HOW CAN I BUY A "HARDCOPY" OF THIS INFORMATION?
The information in this blog IS in book format. It was designed for the state of Nevada but has major national resources designed for anyone 55 & Better :), Veterans, and Caregivers, professional or unpaid (family, like me, cause I am one.)
It is printed in a large font for those with "short arm syndrome, or just over 40 eyes.) It is in 2 basic sections. One is resource names, numbers, and websites. The other is information to make life's decisions a bit easier. Home and travel safety, one day get away's for Southern NV, what Hospice is and isn't, where the farmer's markets are!, how to get the best and most discounts AND EASY COOKIN' soups for soup lovers. Good stuff! A short History of the neat stuff in NV. There is more. Plus some really great "sayings" and observations I've picked up over the years.
If you would like a copy, please send $25.00, check or MO, which covers NV tax and priority shipping along with your complete address written clearly. My eyes are WAY over 50 years old.
Send to: LKWood or Senior One Source Resource
PO BOX 34021 Las Vegas, NV 89133
Thank you! I ship on Tuesdays after your funds clear so you have it by Friday.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
SCAMS The not so good and even worse.
SCAMS & IDENTITY THEFT
You’ll never know what hit you UNTIL it is too late, it can take as much as a year, or more JUST to find out you’ve been had. Then more hours, days and weeks than you want to think about just to clean it up. IF EVER. It will have a severe impact on your credit report. This is only some of the stuff that might come your way. Someone is always coming up with a new way to rip people off. Be very careful with your money and your personal identification so you can enjoy it and leave some to your kids or whomever. It beats someone else spending it for you. Report ID theft to the ID THEFT CLEARINGHOUSE (877.438.4338) or go on line to www.Consumer.Gov/IdTheft. SEE SAFETY section also.
First, why are Seniors such a target for scams and ID theft? Because people 50 (and better ) control over 70 % of the money in our economy. Thieves are NOT known for being stupid. Remember that kids have SS #’s now and they are the newest target for long term identity theft.
The first scam that anyone enrolled in Medicare should be watchful of is overcharging and charging for services not rendered. You’ve paid for this all of your working life, don’t let anyone cheat you or America this way. If you think you may have been over charged or not gotten what is being paid for CALL IMMEDIATELY 1.888.838.7305 to report them. So they don’t get a new BMW. Too &*(%$ bad!
To make sure a charity is what it says it is
go to: www.charitynavigator.com
IT IS PROBABLY A SCAM IF IT SOUNDS LIKE ANY OF THESE
SCAM DEFINITIONS
Ponzi or Pyramid Schemes.
New Ponzi investors “pay” the people that “invested” earlier and usually quite nicely, that way they “share” their “good fortune” with their friends and get them to invest with them. It’s a good way to loose friends down the road and be broke. If the return looks too good, grab your checkbook and RUN! fast. Don’t even look back.
Yeah Right. Can you spell Bankruptcy?
Pyramid schemes depend on each person getting several people to invest “beneath” them. But unless you are the “top dog” you aren’t going to see any “return.” The top dogs live on an island somewhere with a fat off shore bank account that the US can’t touch. They both “sound” so good, especially with interest rates being so low but even low interest on your money is better than no interest on no money. This is the one where someone you trust “invites” you to join them. DON’T DO IT!!! You’ll live to regret it a long time and so will they.
Unlicensed people selling securities
This one is easy to avoid. If they don’t have a valid license to be selling securities, don’t buy. Take the time to check. It is more than worth it. Just say “I’d like to make sure you are licensed. I’LL CALL YOU as soon as I’m sure.” They will either try to bluff you into signing, DON’T, or they will run like rabbits. Do yourself a financial favor, call anyway.
Promissory notes
Buying promissory notes is incredibly risky. They are SO easy to fake. Just don’t do it. If you can’t resist, at least call the Secretary of State’s Securities Division first 486.2440
Prime Bank Schemes
PBGN’s and PBN’s (Prime Bank Guaranteed Notes) When this is explained to you by a con you will think you are the luckiest person on this earth to have the opportunity to get in on it. The luckiest person will really be the one that got your money, cause it is GONE. Forever. The interest roll overs and short term, overnight, high interest rates they tell you about just mean more money will roll over into their off shore accounts. It’s a fast way to lose a lot of money and feel like such a fool that a great many people never even report it to the police. It is also a popular way to launder money, Internationally.
REMEMBER!!! If it sounds too good to be true and you feel like you are unbelievably lucky to “get in on this,” you will be unbelievably lucky to get out without losing your life savings.
I personally know people that have been taken this way. Some of them maxed out several credit cards in order to be able to “get in on this investment.” So they wouldn’t lose out.
Affinity fraud
This type of scam usually comes from someone that you would feel you could trust. “They are affiliated with your church” or some other lie that works for them. If you are going to donate to your church, do it in the collection plate on Sunday.
Charitable gift annuities
Some of these are actually good. Just make sure if you do this it is a REAL charity, not a scam artists way to line his/her pockets.
No matter HOW HARD you try, you can’t BAPTISE a cat.
Then again, it’s harder to baptize a cat than to get money out of someone who thought they were in on a “deal that is too good to be true.” The cat will run and so should you!
Oil & Gas schemes
It’s another “sounds to good to be true” thing. Interest rates are high. And who couldn’t use a little, lot, more money on what they have in the bank just sitting there. Don’t touch these without a professional that is well known to you and others. Even that has proved to fail occasionally.
Equipment leasing
Again! The promise of high rates of return for the use of your money. Just a tempting little offer for you to get in on the payphone industry, ATM machines, Internet bays, etc. Don’t do it or you’ll be looking for a job to supplement your Social Security.
Internet Fraud & Phishing
If you are 50 (or better) and a licensed stockbroker, day trading might be OK for you. Never buy stock based on a “tip” from any internet source. Never never
“VERIFY” your account numbers or personal ID on the internet. There is something called Spyware and it is designed to make you think an account, or something else,
is going to be cancelled, immediately, if you do not respond RIGHT NOW. Your bank account will be cancelled when it has
been drained. This is what is called Phishing. The thief is “phishing” for a sucker
ID THEFT
and if you respond you’ll live to regret it. If you receive e-mails that you suspect might be a scam forward the e-mail to www.uce@ftc.gov or register a complaint with the Nevada attorney General’s office or through the FTC at www.ftc.gov . Don’t let them get away and rip another person off. Never respond or “check out” a link or e-mail when you don’t know the sender.
These kinds of scam artists are truly artists. They can make it look like you are dealing with a reputable company by faking their web site, getting your ID, money or whatever they are after and then they vanish. The reputable company gets your complaint but they don’t have a clue as to what happened to you. This has happened to people on AOL and e BAY and large department stores that also sell on line.
WHEELCHAIRS AND SCOOTERS
There is some REAL pond scum out there so beware or you may end up footing the bill and helping those who so generously help themselves to money that doesn’t belong to them.
PLEASE . . . .DON’T GIVE YOUR MEDICARE NUMBER OUT “TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY” FOR A “WHATEVER” TYPE OF GIZMO THEY ARE PROMOTING. NEVER NEVER NEVER!!!!!. It is a license to steal. Your doctor knows if you need a wheel chair or scooter and if you do, he will let you know where to get it from. If you have a HMO, it most likely won’t cost you a thing. Or at best a small co-pay.
