Point of View

UNITED STATES—Dear Toni: I have decided to retire when I turn 65 in September and will need to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B with a Medicare Supplement and Part D prescription drug plan. My husband, Tom is 67 and he enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when he turned 65 because he has a heart condition. Tom...

UNITED STATES—I think this is a discussion we must have America because the amount of money we are losing because we refuse to check our receipts at the grocery store is baffling. I’m a big proponent of keeping receipts because I log my purchase. I want to know what I’m spending throughout the year and where I’m saving money...

UNITED STATES—Are you someone that dines out on a frequent basis? Have you seen an increase in your bill? Do you tip only to find yourself having to tip again because it is already included in the bill? You might be asking why so many questions about dining out? Well things have changed in recent years as a result of...

UNITED STATES—Dear Toni: I lost my job in October 2021 due to COVID layoffs in the oil industry and my wife and I are now enrolling in Medicare Part B since the company paid 18 months of COBRA is almost over. Now I am finding out that there will be a penalty for us by not enrolling when we...

UNITED STATES—Life can be crazy sometimes America. You have a full-time job, you’re in school, you have family issues, your social circle is stressing you out, your health is not great, and the list can go on and on. When you feel overwhelmed it is easy to scream, shout and just cave in, but that is not a great...

UNITED STATES—Toni: I have just enrolled in Medicare Parts A&B because I turned 65 in January. I am currently working with my husband and myself covered under my employer plan. I am being charged a much higher premium for Medicare because our 2021 tax return showed higher earnings. Can you please explain what one turning 65 with employer benefits should...

UNITED STATES─Do you have a smart phone? Do you have a flip phone? A tablet, an iPad? You might be asking exactly what am I getting at. Technology dictates our life that is the message I’m trying to get across to everyone. No matter what you do, technology will always be part of your life in the current world...

UNITED STATES—Dear Toni, I am over 73 and began taking my RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) from my 401K when I turned 72. Could this have increased my Medicare Part B premium for 2023? This year my Part B and Part D monthly premiums increased to $329.70 for Part B and an extra IRMAA premium of $31.50 for Part D. I am...

UNITED STATES—It is your civic duty America. I’m referring to jury duty, which can be a pain sometimes. You never know when you’re going to receive that summons in the mail, you have no idea how inconvenient it can be in terms of your work schedule, it impacts your personal and family life and then you have to worry...

UNITED STATES—Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills Safety suffered a horrific situation during Monday Night Football while the Buffalo Bills were playing against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a moment for anyone who was watching that football game will never forget. You see players get injured and be carted off the field, but this was a bit different. Hamiln, 24, took...