into the room. I am going to add one to the master bedroom. How can I keep the new fireplace from being smoky? -- Ron T. Dear Ron: You definitely are not alone with the problem of a smoky wood-burning fireplace. More than half of fireplaces cause some smoky conditions inside homes, and it is difficult … [Read more...] about Here’s How to Build a Wood Burning Fireplace – Minus the Smoke
Real Estate Tips – Questions on Signing the Purchase Contract
Dear Edith: This is the first time we've bought a house, and our agent says when we find the right one, she'll draw up the contract and we'll sign it right there. My father always advised I should never sign a contract until a lawyer has looked it over for me. What is your advice about this? -- G. C. F. Answer: For first-time buyers, signing a purchase offer can be a shaky … [Read more...] about Real Estate Tips – Questions on Signing the Purchase Contract
Here’s How to Install Mirrors on Closet Doors
Dear James: The dressing area in my master bedroom is not as bright as I would like. I thought about hanging a mirror somewhere, perhaps on the closet door. Will this really help my problem much? -- Mary T Dear Mary: Using mirrors is an excellent and effective method to brighten up any room. An added benefit is your room will also look much larger than it actually is. This … [Read more...] about Here’s How to Install Mirrors on Closet Doors
Rachel Maddow and President Trump Raking in the Cash for MSNBC
The election of President Donald J. Trump has led to soaring ratings for MSNBC and Rachel Maddow and those numbers also equal higher ad rates. MSNBC’s prime time star is helping her network rake in the cash as sponsors are now paying a hefty “69 percent increase from last year, per Mediaite. According to their report, “a 30-second spot ran for $2,600 in May 2016, it now … [Read more...] about Rachel Maddow and President Trump Raking in the Cash for MSNBC
Social Security: Explaining Medicare Card Codes
Q: My wife and I are both on Social Security and Medicare. Her Medicare card has my Social Security number with a "B" after it. When I die, I know she will get widow's benefits. But will she continue to get Medicare on my record? A: Yes, she will continue to get Medicare on your record. The only thing that will change is that she will get a new Medicare card, still with your … [Read more...] about Social Security: Explaining Medicare Card Codes
Review – 2017 BMW 330e iPerformance: Plug-In Hybrid Is a Techno Powerhouse
As BMW barrels into the frontier of autonomous driving, it may need to change its tagline from the "Ultimate Driving Machine" to the "Ultimate Driven Machine." Today's tester is a 330e iPerformance plug-in hybrid sedan. Of course, it has all the overthought attention of BMW engineering. It is an accomplished hybrid-electric experience and much more accommodating than some of … [Read more...] about Review – 2017 BMW 330e iPerformance: Plug-In Hybrid Is a Techno Powerhouse
Social Security – Working Seniors Pay Taxes and May See Benefit Increase
Q: I just turned 71 years old. I have been getting Social Security since I was 66. I was having trouble making ends meet and I recently took a job doing some consulting work. I just got my first paycheck, and I was surprised to learn they are taking Social Security taxes out of my paycheck. I thought once you are getting Social Security, you no longer have to pay taxes into the … [Read more...] about Social Security – Working Seniors Pay Taxes and May See Benefit Increase