If someone tries to pressure you into buying anything, walk away, let them talk to air. Or just hang up your phone. Don’t worry about being rude. It is plenty rude to call a person just to try to rip them off. This is the time to be rude FIRST. It will save you time, money and headaches.
Good phone numbers and web sites to get familiar with.
State Senior Medicare Patrol
http://www.aoa.gov/smp/grantee/grantee_state,asp
Medicare Fraud Hotline 1.800.447.8477
Or email them at www.HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov
You’ll never know what hit you UNTIL it is too late, it can take as much as a year, or more JUST to find out you’ve been had. Then more hours, days and weeks than you want to think about just to clean it up. IF EVER. It will have a severe impact on your credit report. This is only some of the stuff that might come your way. Someone is always coming up with a new way to rip people off. Be very careful with your money and your personal identification so you can enjoy it and leave some to your kids or whomever. It beats someone else spending it for you. Report ID theft to the ID THEFT CLEARINGHOUSE (877.438.4338) or go on line to www.Consumer.Gov/IdTheft. SEE SAFETY section also.
First, why are Seniors such a target for scams and ID theft? Because people 50 (and better ) control over 70 % of the money in our economy. Thieves are NOT known for being stupid. Remember that kids have SS #’s now and they are the newest target for long term identity theft.
The first scam that anyone enrolled in Medicare should be watchful of is overcharging and charging for services not rendered. You’ve paid for this all of your working life, don’t let anyone cheat you or America this way. If you think you may have been over charged or not gotten what is being paid for CALL IMMEDIATELY 1.888.838.7305 to report them. So they don’t get a new BMW. Too &*(%$ bad!
To make sure a charity is what it says it is
go to: www.charitynavigator.com
IT IS PROBABLY A SCAM IF IT SOUNDS LIKE ANY OF THESE
SCAM DEFINITIONS
Ponzi or Pyramid Schemes.
New Ponzi investors “pay” the people that “invested” earlier and usually quite nicely, that way they “share” their “good fortune” with their friends and get them to invest with them. It’s a good way to loose friends down the road and be broke. If the return looks too good, grab your checkbook and RUN! fast. Don’t even look back.
Yeah Right. Can you spell Bankruptcy?
Pyramid schemes depend on each person getting several people to invest “beneath” them. But unless you are the “top dog” you aren’t going to see any “return.” The top dogs live on an island somewhere with a fat off shore bank account that the US can’t touch. They both “sound” so good, especially with interest rates being so low but even low interest on your money is better than no interest on no money. This is the one where someone you trust “invites” you to join them. DON’T DO IT!!! You’ll live to regret it a long time and so will they.
Unlicensed people selling securities
This one is easy to avoid. If they don’t have a valid license to be selling securities, don’t buy. Take the time to check. It is more than worth it. Just say “I’d like to make sure you are licensed. I’LL CALL YOU as soon as I’m sure.” They will either try to bluff you into signing, DON’T, or they will run like rabbits. Do yourself a financial favor, call anyway.
Promissory notes
Buying promissory notes is incredibly risky. They are SO easy to fake. Just don’t do it. If you can’t resist, at least call the Secretary of State’s Securities Division first 486.2440
Prime Bank Schemes
PBGN’s and PBN’s (Prime Bank Guaranteed Notes) When this is explained to you by a con you will think you are the luckiest person on this earth to have the opportunity to get in on it. The luckiest person will really be the one that got your money, cause it is GONE. Forever. The interest roll overs and short term, overnight, high interest rates they tell you about just mean more money will roll over into their off shore accounts. It’s a fast way to lose a lot of money and feel like such a fool that a great many people never even report it to the police. It is also a popular way to launder money, Internationally.
REMEMBER!!! If it sounds too good to be true and you feel like you are unbelievably lucky to “get in on this,” you will be unbelievably lucky to get out without losing your life savings.
I personally know people that have been taken this way. Some of them maxed out several credit cards in order to be able to “get in on this investment.” So they wouldn’t lose out.
Affinity fraud
This type of scam usually comes from someone that you would feel you could trust. “They are affiliated with your church” or some other lie that works for them. If you are going to donate to your church, do it in the collection plate on Sunday.
Charitable gift annuities
Some of these are actually good. Just make sure if you do this it is a REAL charity, not a scam artists way to line his/her pockets.
No matter HOW HARD you try, you can’t BAPTISE a cat.
Then again, it’s harder to baptize a cat than to get money out of someone who thought they were in on a “deal that is too good to be true.” The cat will run and so should you!
Oil & Gas schemes
It’s another “sounds to good to be true” thing. Interest rates are high. And who couldn’t use a little, lot, more money on what they have in the bank just sitting there. Don’t touch these without a professional that is well known to you and others. Even that has proved to fail occasionally.
Equipment leasing
Again! The promise of high rates of return for the use of your money. Just a tempting little offer for you to get in on the payphone industry, ATM machines, Internet bays, etc. Don’t do it or you’ll be looking for a job to supplement your Social Security.
Internet Fraud & Phishing
If you are 50 (or better) and a licensed stockbroker, day trading might be OK for you. Never buy stock based on a “tip” from any internet source. Never never
“VERIFY” your account numbers or personal ID on the internet. There is something called Spyware and it is designed to make you think an account, or something else,
is going to be cancelled, immediately, if you do not respond RIGHT NOW. Your bank account will be cancelled when it has
been drained. This is what is called Phishing. The thief is “phishing” for a sucker
ID THEFT
and if you respond you’ll live to regret it. If you receive e-mails that you suspect might be a scam forward the e-mail to www.uce@ftc.gov or register a complaint with the Nevada attorney General’s office or through the FTC at www.ftc.gov . Don’t let them get away and rip another person off. Never respond or “check out” a link or e-mail when you don’t know the sender.
These kinds of scam artists are truly artists. They can make it look like you are dealing with a reputable company by faking their web site, getting your ID, money or whatever they are after and then they vanish. The reputable company gets your complaint but they don’t have a clue as to what happened to you. This has happened to people on AOL and e BAY and large department stores that also sell on line.
WHEELCHAIRS AND SCOOTERS
There is some REAL pond scum out there so beware or you may end up footing the bill and helping those who so generously help themselves to money that doesn’t belong to them.
PLEASE . . . .DON’T GIVE YOUR MEDICARE NUMBER OUT “TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY” FOR A “WHATEVER” TYPE OF GIZMO THEY ARE PROMOTING. NEVER NEVER NEVER!!!!!. It is a license to steal. Your doctor knows if you need a wheel chair or scooter and if you do, he will let you know where to get it from. If you have a HMO, it most likely won’t cost you a thing. Or at best a small co-pay.
If someone tries to pressure you into buying anything, walk away, let them talk to air. Or just hang up your phone. Don’t worry about being rude. It is plenty rude to call a person just to try to rip them off. This is the time to be rude FIRST. It will save you time, money and headaches.
Good phone numbers and web sites to get familiar with.
State Senior Medicare Patrol
http://www.aoa.gov/smp/grantee/grantee_state,asp
Medicare Fraud Hotline 1.800.447.8477
Or email them at www.HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov
IMPORTANT STUFF
IMPORTANT STUFF! _______________________
Organize your phone book
If you wait until you need it, you probably won’t be able to find it. Get your stuff together, now. What stuff?
YOUR NUMBERS!
Create a file for this and keep it all together. AND get a new address book. You’ll see why.
