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Article written by David Rodneck, Kiplinger
Online security is more tenuous than ever. Arm yourself against internet criminals with these facts about digital crime and tips to fortify your accounts.
A breach of online security happens in an instant. A misclicked link, a reply to a stranger’s message or a purchase on the wrong site. Uh oh. Another case of cyberfraud.
“Fraud happens to everyone, even the smartest people,” says Phillip Reed, an asset protection attorney in Kalamazoo, Mich. “The tactics have gotten so sophisticated.” The Federal Trade Commission says 2.6 million consumers were victims of fraud in 2024, with losses of over $12.5 billion, a 25% increase from the previous year.
New developments, such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, have made cybercrime easier and more profitable than ever. With a little preparation and knowledge, you can protect your money and identity.
While consumers lost a record amount of money to fraud in 2024, the number of complaints remained roughly the same as in 2023. In other words, the average incident got more expensive.
“Today’s fraudsters are patient. They aren’t in a rush to get $100 from you. They’re waiting to get $100,000,” says Kimberly Sutherland, vice president of fraud and identity strategy at LexisNexis.
Investment scams were the largest category of losses at $5.7 billion, while Imposter scams were the second worst category, at $2.95 billion. Someone could impersonate one of your friends or family members and request financial assistance. With AI, they can spoof voices over the phone. Online dating scams gain a victim’s trust online through what appears to be a dream relationship before asking for money.
Theft from online shopping occurs more frequently but is less expensive in terms of the per-incident loss, according to Sutherland.
People over 60 were the most likely age group to report internet crime to the FBI in 2023, and lost the most money. Thieves see this generation as an easier target.
“They didn’t grow up with this technology as kids,” says Reed. “It’s not that they aren’t paying attention, but it’s something they had to learn and are now facing new threats.” At the same time, retirees’ lifelong savings create a tempting opportunity for scammers.
If you have any doubts, before agreeing to buying or providing any important information, share your emails, texts and popup images with someone else — a relative or a friend who can help you determine if it’s a scam.
Strong passwords are a simple and effective security measure. “It’s like locking your front door at night,” says Reed.
Avoid short codes with easily guessable words, such as names, addresses and common phrases. Strong passwords are at least 12 characters long, use a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, and include numbers and symbols.
You should have different passwords for every account. And avoid writing passwords down in an easy-to-spot location, as the wrong person could peek while visiting.
If keeping track sounds like a headache, you could use software like Bitwarden and LastPass to generate and store randomized passwords for all your accounts.
Enabling two-factor authentication further secures accounts. You’ll need to verify any login through your smartphone with a call or text.
Your phone, computer, internet browser, and other software frequently recommend updates. Stay on top of them, as these include the latest cybersecurity systems.
Check your bank accounts and credit card statements weekly for unusual activity.
Cyberthieves constantly try to impersonate legitimate services: a text message claiming that you owe money for unpaid tolls, a phone call pretending to be from your internet provider, a computer screen popup saying it needs to fix a virus, an email claiming to be from the IRS saying you owe money, the list goes on. Seventy-eight percent of people reported receiving mobile scams at least weekly, according to a 2025 survey from Malwarebytes, which sells anti-virus software.
Slow down and verify everything. Cybercriminals often insist that you must act fast — or the “deal” will pass you by or your credit score will suffer. If you receive a call, hang up and contact the organization directly. Avoid clicking on links in emails, and refrain from replying with private information. You may want to establish a family code word that you can use on the phone to verify identities in case of AI voice fraud.
Cyberthieves create spoof websites that resemble the brand and appear to link to legitimate companies that aren’t. They try to collect your credit card number, cash and personal information. Before placing an order, double-check that you are on the correct retailer’s page.
The same applies to posts on social media and other online marketplaces for selling goods and services. “If you see someone selling Taylor Swift tickets on Facebook for $400 when the market value is $4,000, don’t fall for it,” says Reed, the attorney from Michigan.
Your personal data can be used for identity theft. If someone asks for information to verify your account, push back and ask if it’s really needed, especially for something personal like your Social Security number.
Consider what you reveal on social media platforms. Things like your date of birth, your childhood hometown and pet names could be used to answer security questions to access your digital accounts. Thieves could also use that information to impersonate you. Considering making your social media accounts private, so only people you know see what you post.
Credit cards have fraud protection, backed up federal law. If you report fraudulent charges within 60 days of receiving your account statement, your liability is limited to $50.
Other digital payment methods, such as electronic checks and payment apps like Venmo, have much less fraud protection. You can try filing a formal dispute with your bank or payment app, but there is no guarantee of a refund. “Think of it like giving someone cash with these payment options. You better be sure,” says Sutherland from LexisNexis.
