Friends & Family

FROM THE ARTICLE. By Joanne Binette, AARP Research. Published September 15, 2025. Weighing in on an issue that has implications for parking, adults in Providence, Rhode Island show broad support for more affordable housing, according to a recent AARP Research survey. The findings demonstrate an urgency for the city to support parking reform as a means to encourage housing development. Three in four Providence residents age 18-49, and two in three older residents, favor reducing off-street parking requirements if it means improving the availability and affordability of housing. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/livable-communities/housing/providence-rhode-island-housing-and-community/

FROM THE ARTICLE. Kids can benefit from open family discussions about money. Here’s how to have them. By Cameron Huddleston, AARP. Published September 15, 2025. My husband and I decided to tell our daughters something this year that a lot of parents keep a secret from their kids. My parents certainly never revealed the same sort of details to me when I was growing up. And numerous studies have found a majority of families avoid this sort of conversation.Nonetheless, we sat down with our daughters when they were home from college on winter break to have “the talk.” It seemed like the right time to expose the nitty, gritty details … of our finances. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/talk-to-your-kids-about-money-finances/

FROM THE ARTICLE. AARP has notched wins in 11 states this year as it fights back against gift card fraud. By Miriam Cross, AARP. Published September 16, 2025. Scamers who impersonate government agents, romantic prospects or IT specialists often use gift cards as a way to siphon money from their victims. Other times they bypass individual targets entirely and drain the value of the gift cards sitting on store shelves before an unsuspecting buyer has even taken one off the rack.That’s why AARP is attacking the problem of gift card fraud from both sides. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/state-wins-gift-card-scams/

FROM THE ARTICLE. 20 Years After Katrina, These Older Adults Are Still Stepping Up.Our reporter returns to the Gulf Coast to talk to six 50-plus residents who have made it their mission to rejuvenate their communities. By David Hochman, AARP. Published August 22, 2025. In New Orleans, longtime residents once sat on their porches and waved the weather forecasters along, certain the Mississippi would mind its manners. If you’d weathered Betsy in 1965 and other big blows, the wisdom boiled down to a shrugged “We’ve been through worse.”Then came Katrina. When the levees failed on August 29, 2005, nearly 80 percent of New Orleans was submerged, making it one of the costliest residential disasters in U.S. history. Nearly 1,000 people were confirmed dead and 200,000-plus jobs disappeared almost overnight. Though those 75 and older made up just 6 percent of the city’s population, they accounted for more than half of all lives lost. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. h

[Wednesday 8/20/25] ARTICLE TITLE: Shipping containers provide versatile, sustainable housing options for Roanoke College students. I just saw this article in my Google News for MY AREA IN VIRGINIA. USE LINK BELOW TO READ ARTICLE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2025/08/19/shipping-containers-provide-versatile-sustainable-housing-options-for-roanoke-college-students/

FROM THE ARTICLE. Crypto may be coming to retirement accounts. Think carefully about the pros and cons before investing. By Chris Taylor, AARP. *** There are 2 comments on the AARP Website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published August 07, 2025. Like them or not, cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum continue to march into the financial mainstream, and the next frontier could be retirement savings.In late May, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rescinded prior federal guidance that discouraged 401(k) plan providers from offering crypto on their investment menus. While that isn’t necessarily an official stamp of approval — the DOL said it is maintaining a “neutral stance” on adding crypto to retirement plans — it does further open the door for a digital asset option. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/retirement/crypto-in-401k.html

I just got my YEARLY email from CVS letting me know their Flu Shot Supply has arrived. I scheduled "online" for the 12th at 8:30am ET. So far "knock on wood" I have NOT had any reactions but HATE NEEDLES. Lol, my CVS know what a "big baby" I am.  ‌🤣‌‌😂‌ Nicole!

FROM THE ARTICLE. By Nancy LeaMond, AARP. Published July 15, 2025. For nearly 60 years, Medicare has been the cornerstone of health and financial security for millions of older Americans. It’s a fundamental promise: after a lifetime of hard work, you’ll be able to get the care you need, when you need it.At AARP, we’re fighting every day to make sure that promise is kept.Whether it’s hospital coverage, doctor visits, prescription drugs, or preventive care, Medicare is essential to helping older Americans live healthier, more independent lives. But the system isn’t perfect, and as health care evolves, so must Medicare. That means protecting what works, fixing what doesn’t, and ensuring every part of the program is delivering for the people it’s meant to serve. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/blog/medicare-is-a-lifeline-aarp-is-fighting-to-protect-it.html