Make copies, 2 or 3 sets, of all of your important papers: birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce papers, pension, medical records, insurance papers, and WILL. You need to make several copies of your Medical Power of Attorney and Living Will. It will make life MUCH easier if it should be needed.
Make copies of your drivers’ license, your credit cards, any important ID. It is the best way to make sure you have all of your “numbers” and all of them are correct.
Get a Durable Power of Attorney or at the very least a Medical Power of Attorney so someone can make medical decisions for you if you can’t. Make sure they know what you want, like being a donor, OR NOT. If being a donor turns you off, think of it like this. If it was your child, spouse or parent, would you want someone to be so kind as to give the gift of life to them? Am I a donor? You bet I am.
Also, a living will. If you wait till you need it you might not be in the condition to make one. You can’t do this on pain medication or if you are confused due to any reason. But you can be left in that condition for a very long time if you don’t make your wishes known early. No one should have to
live just because a machine can keep your heart beating and lungs pushing air. There is no quality to that kind of life when there is no hope for recovery.
Get a new address book and fill it out using this as a guide.
The first page should have the names and phone numbers of close relatives and who they are to you. Also that Doctors are all on the “D” page & friends on page “F.”
“B” bills, All of them. Never write Credit Card Account numbers in your book. Or you SS number. “B” is also a good place to write birthdays of the people you like to contact on their special day.
______________________________________
On the “D” page you should list all of your Doctors by name and phone number as well as what kind of Doctor they are. Don’t forget the Vet!
On the “F” page, list Friends and Family under those headings.
If it is your mechanic, put his name under “C” for car or “A” for Auto. However you refer to vehicles.
Make up your own categories and list names under them.
“I” could be for Insurance, house, car, life, whatever.
“WE IS FRIENDS”
Me and you is friends.
You Smile, I smile.
You Hurt, I hurt.
You Cry, I cry.
You jump offa bridge,
I gonna miss you.
J
There are all kinds of safety that we need to provide for our selves today. These are in no particular order, just suggestions that have come across my path that sound like they are a real good idea to pay attention too.
These regard identity theft: (SEE IDENTITY THEFT section too.)
When you order your checks next time, put just your first initials and full last name on them. The bank will know your signature but a thief probably won’t. Also it won’t identify you as a woman or man.
When paying credit card bills, DO NOT put the complete account number on the check. Just use the last four numbers. Yes this is a good practice and no one will object but those who want the whole number for their uses Put your work phone # on your check or if you have a PO Box, use that. NEVER PUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ON YOUR CHECK. If someone asks for it, just say NO.
Photocopy both sides of the contents of your wallet. Make more than one copy and keep them in a safe place, just in case. Hopefully you will never need them. Do the same with your passport, birth certificate and any other ID.
The key to canceling credit cards fast is to have the 800 numbers, carry a small paper in your car and wallet with those numbers for quick access. Also any other identifying information
you might need if you lose your passport overseas. Leave it with a good friend, that owns a fax machine if possible. While traveling have the toll free numbers where you can get to them fast, or at least within 24 hours. Your photocopies will have the rest of the information you need to replace those items.
Sad as it may seem and be, identity theft by a relative or even parent or adult child has become more common than it ought to be. You just have to be careful of everyone now day’s.
NEVER LET SOMEONE WORKING IN YOUR HOME USE THEIR CELL PHONE. THEY CAN TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR HOME TO SEE IF THEY WANT TO COME BACK LATER ` WHEN YOU AREN’T THERE!!
Call all 3 credit reporting organizations to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. It can stop the thief dead in his/her tracks. Credit reports usually give all three reports and the middle score is the one usually used. Credit reports used for buying a car or house are not counted against you like those used for getting a new credit card which can lower your FICO score.
What is FICO? It stands for Fair Isaac Company. BUT it hardly seems fair how it is used. It determines what interest rate you pay as well as how much your auto insurance costs and a few other things. You score is based on 5 factors: Payment history, Outstanding Credit Balances, Length of Credit History, Type of Credit and how many inquiries you have had requesting a check. Find out more about FICO at www.myfico.com
NEVER PAY FOR ANYONE TO “CLEAN” UP YOUR CREDIT RECORD!!!
IF YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO HAVE HELP CALL THE U.S. DEPT. OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT or on the web go to
____________________________________________
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm
The numbers are:
Equifax:1.800.525.6285 On-line www.equifax.com
Experian (TRW) 1.888.397.3742
On-line www.experian.com
Trans Union: 1.800.680.7289 On-line www.tuc.com
Get all 3 reports for $38.95 at www.myfico.com
Phone 1.800.CUFRAUD ( 1.800.283.7283)
On-line www.fraud_hotline@countrywide.com
Additional Information contact the Federal Trade Comm.
1.877.IDTHEFT ( 1.877.438.4338
On-line www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.idtheftcenter.org
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
AND the Social Security fraud line 1.800.269.0271
Organize your phone book
If you wait until you need it, you probably won’t be able to find it. Get your stuff together, now. What stuff?
YOUR NUMBERS!
Create a file for this and keep it all together. AND get a new address book. You’ll see why.
Make copies, 2 or 3 sets, of all of your important papers: birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce papers, pension, medical records, insurance papers, and WILL. You need to make several copies of your Medical Power of Attorney and Living Will. It will make life MUCH easier if it should be needed.
Make copies of your drivers’ license, your credit cards, any important ID. It is the best way to make sure you have all of your “numbers” and all of them are correct.
Get a Durable Power of Attorney or at the very least a Medical Power of Attorney so someone can make medical decisions for you if you can’t. Make sure they know what you want, like being a donor, OR NOT. If being a donor turns you off, think of it like this. If it was your child, spouse or parent, would you want someone to be so kind as to give the gift of life to them? Am I a donor? You bet I am.
Also, a living will. If you wait till you need it you might not be in the condition to make one. You can’t do this on pain medication or if you are confused due to any reason. But you can be left in that condition for a very long time if you don’t make your wishes known early. No one should have to
live just because a machine can keep your heart beating and lungs pushing air. There is no quality to that kind of life when there is no hope for recovery.
Get a new address book and fill it out using this as a guide.
The first page should have the names and phone numbers of close relatives and who they are to you. Also that Doctors are all on the “D” page & friends on page “F.”
“B” bills, All of them. Never write Credit Card Account numbers in your book. Or you SS number. “B” is also a good place to write birthdays of the people you like to contact on their special day.
______________________________________
On the “D” page you should list all of your Doctors by name and phone number as well as what kind of Doctor they are. Don’t forget the Vet!
On the “F” page, list Friends and Family under those headings.
If it is your mechanic, put his name under “C” for car or “A” for Auto. However you refer to vehicles.
Make up your own categories and list names under them.
“I” could be for Insurance, house, car, life, whatever.
“WE IS FRIENDS”
Me and you is friends.
You Smile, I smile.
You Hurt, I hurt.
You Cry, I cry.
You jump offa bridge,
I gonna miss you.
J
There are all kinds of safety that we need to provide for our selves today. These are in no particular order, just suggestions that have come across my path that sound like they are a real good idea to pay attention too.
These regard identity theft: (SEE IDENTITY THEFT section too.)
When you order your checks next time, put just your first initials and full last name on them. The bank will know your signature but a thief probably won’t. Also it won’t identify you as a woman or man.