And if you send cryptocurrency, that’s likely irreversible given the hidden nature of these transactions. It’s no wonder that people reported losing more money to bank transfers and cryptocurrency transactions than all other payment methods combined in 2024.
If you suspect a problem, contact the bank, credit card company or payment app immediately. “That first 72-hour window is so important. It gives them time to lock down your account,” says Reed. The sooner you act, the higher your chance of them stopping the fraudulent transaction before it goes through.
You should also change the passwords on any exposed accounts. If you provided personal information, especially your Social Security number, consider placing a credit report freeze with the three major rating agencies. “As long as you’re not trying to buy a home soon or apply for other new lines of credit, we recommend using a freeze. It’s better safe than sorry,” says Schiffert, the financial planner from San Diego.
Report incidents of cybercrime to federal agencies through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and the FTC.
These agencies could help you retrieve lost money and assets while taking steps to bring justice against the criminals. “People feel too embarrassed to report, but they shouldn’t. It’s how authorities and businesses learn what’s needed to protect others,” says Sutherland.
Article written by Beverly Bird, Investopedia
Normally, a huge sigh of relief is heard from workers embarking on the more easy-going days of retirement. However, for many such people, their next thought may be, “Now what?”
Retiring can mean more than leaving the full-time workforce. It can sometimes mean loss of purpose, lack of social interaction, and less physical activity and mental stimulation. All of these can diminish a life during what’s supposed to be a happy and rewarding time.
What’s a retiree to do? One possible answer: volunteer.
Volunteers can be a boon to the organizations that need them. In fact, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reports that 85% of charities have no employees.
Internal Revenue Service. “Charities and Their Volunteers: Working Together to Help the Public.” Page 3.
Just as important, volunteering offers some terrific benefits to retirees, too. Keep reading to learn how it might enrich your life.
Volunteering your time can fill a void that can sometimes leave you feeling down. Your employment days may have been full and scheduled down to the minute. The adjustment when that regimen abruptly ends can be difficult.
Volunteering can replace your old responsibilities with new and exciting ones. It can be a source of newfound happiness. The impact of this can be especially agreeable and lasting if you’re giving your time and effort to what you feel is a worthy cause.
“We take pride in our work and many of us tie our identities to our work,” says Nik Agharkar, Esq., owner and managing member at Crowne Point Tax. “We can lose purpose when that stops. Volunteering can add that purpose back to your life.”
Depending on where you volunteer and your responsibilities, you may meet some deadlines and schedule your time again.
It’s been found that this can slow the cognitive decline often associated with life as you age. You might be challenged to learn a few new skills as well to better perform in your role.
The social interactions and new friendships that can arise from volunteering stoke feel-good brain neurotransmitters as well, including dopamine. The Mayo Clinic indicates that those who volunteer are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.
Aging brings about many bodily changes. Your volunteer duties may include some physical work and exercise that can mitigate the effects of certain conditions, such as arthritis, and increase cardiovascular capacity. Cardiovascular health goes hand in hand with better mental health, as well.
The activity it involves can help keep weight off (by burning calories and focusing your attention away from eating) and relieve physical symptoms of depression and anxiety.
All told, volunteering could simply help you feel better. It can get you out and about when you might otherwise be sitting on the sofa at home with the remote in your hand.
When you volunteer, you get to meet new people: those you work with and those you help. These ongoing social interactions can lead to new and lasting friendships.
The impact of meaningful relationships, especially in later years, can have a heartening effect on someone’s view of life and sense of purpose.
The relationships that come out of volunteering can also strengthen a person’s ties to their community. New ties can encourage participation—and reduce isolation—as new acquaintances and friends take on larger roles in someone’s life.
Your volunteering may require you to learn something new or acquire new skills. By doing so, you may add to what you have to offer as a volunteer and improve your volunteering prospects and trajectory.
Learning can also enhance a person’s life by building their confidence. What’s more, there’s the sheer joy felt by many when they encounter new ideas and knowledge or suddenly understand something they’d never grasped before.
Then, there’s your bank account. Volunteering your time comes with a few financial benefits, although they’re not outright or perhaps as significant as getting a weekly paycheck.
“It might not add money into your bank account, but it can reduce what you’re spending,” Aaron Cirksena points out. Cirksena is the founder and CEO of MDRN Capital. “You’re staying busy, social, and engaged without spending money on entertainment when you’re actively involved with a cause.”
Volunteering can have a few tax advantages, as well. “It doesn’t offer a direct tax deduction,” Cirksena says, “but you can write some things off.”
“Mileage is deductible if you drive to and from a nonprofit. Supplies you purchase for the organization might be deductible as well.8 It’s not going to move the needle on your tax return, but every bit helps.”