FROM THE ARTICLE: 10 Proven Ways to Pay Less for Car Insurance.Rates are going up — and could rise even higher due to tariffs. Use these strategies to lower your premium. By David Rodeck, AARP. *** There are 7 Comments on the AARP website. Stop by to add your comments. *** Published May 27, 2025. You aren’t alone if you’re frustrated about your car insurance bill. Rates spiked after the COVID-19 pandemic created high inflation and drove up the price of vehicles, parts and repairs. They’ve only gone up from there, with full-coverage premiums increasing an average of 42 percent (from $1,633 to $2,313) from 2022 to 2024, according to a report from Insurify, an insurance comparison website.An ongoing trade war with other countries could push insurance rates even higher, “especially for foreign or electric vehicles,” says Laura Longero, executive editor at CarInsurance.com, an auto insurance comparison website, as these vehicles rely on more parts and batteries from

FROM THE ARTICLE. Autonomous ‘agentic AIs’ can act on your behalf and even pay for stuff. But guardrails are essential. By Edward C. Baig, AARP. *** There is 1 comment on the AARP Website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published July 18, 2025. I've been busy shopping online: for a laptop, flights for a family vacation, groceries too.But instead of methodically researching deals and recommendations on my own, I recently enlisted an artificial intelligence agent from ChatGPT owner OpenAI named Operator, which not only took care of all that but also, with my say-so, was ready to spend my money. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/personal-technology/ready-for-ai-shopping.html

So many women and so few men - how to attract and find a guy I'd be interested in?  New to dating sites and wondering best way to navigate them.  Snowflake  

I am disabled and take pain medications,  ever since these young kids started using these medications to get high i have had the worst time trying to get my medication filled. I am so tired of feeling like a criminal because i don't like to be in pain. Who gave these pharmacists with their little 4 year degree so much power, they don't know me and have no clue what my medical issues are. I know i can't be the only one dealing with this. Who do i have to call or write so my rights aren't being trampled on because of people who do abuse these medications.  

FROM THE ARTICLE. Medical Bills to Remain on Credit Reports.Federal judge overturns rule that would have helped millions of Americans. By Maya Dollarhide and Daniel Bortz, AARP. Published July 15, 2025. Unpaid medical bills will continue to hurt Americans’ credit scores after a federal judge in Texas struck down a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule on July 11, 2025, designed to remove medical debt from credit reports.The CFPB rule would have aided an estimated 15 million Americans currently carrying upward of $49 billion in medical debt on their credit reports. In addition, the rule would have prohibited medical devices, such as wheelchairs, from being used as collateral on loans and allowed for some medical information to be shielded from loan applications. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/medical-debt-credit-report.html

FROM THE ARTICLE. An Inside Look at How AARP Is Fighting for You on Capitol Hill and Beyond.AARP flooded Washington this week, but our efforts go far beyond the halls of Congress. By Emily Paulin, AARP. *** There are 22 comments on the AARP Website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published June 27, 2025. In the sweltering D.C. summer heat, a sea of red-shirted AARP volunteers and staff from all 53 states and territories gathered Wednesday on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, ready to stand up for Americans age 50 and older.On the agenda for AARP’s Lobby Day were roughly 400 meetings with Senate and House lawmakers. Topping the discussion list were issues like protecting Social Security, defending against cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and strengthening support for the nation’s 48 million family caregivers. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/aarp-fights-for-you-lobby-day.html

FROM THE ARTICLE. Small steps to cut unnecessary expenses can add up to big savings. By Maya Dollarhide and Donna Fuscaldo, AARP. *** There are 2 comments on the AARP Website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published October 07, 2021.➡️[*** Updated June 26, 2025. Bank fees, unused streaming subscriptions and extended warranties are just a few of the unnecessary costs that can pile up and take a big bite out of your wallet.If you aren’t watching your spending, it can be easy to blow your budget, especially if you’re retired and living on a fixed income. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-stop-wasting-money/

FROM THE ARTICLE. New Census Bureau report shows rapid growth of older population.By Kenneth Terrell, AARP. *** There are 5 comments on AARP website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published June 26, 2025. America’s population is aging significantly, shifting the delicate balance between old and young.According to a June 26 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, the share of the nation’s population that is age 65 and older grew from 12.4 percent to 18 percent from 2004 to 2024. At the same time, the amount of people under age 18 decreased from 23.2 percent to 21.5 percent. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/census-report-older-adults-outnumber-children/

