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February 2025
WHO’S ACTUALLY CALLING? How to Spot a Scam Before You Fall for It PLANNING AHEAD Estate Planning | Probate | Guardianships for Your Life Chapters
We never plan to fall victim to a financial scam, but it still happens to tens of thousands of Americans yearly. These scams aren’t going away anytime soon, either. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scams have increased significantly. In 2023, consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud, a 14% increase from the previous year. As technology advances, the public must become increasingly aware of the scams currently targeting their demographic. Scammers have created incredibly complicated and convincing schemes anyone could fall for, which is why awareness is so important. I’ll walk you through three of the most common financial scams targeting seniors right now and explain what you can do to protect yourself or your loved ones. The Romance Scam Scammers will often create fake profiles across social media platforms to reach out to potential targets through romance or sweetheart scams. It starts with a simple greeting and compliment, but before long, they ask for money to help with bills or visit you. Technology has complicated this matter further, as many scammers will use artificial intelligence to mask their voice and image, so even their video calls appear convincing. They may even imitate a celebrity to really pique your interest. To avoid this scam, avoid communicating with and sending money to individuals you’ve never met in person. Keep your family in the loop with everyone you talk to, and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. The Grandparent Trap You get a call from a number you don’t recognize but answer anyway. Immediately, a panicked young voice calls you “grandma” or “grandpa” and asks for help. They claim to be your “grandchild” and need help with a dangerous situation. They make it clear not to tell their parents or anyone else. You want to help your precious
grandchild, but how are you sure it’s really them? Creating a code word with your grandchildren is the best defense against this scam. You ask the caller for the code word, and it’s likely a scam if they can’t provide it. You can also hang up and call your grandchild or their parents directly. The Financial Institution Con You get a call from your “bank,” claiming someone is trying to access your account, so they need to verify information with you. They may provide you with publicly available information like your address or birth date to “verify” they’re looking at your account. Then, they’ll ask you for much more sensitive information, like your Social Security number or bank card account information. Understand that a representative from your bank will rarely, if ever, call you; if they do, they will not ask for this information. They probably won’t even reference your bank by name. If someone calls you from your financial institution, insurance carrier, or utility provider, simply hang up and call the business directly. We Have Moved! 5235 S. Durango Dr., Suite 103 Las Vegas, Nevada, 89113
Falling victim to a scam can completely upend your future plans. Increasing your awareness and remaining diligent can keep scammers away from your hard-earned money!
- Kim Boyer
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BREW-TALLY HONEST The Perks and Pitfalls of Caffeine
Perk up, coffee lovers. We’re about to spill the beans on how the beloved brew can be a friend and foe to our mental health. Caffeine can lift our spirits, energize us, sharpen our focus, and even counteract the effects of depression. But this popular stimulant can also lead to jitters, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms if we sip too much. Grab a cup of Joe, and let’s explore the perks and pitfalls of this flavorful fuel. Buzz Behind the Boost Studies have found that moderate doses of caffeine can have perks. This naturally occurring stimulant can help with weight loss, alertness, brain function, memory, and physical performance. Caffeine can
also guard against certain types of cancer, strokes, and Alzheimer’s disease. There’s even proof that coffee can reduce depression, thanks to the other acids in the drink that reduce inflamed nerve cells in the brains of people with depression. Buzz Kill Caffeine can be a needed pick-me- up, but it can also feed the grind that keeps you up at night or gives you anxiety. Tea and coffee can interfere with essential neurotransmitters like dopamine. This disruption can lead to a lack of motivation, irritability, and restlessness. Drinking too much of these fine brews can make you nervous, impact your sleep, and cause your body to go
into flight or fight mode. For people who are already suffering from depression, the drink can cause your symptoms to worsen. So, as you drink your morning java, just remember to find the balance with the beans. Caffeine can be the ultimate mood booster, but too much will make you feel wired instead of wonderful!
Caring for a Caregiver 3 WAYS TO BE A LIFELINE FOR YOUR FRIEND
support whenever possible. Here are a few ways to help your friends who are acting as caregivers while maintaining your friendship. Listen. Listening is critical to maintaining a relationship, but it becomes even more important when your friend acts as a caregiver. They may want to vent about their concerns, frustrations, or emotions. Let them talk, only asking questions or providing input when absolutely necessary. By listening, you can ease any emotional strain and thoughts of isolation. Ask if they need any help. While your friend cares for a loved one, they may struggle to maintain aspects of their own lives. Offer to help with some of their tasks.
