It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Vitamin D to the Rescue

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, can enhance the body's ability to fend off infections, help prevent heart disease, increase bone health, enhance moods, prevent some cancers, and protect against some autoimmune diseases and diabetes.

Because many seniors do not get 15 minutes of sunlight a day and do not each food rich in vitamin D (fatty fish, fortified milk), it may be wise to take a supplement.

Ask your physician if you should be taking the recommended amount for 51-70 year olds (400IU) or 71+ year olds (600 IU).

Studies have shown that vitamin D also helps with memory, attention, and logic.

For more on vitamins and supplements, visit 50somethinginfo.com

The Hybrid Approach to Collecting Social Security

Let's say you don't need the money but the Social Security payment would make your monthly expenses easier to swallow.

Try taking the lesser amount when one spouse turns 62 and delaying the larger amount until that spouse turns 70.

Do the numbers (of collecting one or both payments at 62, 66, and 70) or ask your financial planner to calculate them. The results may surprise you.

For more on Social Security, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Skin Care Shouldn't Cost You An Arm and a Leg

Below are some suggestions on how you can look great without spending gobs of money.

1. Apply chilled cucumber slices or chilled used caffeinated tea bags to your eyelids for 10-15 minutes.

2. Take a bath with lavender-scented bath oils.

3. Spray or pat on filtered water on your face and finish with Pond's Cold Cream or Noxema Deep Cleansing Cream.

4. Use an inexpensive microdermabrasion product no more than twice a week. These include Queen Helene Oatmeal 'n Honey Natural Face Scrub or Clearasil Stay Clear Daily Facial Scrub.

For more on skin care and aging skin, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Hooray for Rev. Dupin, Inventor of MEDCottages

Look at what Rev. Kenneth Dupin of Salem, VA, has been up to. He invented a portable cottage that gives elderly loved ones a new home.

The occupant of a MEDCottage gets 12X24 of living space plus a built-in system to transmit vital health signs offsite to medical personnel and to family members.

Given that zoning regulations are adhered, a MEDCottage can be installed in the backyard of a single family home.

For more on homes and housing options, check out 50somethinginfo.com

Financial Pros Give Tips on Common Deceptions

According to author Ron Burley, there are steps you can take on your credit and home loans.

Place a security freeze on your credit reports until you are ready to apply for a loan. Each freeze and thaw costs $5-20. but it is well worth it.

Hire a real estate attorney to represent you when taking out a home loan. They can protect you from mortgage brokers who often have a conflict of interests.

If you do use a mortgage broker, ask and follow up on three references. Find out first how much they stand to gain from any loan they suggest so you are clear about the charges.

For more on money, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Saving at the Supermarket

It looks like hubby and I will be back on a very strict budget. Thanks to Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert we can save mucho dollars at the supermarket if we follow his guidelines.

Know what you already have stocked in your pantry, freezer or fridge.

The departments at the market are run independently. You may find similar items in different departments at vastly different prices.

Buy frozen fish and meat.

Buy only durum-wheat semolina dried pasta.

Buy white eggs that are "certified humane" over more expensive cage-free brown eggs.

Try Select meat and tenderize.

Store brands are comparable to many other brands and often have money-back guarantees.

Instead of a costly cereal, consider buying a high-fiber store brand and adding your own sweeteners, fruit and nuts.

For more on boomer and senior diet and nutrition, meal planning and cooking, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Buying Used Cars

I've known about auto brokers who take all the bickering out of purchasing a new car. But I hadn't been aware that there are companies that locate used cars too.

According to Mary Makarushka, "anyone can buy a car this way, in any price range" with such a dealer.

Here's how you can take advantage of this service and save big bucks:

1. Use Consumer Reports to research automobiles.

2. Test-drive similar autos.

3. Prioritize your options.

4. Use Kelley Blue Book for suggested retail values and then visit other sites to see what your dream car is actually selling for. Don't expect to pay less than a sale by private party or a lease trade-in.

5. Find a dealer or independent who's willing to work with you. Ask for references. Do not pay deposits or sign any contracts.

6. Read the Carfax report (the vehicle's history).

7. Get the automobile checked out by a reliable mechanic (the cost is well worth it since he/she can find proof of accidents, etc. that may not be listed on the Carfax).

Good luck!

For more on buying cars, car repair and maintenance, check out 50somethinginfo.com

Help at the Dinner Table: Shed Those Unwanted Pounds

Experts say you can reach your best weight by following a few simple rules at the kitchen table:

1. Stick to quiet conversation.

2. Dine under a soft light.

3. Turn off the television.

4. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly.

For more on eating, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Drug Prices Vary--A Lot!!

Sorry. Just took a self-imposed sabbatical. After all I think I have somewhere between 400 and 5oo blogs and a girl can get tired.

Now here's something I didn't know. You don't have to join a wholesale club like Costco or Sam's Club in order to use their pharmacies (according to AARP author Janet Kinosian).

In a recent survey of the common generic drug, simvastatin, a thirty day supply ranged from $7.71 at Costco to $19.87 at an independent pharmacy. Wal-Mart charges $24.36. CVS gets $63.39 and Walgreens rakes in $89.99 for the same thing!

Call different drug stores to check current prices before purchasing your meds. And remember to check for harmful reactions and interactions.