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Dear Heloise: The only pill I regularly take is a multivitamin. I could never remember if I had taken it before, so I started to use a daily pill dispenser, which I got for free at the state fair. I started to put one vitamin in each day slot. Now I just have to look at it to see if I took it.
I tried to get myself to take it daily when I first got up, but I always got distracted by things. So, this method has worked well for the couple of years I have been doing it. — Sharon H., in Springfield, Illinois
MORE ON WILLS
Dear Heloise: Your readers are quite right that it is essential to have a will, trust, power of attorney, and health directive. In addition, one needs detailed lists of such things as all assets (house, cars, etc.), their bank and credit information, utility accounts, sources of income, debts, insurance information, and more.
And don't forget online accounts or things connected to them such as automatic payments. Travel and other loyalty programs are important, too, as some of them may have rewards that are transferable. Don't forget to create a password list and instructions for accessing your phone and computer.
The personal representative (executor) will need to write letters and give proof of their authority to act as well as certified death certificates. (Order at least 20!) Some will just need a letter. The internet has a wealth of information for what one should do if tasked with handling an estate. This information can help guide someone in deciding what to record.
My list is now nine pages long after several days of finding information, including contact addresses and phone numbers for the various businesses. I still need to write a letter of instructions (which includes preferences for distributing/selling/donating/tossing assets) and possibly my obituary.
I have also listed the name of the attorney who prepared our documents. — Leslie Ann, via email
DISCOUNT RIP-OFFS
Dear Heloise: The 25% discount you get when buying two items hardly covers the real rip-off. I'm a senior widower living alone and often see pricing that is half off if you buy four of the items (sodas, chips, meals, etc.). This is way more than I can store or consume in a reasonable amount of time. It just tells me that they will sell these items for half the price but not to me, which angers me and borders on elder abuse. — Charles H., via email
Charles, I have to agree with you. They often use the same phrase: "The more you buy, the more you save." It's not really saving if all you need is one. — Heloise