For example, ask if they would appreciate you going to their house and cleaning, doing laundry, or other chores. Offer to go to the grocery store for them or pick up a meal. Ask your friend how you can best support them and find ways to bring their requests to fruition. Continue being their friend. While this sounds obvious, your friend may need you to continue your usual activities and behaviors. They might not be able to go out as often as they used to, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want the invite. Keep texting them as usual, and continue inviting them to your regular activities. They may decline initially, but they’ll still appreciate your offer.
Watching a loved one grow older can be incredibly challenging, especially if they’re exhibiting signs of dementia. When this happens, many of us will take on the role of caregiver, ensuring our loved one has everything they need to remain comfortable. This is no easy task, however. Without a support system of your own, you can expect to experience emotional and mental challenges. If you have a friend who is actively caring for their parent, sibling, or loved one, you must show your
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Have you ever caught a whiff of freshly baked cookies and suddenly found yourself back in grandma’s kitchen? Our sense of smell has a knack for transporting us back in time, thanks to a bank of 50,000 different scents tied to our memories. This little olfactory time machine plays a significant role in our daily lives, taking smells and turning them into emotional snapshots. Get ready to stop and smell the roses because we’re diving nose-first into the power of our nostrils. Scent-sational Memories The olfactory bulb processes scents at the front of our brain, the area that sends information out to the body. Odors go directly to the limbic system, the part of our brain that processes emotions and memories. When we smell something, our brains label it and remember our emotional response to it. So, when you smell those fresh cookies, your mind tells you it’s a cookie and reminds you of the warmth and love you felt as your grandma baked when you were a child. Our nose also protects us by helping us remember smells associated with danger, like fire. Whiff a Mood Lift Scents also impact our moods and feelings. Certain fragrances, like lavender, can make us feel relaxed; others, like fresh citrus, may trigger a boost of energy. The nose and limbic system work closely together. Certain scents activate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine or serotonin and activate emotions such as happiness. So, the next time you feel nostalgic, light a candle with a scent that reminds you of home, and your nose will transport you down memory lane. NOSTALGIA IN THE AIR How Familiar Scents Bring Back Memories
TAKE A BREAK
• 3 tbsp honey • 3 tbsp soy sauce • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp grated fresh ginger root Ingredients Directions 1. In a shallow bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, ginger, and garlic. 2. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 25 minutes. 3. Add vegetable oil to a large skillet over medium- high heat. Remove fish fillets and add to skillet, reserving marinade. Fry fish for 4–5 minutes on each side, turning only once, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove fillets to a serving platter and keep warm. 4. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to a glaze. Spoon glaze over fish and serve over brown rice. GINGER-GLAZED MAHI MAHI Inspired by AllRecipes.com • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 4 (6-oz) mahi mahi fillets • Salt and pepper to taste • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • Cooked brown rice, for serving
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5235 S. Durango Drive, Suite 103, Las Vegas, Nevada 89113 | 702-255-2000 | BoyerLawGroup.com BOYER LAW GROUP
Inside 1 How to Spot a Scam Before You Fall for It 2 The Perks and Pitfalls of Caffeine 3 Ways to Be a Lifeline for Your Caregiving Friend 3 How Familiar Scents Bring Back Memories Ginger-Glazed Mahi Mahi 4 Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today
CODY’S CORNER BE THE REASON SOMEONE SMILES TODAY
Hi! This month, the kids celebrate Valentine’s Day by exchanging cards with the other kids in their classes. Mom says she remembers how much fun that was for her, too. There will be fun activities, games, and treats.
The day can be an opportunity to express kindness, gratitude, and respect toward others who help make our lives better. Acting with kindness is probably much easier than you think. It’s as simple as holding a door open for someone or sharing a compliment for no reason other than trying to make the other person smile. You can show it through your actions and words everywhere you go. As a dog, kindness speaks to me better than any words ever could. Of course, treats are the best! So, do something kind the next time you leave your house. You’ll make someone else’s day while bringing a smile to your own face!
Coco
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