When paying credit card bills, DO NOT put the complete account number on the check. Just use the last four numbers. Yes this is a good practice and no one will object but those who want the whole number for their uses Put your work phone # on your check or if you have a PO Box, use that. NEVER PUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ON YOUR CHECK. If someone asks for it, just say NO.
Photocopy both sides of the contents of your wallet. Make more than one copy and keep them in a safe place, just in case. Hopefully you will never need them. Do the same with your passport, birth certificate and any other ID.
The key to canceling credit cards fast is to have the 800 numbers, carry a small paper in your car and wallet with those numbers for quick access. Also any other identifying information
you might need if you lose your passport overseas. Leave it with a good friend, that owns a fax machine if possible. While traveling have the toll free numbers where you can get to them fast, or at least within 24 hours. Your photocopies will have the rest of the information you need to replace those items.
Sad as it may seem and be, identity theft by a relative or even parent or adult child has become more common than it ought to be. You just have to be careful of everyone now day’s.
NEVER LET SOMEONE WORKING IN YOUR HOME USE THEIR CELL PHONE. THEY CAN TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR HOME TO SEE IF THEY WANT TO COME BACK LATER ` WHEN YOU AREN’T THERE!!
Call all 3 credit reporting organizations to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. It can stop the thief dead in his/her tracks. Credit reports usually give all three reports and the middle score is the one usually used. Credit reports used for buying a car or house are not counted against you like those used for getting a new credit card which can lower your FICO score.
What is FICO? It stands for Fair Isaac Company. BUT it hardly seems fair how it is used. It determines what interest rate you pay as well as how much your auto insurance costs and a few other things. You score is based on 5 factors: Payment history, Outstanding Credit Balances, Length of Credit History, Type of Credit and how many inquiries you have had requesting a check. Find out more about FICO at www.myfico.com
NEVER PAY FOR ANYONE TO “CLEAN” UP YOUR CREDIT RECORD!!!
IF YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO HAVE HELP CALL THE U.S. DEPT. OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT or on the web go to
____________________________________________
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm
The numbers are:
Equifax:1.800.525.6285 On-line www.equifax.com
Experian (TRW) 1.888.397.3742
On-line www.experian.com
Trans Union: 1.800.680.7289 On-line www.tuc.com
Get all 3 reports for $38.95 at www.myfico.com
Phone 1.800.CUFRAUD ( 1.800.283.7283)
On-line www.fraud_hotline@countrywide.com
Additional Information contact the Federal Trade Comm.
1.877.IDTHEFT ( 1.877.438.4338
On-line www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.idtheftcenter.org
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
AND the Social Security fraud line 1.800.269.0271
SAFETY, AT HOME AND ON THE ROAD
SAFETY AT HOME AND ON THE ROAD
The strongest part of the body is the elbow. Use it when and where ever it is needed in the place it will hurt the most.
To avoid becoming a victim:
You must be AWARE of where you are and what’s going on around you. Pay attention at all times, JUST LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. PS It does!
Body Language can prevent an attack. Keep your head up, stand up straight, swing your arms.
You don’t have to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But it can happen. Don’t drive or walk alone in a bad area or ever in an alley at night.
LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS as soon as you get in and leave the area. If you need to check something, pull off at a convenience or drive thru or market under a big light. Pay close attention to what is around you.
Check your car BEFORE you get in it.
Do not park next to a big van. Most serial killers use vans and are “handicapped” and “need help with getting in their car or getting something out.” Just a little bit of help from you and they have you in their car.
If there is a man sitting closest to your car door when you go to your car, don’t get in. Go get security or someone to walk you to your car. If no one is around to walk you, find something to do until they leave.
Always take the elevator instead of the stairs, no matter what exercise gurus say. Crime happens in stairwells.
If someone has a gun and you are not under his control. RUN, ALWAYS RUN. They can usually only hit a running target 4 out of 100 times and then not in a vital area.
As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic and helpful. STOP IT! It could get you raped or killed. That was the way Ted Bundy, the serial killer worked. He didn’t look like a serial killer, he was handsome and knew how to speak to get women to help him. He was the last person a lot of women ever helped.
Travel and do business during daylight hours when ever possible.
BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS AT REST STOPS.
Check the ID’s of couriers or delivery people. If you aren’t expecting anything, don’t open the door.
Use ATM’s only in daylight or when in well lit busy locations. Better yet, get some cash out at the grocery store. Park in well lit areas. Always lock your car. Hide
_______________________________________
bags in the trunk. Don’t set yourself up to be a victim by wearing expensive jewelry just to go shopping or garage sale shopping.
Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Use debit or credit cards.
Bank of America recently started backing losses/theft on debit cards like they have for credit cards. IT’S ABOUT TIME!!!
Don’t carry your life history and pictures that are not replaceable in your purse. Carry your ID and cash or debit cards in a front pocket and leave your hands free.
If you are in a foreign country or just a bad area, do not carry an expensive purse or wear shoes that shout you are an American, like NIKE. Pick pockets/muggers go for those first.
Use automatic timers for house lights year round so no one will know if you are using them because you are gone or just because you like you lights to come on and go off at a certain time.
Have someone take care of your mail and newspaper. Stopping them is not always a good thing to do. Have a neighbor watch your home and park in your drive way.
Make sure your grandchildren are careful with their SS #’s. They can be missing for a long time before anyone knows and they are the popular new resource in Identity Theft. Most of this is common sense but a lot of people don’t take the time to use it.
INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT!
Carry a list of the medications you are taking at all times.
Just print the name of the medications, how often you take it, the strength, usually in “mgs”. Include aspirin, vitamins and any over the counter medications you usually take on a regular basis. Sound like a hassle? No where near as big a hassle as a sudden trip to the emergency hospital and no one knowing what you take. It will also help doctors know what
you already have going on in your body. The more you have to take the more important it is to have this small piece of paper with you. If you use a computer, it’s real easy to print one off and update it as needed. If not, it’s still worth the effort to write it out and keep it with you at all times.
Jot a couple of emergency phone numbers that can be called in case needed on the back of you medications. It could save your life. Just do it.
If you carry a cell phone, stick a label on the back of it with an emergency contact number as well as your name and if there is room, even severe medical problems you have. Firemen will soon be, if not already, trained to look for ICE which stands for In Case of Emergency. Give them something to work with and it may save your life.
The biggest cause of falls, in almost all age ranges, but especially in elderly, is throw rugs, area rugs or any kind of extra floor covering. If you or someone you are caring for has a tendency to fall, do them a favor and get rid of the things no matter how much they object. And they will. It doesn’t matter if they keep the carpet clean if they aren’t there to see it.
www.bsu.ed/welcomehome/index.html Hints on how to make a home safer to live in for an older person or one with disabilities.
MEDICINE
It doesn’t matter if it is over the counter or a prescription, if it is difficult to open it is dangerous to the person who needs to open it and take it. Be sure to get easy open caps from the pharmacist.
For those extremely hard to open aspirin and similar bottles that must line up with an invisible arrow, you can do either of 2 things. Paint that arrow on the bottle red with nail polish or get a pair of toe nail clippers and cut the little notch off in the lid. No one can take medicine they can’t get out of a bottle or find if it spills on the floor.
If you are helping someone take medicine, consider putting colored label circles on the lids of each bottle. Yellow for morning pills, Red for noon and Blue for evening. I strip of each color if it is 3 times a day. If you actually give the pills to the person, put them in a round votive candle holder that is easy for them to pick up and hold.
