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MY SUN DAY NEWS

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News & Features Columnists Editorials Hang Your Hat Obituaries My Huntley News

September 9, 2010

Columnists

Ask the Woodchucks: Washing Machines

Today’s tip is one that could save you tens of thousands of dollars, and many people are not aware of this potential hazard. It involves your washing machine.

The forgotten healthcare benefits for Vets

For many years, I believed that the healthcare benefits offered to U.S. veterans were limited to those who made the military a career and completed 20+ years with a branch of military service. In a casual conversation one day, I learned that a friend was getting his medications at a very low cost from the VA Healthcare system.

Geezer Moments: July 15, 2010

Virtually all of us Sun City folk have at least one thing in common. I call them “Geezer Moments.” You know what I mean, those sometimes hilarious things we do throughout the course of a day.

Choosing which turn to take at the Crossroads

On June 26, famed guitarist Eric Clapton hosted the third Crossroads Guitar Festival at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois. Joining him on the stage were an army of the best blues guitar players in the world—Albert Lee, BB King, Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, Jeff Beck, Jimmie Vaughan, John Mayer, Johnny Winter, Jonny Lang, Keb’ Mo’, Robert Cray, Susan Tedeschi, Steve Winwood, Vince Gill, and ZZ Top, to name a few.

Laughter by Paul: July 15, 2010

Did you hear about the banker who was recently arrested for embezzling $100,000 to pay for his daughter’s college education?

Never pay full fare for travel or lodging

I used to travel quite a bit in the ‘70s and ‘80s and would rely heavily on travel agencies to schedule and book my airline, limo, hotel, and rental car arrangements. As a business traveler, I had a frequent traveler profile with my travel agency. They knew my travel preferences: favorite airlines, hotels, and car rentals. The convenience was wonderful.

Just take a walk down Lonely Street

When the well-dressed young man checked into the hotel in Miami, nobody knew who he was. That would not have been unusual. In a city as large as Miami in 1955, almost anybody you met on the street would be a stranger.

Huge savings through radio shopping

Not long ago, I stumbled on to a channel that offered a much different venue. “Call in and save up to 60% on purchases of advertised services and products” said the announcer. I thought it was a commercial or a gimmick, but he was convincing enough to get my attention.

A star by any other name, from A to Z

For whatever reason, many of our favorite artists once wore a different moniker. See if you can match these famous musicians with their original names.

Your Credit Card: “Don’t leave home without it!”

The first bank credit card was issued in 1946 by a New York bank, and Americans never looked back. Today, approximately 80% of American households have one or more credit cards. Over half of those card holders carry a balance on their cards. The average debt per credit card holder exceeds $5,000.

Laughter by Paul: June 17, 2010

At her grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary, Emily was looking through a photo album of their marriage ceremony. “Grandma, so many of these styles have come back over the years,” Emily commented.

Do you still have any S & H Green Stamps?

I can remember sitting at the kitchen table with my Mom licking S & H Green Stamps and helping her paste them into redemption booklets. Mom would get the stamps from the grocery store, and Dad would only buy gas at stations issuing Green Stamps. Our toaster, can opener, blender, and coffee maker were all acquired with Green Stamps.

Laughter by Paul: June 3, 2010

My aunt’s neighbor in New York had a beautiful black cat named Felix, who spent his days outside and came indoors at night. One cool October evening, Felix disappeared. The neighbor searched for him in vain. The following spring, Felix reappeared, looking healthy and clean. She figured the he’d been sowing his wild oats. Everything was back to normal until that fall, when Felix disappeared again.

Separating “mojo” fact from fiction

But what exactly is a mojo? If your only knowledge of the word comes from an Austin Powers film, in which the nerdy international man of mystery tries to regain his confidence after his “mojo” was stolen from him, you might be a bit surprised.

Laughter by Paul: May 20, 2010

A golfer is playing a round of golf with his friends. On the sixth hole, a hole over water, he proceeds to flub eight balls into the water. Frustrated over his poor golf game, he heaves his golf clubs into the water, and begins to walk off the course.

Top 5 questions to ask about long-term care insurance

According to current trends, 50% of us will require long-term care at some point in our lives. For seniors over age 65, the likelihood is 70%. Medicare and Medigap health coverage do not cover nursing home care. Medicaid pays for long term care after we have used practically all our assets. So how do we pay for the costs of long-term care?

Laughter by Paul: May 5, 2010

A young man, getting ready to graduate from high school, was driving his father and grandfather down a rough country road. His experience in handling his grandfather’s four-wheel-drive vehicle made for a bouncy ride.

Reverse mortgages: The good, the bad, and the ugly

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers FHA insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), commonly referred to as Reverse Mortgages. Reverse Mortgages are different from traditional mortgages because they don’t require monthly repayments toward the amount borrowed. This arrangement provides “cash poor” homeowners with much needed cash. Sound too good to be true?

Laughter by Paul: April 21, 2010

A woman is giving a garden party with several wealthy guests attending. During the festivities, two gardeners are out working on the back lawn. As a guest watches, one gardener is busy weeding when the other suddenly leaps high in the air, spins around, and gracefully swirls.

Avoiding money fraud schemes

Every day you hear of another victim of identity theft or fraud. In response to this onslaught of financial pirates, last November, the Financial Fraud Enforcement task force was formed to crack down on some of these big schemers. According to the FBI, seniors are key targets.

Laughter by Paul: April 7, 2010

A couple had been debating the purchase of a new vehicle. He wanted a new truck. She had her heart set on a little sporty car. “Look,” she said. “I want something that will go from zero to 200 in four seconds or less. And my birthday is coming up. You could surprise me.”

Keep what’s yours

April 15 is fast approaching, and the message in this first issue will focus on keeping what is yours and not the IRS’s.