Point of View

UNITED STATES—Hello Toni: I am turning 65 in July, self-employed and my income is over $250K. Recently, I received a letter from Social Security telling me that my monthly Medicare Part B premium of $135.50 would be doubled to $270.90 per month due to 2017 reported income. That was no surprise, but Social Security also said that the monthly...

UNITED STATES─In this era of the Coronavirus endemic, it can be reassuring to know that we Americans have faced similar challenges throughout our history. Men once stood in soup kitchen lines during the Great Depression, and yet shared their food with those who were hungrier. We endured shortages and harsh lifestyle changes during World War II, yet women grew...

UNITED STATES—Forget about Frankenstein; COVID-19 is the real monster this Halloween. In our era of “social distancing,” many Bay Area families are understandably bewildered about what Halloween activities are allowed this year. Indeed, many residents mistakenly believe trick-or-treating has been called off. To help clear up all this COVID-related confusion, we’re going to run through what the City of San Francisco...

UNITED STATES—Betting on sports in San Francisco may be legalized in 2022. Already now many people bet online at international betting companies, while some are just thinking about becoming bettors. If you are wondering which sport is the easiest to bet on, this article by Telecomasia.net will help you find the answer. Are there “simple” sports? Let’s say right away, there...

UNITED STATES—Dear Toni, Just a quick note to say that my mother had to go into the hospital this week with COVID that caused a urinary tract infection and pneumonia, then she slipped and bumped her head. No concussion, but she is very weak, so we are asking that she be placed into rehab/skilled nursing facility to build her...

UNITED STATES—Toni: I have just enrolled in Medicare Parts A&B and my Social Security check because I turned 65 in January. I am still working with my husband and myself covered under my employer plan. I am being charged a much higher premium for Medicare because our 2020 tax return showed higher earnings. Can you please explain what one turning...

UNITED STATES—Hello Toni: I recently attended a local Medicare Advantage informational workshop because my Medicare Supplement Plan F is costing me $260 a month and was going to join the plan. A friend introduced me to your articles explaining the various Parts and Plans of Medicare. Now I am having second thoughts. My questions are regarding what happens if I...

UNITED STATES—If you’re looking for the best assisted living facility in the San Francisco Bay Area, you’re in the right place. There are all kinds of options to choose from in San Francisco, but it can be tricky to figure out which facilities are really top-notch, and which are just average. You have to consider all their different offerings...

UNITED STATES—Toni, I turn 65 in March and overwhelmed by the overload of marketing calls/mail I am getting regarding enrolling in Medicare. Each company says theirs is the best, but they all offer the same thing with dental, vision and gym membership. Everybody says, if I do not enroll in Medicare at the right time, I will get a penalty that...

UNITED STATES—Parenting this is something that has been on my mind for a very long time. For anyone who has children we all know the notion of parenting a child is no easy matter. There is no book or blueprint that delivers the answers to all the questions one might have regarding how to properly raise a child. This...