Again, use a different color for each time of the day so they know, and you will to, that they took their pills. They will drop fewer pills this way.
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT? CELL PHONES CAN BE DANGEROUS!
Make sure workmen or women that are in your home DO NOT USE THEIR CELL PHONES INSIDE. THEY CAN EASILY TAKE PICTURES WITH THEIR PHONES AND COME BACK LATER KNOWING EXACTLY WHAT AND WHERE TO LOOK.
The strongest part of the body is the elbow. Use it when and where ever it is needed in the place it will hurt the most.
To avoid becoming a victim:
You must be AWARE of where you are and what’s going on around you. Pay attention at all times, JUST LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. PS It does!
Body Language can prevent an attack. Keep your head up, stand up straight, swing your arms.
You don’t have to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But it can happen. Don’t drive or walk alone in a bad area or ever in an alley at night.
LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS as soon as you get in and leave the area. If you need to check something, pull off at a convenience or drive thru or market under a big light. Pay close attention to what is around you.
Check your car BEFORE you get in it.
Do not park next to a big van. Most serial killers use vans and are “handicapped” and “need help with getting in their car or getting something out.” Just a little bit of help from you and they have you in their car.
If there is a man sitting closest to your car door when you go to your car, don’t get in. Go get security or someone to walk you to your car. If no one is around to walk you, find something to do until they leave.
Always take the elevator instead of the stairs, no matter what exercise gurus say. Crime happens in stairwells.
If someone has a gun and you are not under his control. RUN, ALWAYS RUN. They can usually only hit a running target 4 out of 100 times and then not in a vital area.
As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic and helpful. STOP IT! It could get you raped or killed. That was the way Ted Bundy, the serial killer worked. He didn’t look like a serial killer, he was handsome and knew how to speak to get women to help him. He was the last person a lot of women ever helped.
Travel and do business during daylight hours when ever possible.
BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS AT REST STOPS.
Check the ID’s of couriers or delivery people. If you aren’t expecting anything, don’t open the door.
Use ATM’s only in daylight or when in well lit busy locations. Better yet, get some cash out at the grocery store. Park in well lit areas. Always lock your car. Hide
_______________________________________
bags in the trunk. Don’t set yourself up to be a victim by wearing expensive jewelry just to go shopping or garage sale shopping.
Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Use debit or credit cards.
Bank of America recently started backing losses/theft on debit cards like they have for credit cards. IT’S ABOUT TIME!!!
Don’t carry your life history and pictures that are not replaceable in your purse. Carry your ID and cash or debit cards in a front pocket and leave your hands free.
If you are in a foreign country or just a bad area, do not carry an expensive purse or wear shoes that shout you are an American, like NIKE. Pick pockets/muggers go for those first.
Use automatic timers for house lights year round so no one will know if you are using them because you are gone or just because you like you lights to come on and go off at a certain time.
Have someone take care of your mail and newspaper. Stopping them is not always a good thing to do. Have a neighbor watch your home and park in your drive way.
Make sure your grandchildren are careful with their SS #’s. They can be missing for a long time before anyone knows and they are the popular new resource in Identity Theft. Most of this is common sense but a lot of people don’t take the time to use it.
INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT!
Carry a list of the medications you are taking at all times.
Just print the name of the medications, how often you take it, the strength, usually in “mgs”. Include aspirin, vitamins and any over the counter medications you usually take on a regular basis. Sound like a hassle? No where near as big a hassle as a sudden trip to the emergency hospital and no one knowing what you take. It will also help doctors know what
you already have going on in your body. The more you have to take the more important it is to have this small piece of paper with you. If you use a computer, it’s real easy to print one off and update it as needed. If not, it’s still worth the effort to write it out and keep it with you at all times.
Jot a couple of emergency phone numbers that can be called in case needed on the back of you medications. It could save your life. Just do it.
If you carry a cell phone, stick a label on the back of it with an emergency contact number as well as your name and if there is room, even severe medical problems you have. Firemen will soon be, if not already, trained to look for ICE which stands for In Case of Emergency. Give them something to work with and it may save your life.
The biggest cause of falls, in almost all age ranges, but especially in elderly, is throw rugs, area rugs or any kind of extra floor covering. If you or someone you are caring for has a tendency to fall, do them a favor and get rid of the things no matter how much they object. And they will. It doesn’t matter if they keep the carpet clean if they aren’t there to see it.
www.bsu.ed/welcomehome/index.html Hints on how to make a home safer to live in for an older person or one with disabilities.
MEDICINE
It doesn’t matter if it is over the counter or a prescription, if it is difficult to open it is dangerous to the person who needs to open it and take it. Be sure to get easy open caps from the pharmacist.
For those extremely hard to open aspirin and similar bottles that must line up with an invisible arrow, you can do either of 2 things. Paint that arrow on the bottle red with nail polish or get a pair of toe nail clippers and cut the little notch off in the lid. No one can take medicine they can’t get out of a bottle or find if it spills on the floor.
If you are helping someone take medicine, consider putting colored label circles on the lids of each bottle. Yellow for morning pills, Red for noon and Blue for evening. I strip of each color if it is 3 times a day. If you actually give the pills to the person, put them in a round votive candle holder that is easy for them to pick up and hold.
Again, use a different color for each time of the day so they know, and you will to, that they took their pills. They will drop fewer pills this way.
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT? CELL PHONES CAN BE DANGEROUS!
Make sure workmen or women that are in your home DO NOT USE THEIR CELL PHONES INSIDE. THEY CAN EASILY TAKE PICTURES WITH THEIR PHONES AND COME BACK LATER KNOWING EXACTLY WHAT AND WHERE TO LOOK.
GENEALOGY Digging up the family roots
GENEALOGY
“digging up the family” (history)
Genealogy searches are fun but can get very frustrating. Here are a few suggestions, and web site addresses that may help make your search easier and hopefully faster.
www.Familysearch.org
Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness www.raogk.org This is a neat way to run an organization. If someone helps you then you offer to help them. It keeps the expenses down and builds friends.
Message Boards: People looking for other people leave messages here for others to read. This is good for looking for adoptive parents and children that were adopted.
www.Genealogy.com or www.Ancestry.com
Try www.rootsweb.com or www.cyndislist.com
Try www.usgenweb.com for information about starting your own family website for lost members to find you.
Check out www.familychronicle.com for stories about how others have solved their searches.
Other places to check out.
State and county court records for death certificates, and other records.
Probate Judge’s office for old wills, land records, etc.
Library: for old directories for addresses, death records
Also at the library, ask about microfilmed records of old newspapers.
ok for marriage, engagement, announcements, birth notices and major anniversary announcements. Don’t forget to look for obituary notices, they usually list relatives and the city they live in.
Check community histories, just incase your lost relative was a “somebody” in a small or large city.
Check the cemeteries for a known relative then look nearby for relatives.
Check the Masonic Lodge. They have immensely detailed records that would give a wealth of information. Check their website too. Go to www.Google.com and type in Masonic Lodge and hit search. And you are in and running. The Rotary, Lion’s Club and Kiwanis are worth checking out too.
Check out the antique stores in any city where relatives may have lived. Look for high school year books. If they attended church, ask for old church directories. But most of all, just ask if any one remembers the person you are looking for. Talk to the towns old timers. They usually love to talk and seldom get the chance or the company. Take a recorder, the kind with tapes you can save, not the new digital ones. While you are at it take pictures, just for the memories. If there is an “old folks” home, check them out.
