Financial Planning For Boomers and Seniors: How to Hire the Right Personal Financial Advisor

Two of the most abused words in the English language are “financial planner.” Be warned that a number of professionals wear that title even though they shouldn’t--like insurance agents and stockbrokers.

When looking for a personal financial advisor, find one who accepts no commissions from product sales. Pay by the hour, a flat fee, an annual retainer, or a percentage of your assets.

Interview the person (this appointment should be free) to see if it is a right fit.

Consult as many sources as you can including those that can be found online.

However, if you find yourself unable to pay your bills, don’t hesitate to confer with a nonprofit credit-counseling agency for free or low-cost. Consider applying for public programs, also, to get over the hump.

For more, check out 50somethinginfo.com.

Medicare Part D Prescription Plan: Getting the Best One For You

Take Dale Carter's word for it.  She provides step-by-step instructions on how to select the right plan for you or your parent.  

Each year she reviews her mother's current plan to decide if that is the proper route to take for the subsequent year.  

Following her advice takes into account changes in congressional or state legislation, changes in prescription plans and changes in a person's medical and financial situation.  

You can check the estimated annual costs for comparisons and make the most prudent decisions.

Now there's no need to reinvent the wheel.  Thanks to Dale Carter, a daunting task is made easy.      

Smoking: It's Never Too Late to Stop

Even if you've smoked two packs a day for 40 years, you are likely to add years to your life, breathe more easily and have more energy...if you quit. You'll also have more extra money and your food will taste better.

Your clothes and hair will smell better.

You'll be setting a healthy example for your kids and grandkids.

Your chance of heart attack, stroke and other circulatory diseases diminishes within the first year.

And much more.

The bad news is that the first few weeks are very hard. You may become grumpy, hungry or tired. Headaches, depression, sleeping habits and concentration may plague you.

BUT the good news is that there is a lot of help out there. You can join a support group, get counseling or use nicotine replacement therapy. Find the organizations, doctors and clinics offering stop-smoking programs by opening your phone book or check out this site to find out more than you ever wanted to know (!) about smoking.

When You Can't Sell Your Home

If you’re unable to unload your home at a fair price, renting it out may be a wise option. This way you will have help paying the monthly mortgage while waiting for the value of your home to increase, according to AARP.

Owner-turned-landlord, you are warned to:

Check comparable rentals in the area and price it right.

Screen your tenants carefully and check out their ability to handle the monthly rental payment.

Keep good records and consult your accountant about tax consequences.

Make sure you follow landlord tenant law.

Make certain that all parties are properly insured.

Use a handyman (or do it yourself) when repairs are imminent.

Factor in provision for lease/option to buy.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: A Chance to Land the Job You Want

New jobs and career opportunities are being created throughout the U.S. because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Lear how to position yourself to take advantage of the opportunities by studying job searcher Monster's Stimulus Jobs Guide.

Stay informed, advance in your career and find local jobs. Research the industries that are most impacted by the stimulus.

For more on jobs, volunteering and career changes, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Computers Combat Depression for Boomers and Seniors

Miranda Hitti of WebMD Health News reported to Fox News that adults over 65 who use computers are less likely to experience depression than the non-computer savvy friends.

Probably, she asserts, this is because this group of people are more likely to connect with other people via email, chat rooms and because they are exercising their brains more (learning!).

What else did this study group reveal?

Most had higher annual household incomes and greater ease with daily tasks.

For more on improving your mental health and combating depression, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Save Money on Gas

Smart Money gives advice on saving money at the pump.

If you want to feel less pain filling up your car, follow these inexpensive and easy steps:

1. Compare prices at stations near your home or work. Tap into websites such as GasBuddy.com and BillShrink.com.

2. Pay in cash if there's a discount.

3. Take advantage of discounted gas at warehouse clubs.

4. Keep your car in good shape in increase fuel efficiency. Tire should be properly inflated. Maintain air filters and stick to the car's recommended motor oil.

5. Watch acceleration, hard braking and speeding.

6. Lighten the load--remove excess articles from the trunk. Pack items inside the car rather than using roof-racks which increase drag.

7. Limit air conditioning usage.