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Rating Rubio’s retirement recommendations
Recently Senator Marco Rubio, a 2016 Republican presidential hopeful, shared his thoughts on reforming America’s retirement system. Below are some of his recommendations, followed by my comments and ratings on a five-point scale. Ratings (with five stars as the highest…
Raynham student bests disability to become chef
When Justice Martins walks across the stage at Bristol Community College to receive his degree later this month, the Baking and Pastry Arts major will know a lot more than how to create spectacular desserts and decorate fancy cakes.Martins, who…
A Retirement Experiment: Sell House, Pack Passport, Keep Moving
When they retired, Tim and Lynne Martin had close friends, family nearby, a community they liked and financial security. Then they yanked the safety net. Lynne, 73, and Tim, 68, sold their home and most of its contents in 2011 with…
New retirement communities: bonding, not golfing
Beth Baker has seen the future of retirement communities and it doesn’t look anything like Leisure Village. After traveling around the country to learn about new, experimental retirement living arrangements for her fascinating new book, “With a Little Help from Our Friends:…
Free wellness visits to Medicare recipients
One of the most important goals of the Affordable Care Act is to help people stay well so they don’t become ill or disabled from disease. The annual wellness visit was introduced in 2011 as part of this law for…
Why many Americans can’t save for retirement
Poor people would save more money if they could. So concludes a new study that found that only 12 percent of low-income older Americans put money in a 401(k) or other retirement plan. The research, from Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research,…
Vet says he was human guinea pig for military, wins VA battle
A Vietnam veteran who says he was a human guinea pig for an Army research program fought the VA for help paying his medical bills. Tim Josephs says the chemicals he was given during experiments have left him with health problems,…
How to get more money from Social Security
The words “Social Security” conjure two immediate questions for most Americans: “Will I get my benefits?” and, if so, “At what age should I elect to receive my first check?” It’s no secret that the Social Security system is experiencing…
The ‘Death Tax’ May Finally Die
Congressional Republicans and their allies are optimistic about finally ending the estate tax, paid by the inheritors of valuable property. Or “death tax” depending on your preferred term. Rep. Kevin Brady, vying to become chairman of the powerful House Ways and…
Analysing Medicare payments will eventually be good for all
Physician Medicare payment data has been a major story this spring. Some of the reimbursements seem excessive, and it has been easy to be highly critical, but, to be fair, additional analysis was necessary. It then became more confusing, as…