Native American and other tribal communities all over the world have long had one person who knew the history and stories of their people. “Tribal knowledge” can be a wonderful thing and many people have that ability, (sometimes they were called the “town gossip”) to remember things and people. These are the people you want to find. They know the “stories.” Some stories “age” well.
“digging up the family” (history)
Genealogy searches are fun but can get very frustrating. Here are a few suggestions, and web site addresses that may help make your search easier and hopefully faster.
www.Familysearch.org
Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness www.raogk.org This is a neat way to run an organization. If someone helps you then you offer to help them. It keeps the expenses down and builds friends.
Message Boards: People looking for other people leave messages here for others to read. This is good for looking for adoptive parents and children that were adopted.
www.Genealogy.com or www.Ancestry.com
Try www.rootsweb.com or www.cyndislist.com
Try www.usgenweb.com for information about starting your own family website for lost members to find you.
Check out www.familychronicle.com for stories about how others have solved their searches.
Other places to check out.
State and county court records for death certificates, and other records.
Probate Judge’s office for old wills, land records, etc.
Library: for old directories for addresses, death records
Also at the library, ask about microfilmed records of old newspapers.
ok for marriage, engagement, announcements, birth notices and major anniversary announcements. Don’t forget to look for obituary notices, they usually list relatives and the city they live in.
Check community histories, just incase your lost relative was a “somebody” in a small or large city.
Check the cemeteries for a known relative then look nearby for relatives.
Check the Masonic Lodge. They have immensely detailed records that would give a wealth of information. Check their website too. Go to www.Google.com and type in Masonic Lodge and hit search. And you are in and running. The Rotary, Lion’s Club and Kiwanis are worth checking out too.
Check out the antique stores in any city where relatives may have lived. Look for high school year books. If they attended church, ask for old church directories. But most of all, just ask if any one remembers the person you are looking for. Talk to the towns old timers. They usually love to talk and seldom get the chance or the company. Take a recorder, the kind with tapes you can save, not the new digital ones. While you are at it take pictures, just for the memories. If there is an “old folks” home, check them out.
Native American and other tribal communities all over the world have long had one person who knew the history and stories of their people. “Tribal knowledge” can be a wonderful thing and many people have that ability, (sometimes they were called the “town gossip”) to remember things and people. These are the people you want to find. They know the “stories.” Some stories “age” well.
FINDING LOST MONEY!!! THIS IS A GOOD THING
FINDING LOST MONEY UNCLAIMED FUNDS)
Most of us have moved and left a small account somewhere or forgotten about a child’s small bank account or maybe have had money left to you and not realized it. Possibly even a tax refund that you were not aware you had coming. The problem, until the age of the Internet, has been finding it. Especially if you aren’t aware that anything is missing. This is how to find it. Do it yourself or ask a friend with internet experience, don’t pay someone to do this for you. Treat your friend to an awesome meal if you recover something.
It is a pretty close guess that at least 1 in every 8 people have something owed to them and it is just waiting for them to claim it. Now is the time.
Why would anyone hold money for you for a month much less years? Because it is the law. BUT the law is being changed so they can get and use your money if you don’t claim it within a certain period of time. DO IT NOW!
Every state has a web site with a database of missing funds available to anyone with web access. Where do you start?
The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators www.unclaimed.org This is a non-profit organization affiliated with the National Association of State Treasurers. If some one owes you something, this is the place you will probably find it. Once you are on the site, go to your state, click on the link or button for unclaimed property and fill in the information. Use all forms and versions of your name, don’t forget maiden and all married names. Check every state that you have lived in or may have had relatives in.
If you feel you should have something in a certain state but can’t find anything. CALL THEM. Ask for the treasury department and the person in charge of the unclaimed-property division. You may have to send a formal letter with what ever information they want or need. AND proof of who you are, and why it should be yours. Are you the legal guardian, representative owner, heir, or what ever your status is?
Gift Certificates.
This is a sore spot to me. Most stores are allowed to put an expiration date on gift certificates. That is like saying the American Green stuff is no good after 90 days or such. That is not good and I will not buy gift certificates at any store that puts a time limit on theirs. I’ll just give the good old green stuff. It’s good anywhere. And if it doesn’t get spent at the store I would have picked for them, it is no big deal. If you have an expired gift certificate, check with the treasurer of your state or the state it was issued from, again ask for the unclaimed-property division. Some states have outlawed the expiration of certain types of gift certificates. At writing time those states are: California, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island. Now the rest of the states need to get it in gear and do the same thing!
Most of us have moved and left a small account somewhere or forgotten about a child’s small bank account or maybe have had money left to you and not realized it. Possibly even a tax refund that you were not aware you had coming. The problem, until the age of the Internet, has been finding it. Especially if you aren’t aware that anything is missing. This is how to find it. Do it yourself or ask a friend with internet experience, don’t pay someone to do this for you. Treat your friend to an awesome meal if you recover something.
It is a pretty close guess that at least 1 in every 8 people have something owed to them and it is just waiting for them to claim it. Now is the time.
Why would anyone hold money for you for a month much less years? Because it is the law. BUT the law is being changed so they can get and use your money if you don’t claim it within a certain period of time. DO IT NOW!
Every state has a web site with a database of missing funds available to anyone with web access. Where do you start?
The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators www.unclaimed.org This is a non-profit organization affiliated with the National Association of State Treasurers. If some one owes you something, this is the place you will probably find it. Once you are on the site, go to your state, click on the link or button for unclaimed property and fill in the information. Use all forms and versions of your name, don’t forget maiden and all married names. Check every state that you have lived in or may have had relatives in.
If you feel you should have something in a certain state but can’t find anything. CALL THEM. Ask for the treasury department and the person in charge of the unclaimed-property division. You may have to send a formal letter with what ever information they want or need. AND proof of who you are, and why it should be yours. Are you the legal guardian, representative owner, heir, or what ever your status is?
Gift Certificates.
This is a sore spot to me. Most stores are allowed to put an expiration date on gift certificates. That is like saying the American Green stuff is no good after 90 days or such. That is not good and I will not buy gift certificates at any store that puts a time limit on theirs. I’ll just give the good old green stuff. It’s good anywhere. And if it doesn’t get spent at the store I would have picked for them, it is no big deal. If you have an expired gift certificate, check with the treasurer of your state or the state it was issued from, again ask for the unclaimed-property division. Some states have outlawed the expiration of certain types of gift certificates. At writing time those states are: California, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island. Now the rest of the states need to get it in gear and do the same thing!
INTERESTING WEBSITES "VERY!"
INTERESTING WEB SITES & PHONE NUMBERS
For the truly snoopy J
While all of these sites have “legitimate” uses and reasons for being there, they can also be used by anyone to “check” someone out. Let your mind wander and you’ll figure it out if you have ever had the need or maybe need to know now.
For the truly snoopy J
While all of these sites have “legitimate” uses and reasons for being there, they can also be used by anyone to “check” someone out. Let your mind wander and you’ll figure it out if you have ever had the need or maybe need to know now.
Homeownership: www.co.clark.nv.us/assessor/disclaim.htm go to real property records and search by name or address. Play with this puppy and you actually pull up an aerial picture of the property. No kidding. You can also get an aerial view at GoogleEarth at http://earth.google.com follow the directions.
