Retirement should be a time to enjoy the rewards of your hard work, but unfortunately, scammers often see retirees as great targets for fraud. As technology advances, scams get a bit more tricky; thus, it’s essential to be informed and keep an eye out for them. Common Scams Targeting Retirees Medicare Scams: Fraudsters call pretending to be from Medicare, asking for your Social Security number or bank information to “update” your account. Remember, Medicare will not call and ask for this information. Grandparent Scams: A caller pretends to be a distressed grandchild, asking for urgent financial help. Always verify with family members before sending any money. Tech Support Scams: You receive a call or pop-up message stating your computer has a virus. Scammers then request remote access or payment to “fix” the issue. Never grant remote access to someone you don’t trust. DON’T FALL FOR IT! Top Scams Targeting Retirees and How to Avoid Them
When we were children, our parents served us many dishes that filled our bellies and hearts with warm, positive feelings. Many of us hold on to these nostalgic recipes, cooking them whenever we need a pick-me-up, but many have realized those classic comfort foods aren’t as healthy as they could be. If you’re trying to eat healthier, you may think you have to cut way back on comfort foods, but that’s not the case. You simply have to find ways to make them more nutritious. Here are three ideas to get you started. Swap out ingredients. One of the best ways to make your favorite comfort food healthier is to swap out less nutritious ingredients for healthier options. Do you love eating pasta but don’t want to overindulge on carbs? Then, swap out your standard spaghetti noodles for spaghetti squash. Mashed cauliflower can replace mashed potatoes, Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream, and whole wheat crust and low-fat cheese can replace traditional crust and full- fat cheese on pizza. The options are endless! Indulge Without the Guilt SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR FAVORITES MORE NUTRITIOUS
Investment and Lottery Scams:
If something sounds too good to be true — like a huge lottery win you never entered — it probably is. Be cautious of any unsolicited investment opportunities.
How to Protect Yourself Stay Skeptical: If you receive a call, email, or letter that seems suspicious, take a step back. Scammers rely on urgent matters to pressure their victims. If you’re unsure, talk to a trusted friend or family member before taking any action.
Add more vegetables and whole grains to the recipe.
Never Share Personal Information: Your Social Security number, bank details, and Medicare information should never be given out over the phone or online unless you initiate the contact and trust the recipient. Verify Requests: If someone claims to be a family member in trouble, ask a question only they would know or call them directly. Scammers often use emotional manipulation, so take a moment to confirm the details. Monitor Your Accounts: Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for unusual transactions. Consider setting up alerts to notify you of any suspicious activity. Staying aware and cautious can help ensure your retirement remains stress-free and financially secure. Remember, it’s always better to double-check before taking action.
Our favorite comfort foods can be full of simple carbs and fat (which is why they taste so good!), but adding healthier ingredients can balance the carb-fest. Whole grains are a way to get more fiber, B vitamins, iron, and magnesium into your diet, and adding vegetables also increases fiber and vitamins. For example, sauté onions, mushrooms, and zucchini and add those to your spaghetti sauce — or even to your favorite mac and cheese! Finding the right additions might take some creative thinking, but once you do, you’ll never look back! Cut back on the salt. Salt is a staple ingredient in many comfort foods, but it can contribute to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Limit how much salt you include in your dish, and use low-sodium or salt-free ingredients when possible. If it feels like you’re taking the flavor out of your dish, use spices and herbs to replace the salt.
2 • Captrust.com
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