Does anyone know where to start in look for a roommate... tks in advsnce

FROM ARTICLE. Looming Changes to Medicaid Could Hurt These Older Americans. Here’s How.Health coverage for millions of low-income older adults is at risk under new federal proposals. By Emily Paulin, AARP. *** There are 31 comments on the AARP Website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published June 18, 2025.Off a bumpy gravel road that runs through the rolling hills of northwestern Louisiana, Chris Fertitta, 59, dedicates his days and nights to caring for his 85-year-old mother, Emily. Fertitta cooks, cleans, pays bills and manages medications as his mother’s full-time, unpaid caregiver. On good days, the duo sings Johnny Nash songs together and watches for blue jays from their front porch. On hard days, they try to navigate getting Emily, who uses a wheelchair, from the toilet to the shower safely.“There are pros and cons, like everything in life,” Fertitta says. “But I’d still do it all again." USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/politics-

Normally, How Much Data Do You Use In A Month on Your Cell Plan? Are you on a plan where you can carry some of your allowance over to the next month? If you don’t use that much data is it because you use your own WiFi or Hot Spot more? I rarely use any data but that’s because I do not travel around much at all - most everything I do is WiFi connected - so data usage is minimal.  It maybe different for others - I am just a home body most of the time.  And I carry over the majority of my data plan to the next month just in case I need it.   But it is almost time that I start looking for a new phone - Apple will stop support of certain models this year and next - think mine is next year.   Then I will evaluate a new plan to see if there are any others better suited for what I do - don’t think that is gonna change drastically anytime soon.  I cannot think of any scenario where I am gonna need more data allowance unless there is something that I

FROM THE ARTICLE: Your local grocery store has some tricks up its sleeve to inspire you to walk to the register with a full cart. By Nicole Pajer, AARP. *** There are 10 comments on the AARP website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published June 03, 2025. You see employees at your grocery store stocking displays with fresh produce and replacing items on the shelves. But have you ever stopped to think about what goes on behind the scenes?A supermarket is a business with a whole corporate team focused on one goal: getting you to spend money — as much as possible. And grocery stores have some secrets, but they aren’t jumping at the chance to make them public. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/supermarket-secrets.html

FROM THE ARTICLE: The Treasury Department is kissing the penny goodbye. The five-cent coin might follow suit. By Andre Ellington, AARP. *** There is 1 comment on the AARP website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published May 29, 2025. The U.S. Treasury Department recently ordered its last round of penny blanks — flat metal discs that get turned into coins — and said it will not put any more pennies into circulation after that batch is made.Why kill the penny? Because pennies cost a lot of money to make and distribute — 3.69 cents per coin, to be exact. And the U.S. issued more than 3.2 billion pennies during the 2024 fiscal year, according to the U.S. Mint, at a reported loss of around $85.3 million. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/history-of-the-nickel.html

▶️‌To reply, click on reply button at bottom of this post. Enter your text. Click reply button again.◀️ **READ comments, ADD comment** Do U agree/disagree with what they say about YOUR sign? 🤔 🗣by Tina Fey 5/30/23. 👉Link to information👈  Nicole 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 (Friends & Family Forum)

Put all this stuff on the back burner and get to the good stuff. What you cooking Monday? Am I going to be the only one at the grill and smoker? .Don't call the fire department that smoke is coming from my patio. Saw a recipe for ribs the other day and going to try. Cover them with yellow mustard (not a typo), then coat them with your rub and put in smoker. When they get close to done brush on your favorite sauce.   Going to have some beans in the smoker also. On the grill I'll do some taters and onions. You folks have a safe and fun weekend, and forget about diet, sugar, bp, clogged veins and what ever else, just eat and enjoy family. 

Grandparent Alienation has now affected millions, world wide. It has reached epic proportions. It is elder abuse as well as child abuse. It affects all types of families. A well rounded, outgoing grandparent changes immensely when this occurs. They are saddened for themselves and for the effect on their grandchild. 

FROM THE ARTICLE: As it turns 90, the program ‘matters more than ever,’ CEO says. By Andy Markowitz, AARP. Published May 14, 2025. Few things reach as broadly into American life as Social Security.Some 69.4 million people — about 1 in 5 U.S. residents — received a payment from the program in April 2025. Most of them are retired older adults, many reliant on their earned benefits to put food on the table and pay the bills. Almost every working American pays into the system via payroll taxes, with the promise that Social Security will be there for them, too, when they need it. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE: https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2025/social-security-milestone-90-years.html