Check value of homes at www.bankofamerica.com/loansandhomes Go to Tools and Calculators and click on Home Value Search then just follow the directions.
Is s/he married? Hmmmm try www.co.clark.nv.us/recorder/mar_srch.htm Search by name for locally recorded marriages.
Try www.zabasearch.com and you’ll find a few things too, like their age if you know their full name. But be careful, lots of people have the same names. It helps if you know their address.
Wonder if someone is a FELON? For a search try
www.co.clark.nv.us/district_court/casemgt.htm
Click on “all case types” and “all party types.” If there is any dirt in the county you are searching you’ll find it. For other counties try changing just the county.
You might want to try www.crimetime.com just click on “free searches” and then “State Records” This is for who is in jail or being held at the current time.
Also, www.SearchSystems.net claims to have the “largest public record directory on the Internet.”
Just remember, IF YOU CAN DO THIS SO CAN SOMEONE ELSE – TO YOU. Be careful what you store, send or order on the net because you can erase it from your computer but it is still out there, somewhere. And it could come back to you in a not to nice way. How do they get your information? Warranty forms is just one of the REAL easy ones. Be careful who you give your email address to and if you don’t want anyone to know something about you, don’t tell anyone, especially over the internet.
Banking and money matters: Please check out sites thoroughly as there is not space here to give complete information.
www.Bankrate.com For rates. Make sure they are FDIC insured.
www.Bankofinternet.com free senior checking & interest
www.Netbank.com www.Virtualbank.com
www.Treasurydirect.gov (4.66 % interest at time of writing!).
www.Imoneynet.com
www.Fpanet.org 1.800.878.3256 Financial Planning Assoc.
CHECK FOR FRAUD
This is a VERY IMPORTANT SITE USE IT every time an investment deal sounds just a little bit too good or just because you are curious. Being curious can save you a lot of money or maybe just your “play” money for you retirement years. It could be the difference between being dead broke and having a little extra for the “whatevers” in life.
www.shiptalk.org State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Phone 800.633.4227
www.Nasaa.org It is a clearing house of information on financial frauds and scams being run around the nation.
Also check www.FTC.GOV to report/check on scams being run.
Toll-free to change your magazines when you move. 800.687.8028
The Post Office will forward them for up to 3 months, usually. Do nothing and they still change in the same 3 months. MINE DID!!!!!!
Health Savings Accounts www.hsainsider.com
To compare several insurance companies try www.ehealthinsurance.com
For Medical Billing Problems:
Medical Claim Assistants at www.billadvocates.com They do charge but it will probably be worth it. (About $30.00 an hour.)
www.KidsEatFree.com to find restaurants that cater to Grandkids!
CHEAPCHECKS! www.Walmartchecks.com or www.checkworks.com Just make sure your bank will accept them before ordering.
Pension information
www.pensionrights.org www.pbgc.gov www.dol.gov/ebsa www.nrin.org www.aarp.org/money/financial_planning
Retirement planning
Log on to www.troweprice.com or call 1.800.638.5660
www.choosetosave.org www.mymoney.gov 1.888-696.6639
On-line shopping? www.nielsennetratings.com Who buys what.
www.funerals.ogr 800.765.0107 Nobody gets out alive! www.creamation.com
DRIVING , when it’s time to stop. A REALLY TOUGH ISSUE
www.thehartford.com/talkwitholderdrivers click on brochure or write The Hartford, “We Need to Talk”, 200 Executive Blvd, Southington, Conn. 06489
Protective Services: “Welcome to Medicare Physical”
www.medicare.gov or call 1.800.MEDICARE “Guide to Medicare’s Preventive Services” brochure is free.
Social Security: www.ssa.gov/about.htm or call 1.800.772.1213 Identity “Theft and your SS Number”, “What Every Woman Should Know”,
Long Term Care Insurance: www.naic.org or call 1.816.783.8300 “A Shopper’s Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance. Fax request to 816.460.7593
Caregiving: www.metlife.com click on “Employers and Mature Market Institute. “Resources for Caregivers 2004” and “Ten Tips for Talking to Your Aging Parents” or call 203.221.6580
Medicare: www.medicarerights.org This connects you to the Medicare Rights Center. The best place for information. Also www.cms.hhs.gov/states/default.asp
www.Restaurants.com for certificates to eat CHEAPer
www.Uschamber.com click on where you will be for a calendar of events with low to no admission prices.
Regarding Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) www.ata.org or call 800.634.8978 they have a newsletter you can request. I have this problem and I know certain foods make it MUCH worse, I just haven't been able to actually identify the exact ingredient. Probably high fructose corn syrup. That stuff is REALLY bad for you.
Just plain weird:www.HauntedVegastours.com No comment. Well . . . $$$$
JUST PLAIN FUN Like digging? If you’re in the right area, check these out.
Places where you can dig for your own precious gemstones for the cost of an entry fee to the area. I did this at the Crater of Diamonds in Arkansas and it wasn’t nice. I dug in the rain and mud and came up empty. But it was fun.
Dig for Gems on the West side of the US.
www.dustdevilmining.com 503.965.7707 Plush, OR for Sunstones. (I don’t know what a sunstone is!)
www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/activities.html 208.245.2531 Emerald Creek, ID Garnets
www.digforgems.com 760.489.1566 Pala, CA Pink tourmaline, aquamarine +
www.nevadaopal.com 775.941.0270 Denio, NV Opal Up near the border of ID
www.sapphiremine.com 406.227.8989 Helena, Montana sapphires
Possibly even more weird: Senior Dating Sites. Look out ladies, there are a LOT of old geezers out there looking for “a nurse with a purse.” Be very careful what kind of information you share and with whom. Guys, the same goes for you, especially if you recently lost your wife. I have been told the best place to look for a “good man” is in the obits and then go to the funeral as a “friend” of the wife. I can’t even begin to say how disgusting I find that to be. You don’t need help here, just enter Senior dating in your browser bar and you’ll get a bunch. There is one called “plentyoffish!” AND IT IS COMPLETELY FREE. Just be careful. It’s better to wish you had someone than to wish you didn’t.” That’s what I keep telling myself!
Living will info: Check them all out. www.caringinfo.org or call 800.658.8898 or
www.agingwithdignity.org (5 Wishes, fee of $5.00) or call 888.594.7437
www.livingwillregistry.com It’s just what it says. Write one, then make sure your family understands exactly what you want and what it means. It does not “give” anyone anything, that is a different kind of will. Get a Medical Power of Attorney too.
Clinical trials:
Southern NV is incredibly fortunate to have a new cancer research institute. Nevada Cancer Institute, 10441 West Twain Avenue, LV, NV 89135 or
www.nevadacancerinstitute.org for new or on going trials
www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials (any port in a storm!)
www.nih.gov Check for trials in other areas here
www.centerwatch.com ALL kinds of clinical trials listed by state.
www.health.discovery.com/tools/blausen/blausen.html
AWESOME SITE Animated human body atlas showing the effect of over 150 diseases and disorders.
ENJOY!!!
For the truly snoopy J
While all of these sites have “legitimate” uses and reasons for being there, they can also be used by anyone to “check” someone out. Let your mind wander and you’ll figure it out if you have ever had the need or maybe need to know now.
For the truly snoopy J
While all of these sites have “legitimate” uses and reasons for being there, they can also be used by anyone to “check” someone out. Let your mind wander and you’ll figure it out if you have ever had the need or maybe need to know now.
Homeownership: www.co.clark.nv.us/assessor/disclaim.htm go to real property records and search by name or address. Play with this puppy and you actually pull up an aerial picture of the property. No kidding. You can also get an aerial view at GoogleEarth at http://earth.google.com follow the directions.
Check value of homes at www.bankofamerica.com/loansandhomes Go to Tools and Calculators and click on Home Value Search then just follow the directions.
Is s/he married? Hmmmm try www.co.clark.nv.us/recorder/mar_srch.htm Search by name for locally recorded marriages.
Try www.zabasearch.com and you’ll find a few things too, like their age if you know their full name. But be careful, lots of people have the same names. It helps if you know their address.
Wonder if someone is a FELON? For a search try
www.co.clark.nv.us/district_court/casemgt.htm
Click on “all case types” and “all party types.” If there is any dirt in the county you are searching you’ll find it. For other counties try changing just the county.
You might want to try www.crimetime.com just click on “free searches” and then “State Records” This is for who is in jail or being held at the current time.
Also, www.SearchSystems.net claims to have the “largest public record directory on the Internet.”
Just remember, IF YOU CAN DO THIS SO CAN SOMEONE ELSE – TO YOU. Be careful what you store, send or order on the net because you can erase it from your computer but it is still out there, somewhere. And it could come back to you in a not to nice way. How do they get your information? Warranty forms is just one of the REAL easy ones. Be careful who you give your email address to and if you don’t want anyone to know something about you, don’t tell anyone, especially over the internet.
Banking and money matters: Please check out sites thoroughly as there is not space here to give complete information.
www.Bankrate.com For rates. Make sure they are FDIC insured.
www.Bankofinternet.com free senior checking & interest
www.Netbank.com www.Virtualbank.com
www.Treasurydirect.gov (4.66 % interest at time of writing!).
www.Imoneynet.com
www.Fpanet.org 1.800.878.3256 Financial Planning Assoc.
CHECK FOR FRAUD
This is a VERY IMPORTANT SITE USE IT every time an investment deal sounds just a little bit too good or just because you are curious. Being curious can save you a lot of money or maybe just your “play” money for you retirement years. It could be the difference between being dead broke and having a little extra for the “whatevers” in life.
www.shiptalk.org State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Phone 800.633.4227
www.Nasaa.org It is a clearing house of information on financial frauds and scams being run around the nation.
Also check www.FTC.GOV to report/check on scams being run.
Toll-free to change your magazines when you move. 800.687.8028
The Post Office will forward them for up to 3 months, usually. Do nothing and they still change in the same 3 months. MINE DID!!!!!!
Health Savings Accounts www.hsainsider.com
To compare several insurance companies try www.ehealthinsurance.com
For Medical Billing Problems:
Medical Claim Assistants at www.billadvocates.com They do charge but it will probably be worth it. (About $30.00 an hour.)
www.KidsEatFree.com to find restaurants that cater to Grandkids!
CHEAPCHECKS! www.Walmartchecks.com or www.checkworks.com Just make sure your bank will accept them before ordering.
Pension information
www.pensionrights.org www.pbgc.gov www.dol.gov/ebsa www.nrin.org www.aarp.org/money/financial_planning
Retirement planning
Log on to www.troweprice.com or call 1.800.638.5660
www.choosetosave.org www.mymoney.gov 1.888-696.6639
On-line shopping? www.nielsennetratings.com Who buys what.
www.funerals.ogr 800.765.0107 Nobody gets out alive! www.creamation.com
DRIVING , when it’s time to stop. A REALLY TOUGH ISSUE
www.thehartford.com/talkwitholderdrivers click on brochure or write The Hartford, “We Need to Talk”, 200 Executive Blvd, Southington, Conn. 06489
The AARP has their Safe Driving Program on line now! :)
Protective Services: “Welcome to Medicare Physical”
www.medicare.gov or call 1.800.MEDICARE “Guide to Medicare’s Preventive Services” brochure is free.
Social Security: www.ssa.gov/about.htm or call 1.800.772.1213 Identity “Theft and your SS Number”, “What Every Woman Should Know”,
Long Term Care Insurance: www.naic.org or call 1.816.783.8300 “A Shopper’s Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance. Fax request to 816.460.7593
Caregiving: www.metlife.com click on “Employers and Mature Market Institute. “Resources for Caregivers 2004” and “Ten Tips for Talking to Your Aging Parents” or call 203.221.6580
Medicare: www.medicarerights.org This connects you to the Medicare Rights Center. The best place for information. Also www.cms.hhs.gov/states/default.asp
www.Restaurants.com for certificates to eat CHEAPer
www.Uschamber.com click on where you will be for a calendar of events with low to no admission prices.
Regarding Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) www.ata.org or call 800.634.8978 they have a newsletter you can request. I have this problem and I know certain foods make it MUCH worse, I just haven't been able to actually identify the exact ingredient. Probably high fructose corn syrup. That stuff is REALLY bad for you.
Just plain weird:www.HauntedVegastours.com No comment. Well . . . $$$$
JUST PLAIN FUN Like digging? If you’re in the right area, check these out.
Places where you can dig for your own precious gemstones for the cost of an entry fee to the area. I did this at the Crater of Diamonds in Arkansas and it wasn’t nice. I dug in the rain and mud and came up empty. But it was fun.
Dig for Gems on the West side of the US.
www.dustdevilmining.com 503.965.7707 Plush, OR for Sunstones. (I don’t know what a sunstone is!)
www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/activities.html 208.245.2531 Emerald Creek, ID Garnets
www.digforgems.com 760.489.1566 Pala, CA Pink tourmaline, aquamarine +
www.nevadaopal.com 775.941.0270 Denio, NV Opal Up near the border of ID
www.sapphiremine.com 406.227.8989 Helena, Montana sapphires
Possibly even more weird: Senior Dating Sites. Look out ladies, there are a LOT of old geezers out there looking for “a nurse with a purse.” Be very careful what kind of information you share and with whom. Guys, the same goes for you, especially if you recently lost your wife. I have been told the best place to look for a “good man” is in the obits and then go to the funeral as a “friend” of the wife. I can’t even begin to say how disgusting I find that to be. You don’t need help here, just enter Senior dating in your browser bar and you’ll get a bunch. There is one called “plentyoffish!” AND IT IS COMPLETELY FREE. Just be careful. It’s better to wish you had someone than to wish you didn’t.” That’s what I keep telling myself!
Living will info: Check them all out. www.caringinfo.org or call 800.658.8898 or
www.agingwithdignity.org (5 Wishes, fee of $5.00) or call 888.594.7437
www.livingwillregistry.com It’s just what it says. Write one, then make sure your family understands exactly what you want and what it means. It does not “give” anyone anything, that is a different kind of will. Get a Medical Power of Attorney too.
Clinical trials:
Southern NV is incredibly fortunate to have a new cancer research institute. Nevada Cancer Institute, 10441 West Twain Avenue, LV, NV 89135 or
www.nevadacancerinstitute.org for new or on going trials
www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials (any port in a storm!)
www.nih.gov Check for trials in other areas here
www.centerwatch.com ALL kinds of clinical trials listed by state.
www.health.discovery.com/tools/blausen/blausen.html
AWESOME SITE Animated human body atlas showing the effect of over 150 diseases and disorders.
ENJOY!!!
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