The tax perks come with a good many rules. The charity can’t reimburse you for what you spend, and the organization must be “qualified.” That means that it’s recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization at the federal level, although some organizations can qualify if they’re recognized at the local or state level.
Travel expenses can’t be included if the excursion involves any “personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation,” but otherwise, you can deduct 14 cents per mile for tax year 2025, as well as tolls and parking costs.
Internal Revenue Service. “Publication 526, Charitable Contributions.” Pages 5-6.
Yes, running errands for your incapacitated neighbor counts as volunteering. You’re giving something and presumably receiving nothing in return.
A more technical definition of volunteer work is that your good deeds are provided to organizations under defined guidelines. Most importantly, you’re not receiving any form of payment in exchange.
Matthew, Katey and James Nazroo. “The Impact of Volunteering and Its Characteristics on Well-Being After State Pension Age: Longitudinal Evidence From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.” The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, vol. 76, no. 3, Sept. 2020, pp. 632-641.
However you decide to volunteer your time and efforts, you may realize valuable and lasting benefits that can enrich your life.
Article written by Dawn Gilbertson, WSJ
Carol Gebhardt is here to share a real travel nightmare, in hopes it drives home the importance of a good travel-insurance policy.
Gebhardt is no insurance salesperson. She’s a 71-year-old retired broadcast journalist who broke her pelvis in three places on a solo trip to Spain in March. Her bills totaled $120,000, and it was all covered by her Travel Guard policy, which cost about $650.
Few things can wreck a vacation like an unexpected trip to the doctor or emergency room, especially in a foreign country where your health-insurance coverage may be limited or nonexistent.
Last year, emergency medical expenses topped all other travel-insurance claims in volume and dollar amounts for the first time in a decade, according to travel-insurance comparison site Squaremouth.
They accounted for 27% of claims, edging out trip cancellation at 26%. The average claim was $1,654, but the highest was $61,976, Squaremouth says. The data is based on payouts from one provider, Tin Leg, so overall expenses vary widely, especially if medical evacuation from another country is needed.
Gebhardt’s bill from a tumble down a flight of restaurant stairs soared because she had to be flown from Barcelona to Erie, Pa., in an air ambulance after a two-week hospital stay. That bill was more than $100,000.
When she was comparing coverage ahead of her trip, her eyes fell on the medical-evacuation line.
No one likes to think about getting sick or injured on vacation, but it happens. That’s why it should be part of the budget equation when trip planning, especially if you’re going out of the country, says Sandy Altamirano, a travel adviser with AAA Northeast in New York.
One client broke her shoulder and three ribs on a trip to Spain this year. Her policy covered the medical bills and the costs associated with her travel itinerary blowing up midtrip. That ranged from canceled hotels and tours in other countries to a new flight home.
Altamirano makes clients sign a waiver if they decline coverage. The State Department even warns travelers to make sure they are covered and links to a CDC guide to travel insurance.
More than half of Altamirano’s clients buy travel insurance, she says. Those who don’t say they are covered by their premium credit card or health-insurance policy.
Others gamble that the cheaper medical coverage they’ve heard about in other countries is a built-in safeguard.
Credit-card and U.S. health-insurance providers may offer you some coverage abroad. But it’s critical to read the fine print and talk to a representative ahead of a trip to see exactly what is—and, most important, isn’t—covered, says Jeff Rolander, vice president of claims for Faye Travel Insurance.
“Some policies may offer as little as $25,000 of medical, which can be exhausted really quickly,’’ he says. “Or they don’t have enough transportation coverage. You might get stuck with the remainder of an expensive air-ambulance bill.’’
Medicare’s website says it doesn’t usually cover healthcare while you are traveling outside the U.S., but it does list some exceptions. (Good luck deciphering them!)
Prices for stand-alone travel insurance vary widely depending on the coverage, your age and cost of the trip, among other factors. Plan on about 5% to 10% of the trip cost as a rough estimate. That range doesn’t apply to “cancel for any reason” policies, the priciest option out there.
Some policies even cover medical issues of people who aren’t on your trip. Altamirano says the trip-interruption portion of her policy for a coming trip to Singapore will cover travel-related expenses if she has to cut her holiday short should something happen to her 80-year-old father or elderly in-laws.
Trip-cancellation coverage offers similar protection should a covered relative get sick ahead of your trip.
Conversely, if your main concern is an overseas mishap bankrupting you, you can buy a policy that mainly offers medical coverage.
One travel agent I spoke with says one of her 64-year-old clients is paying just $75 for such medical coverage, including evacuation, for a trip to Antarctica. It starts the day of the trip; should the client break a leg before the trip, it isn’t covered as it would be with a broader policy.
Squaremouth says policies with medical-only coverage are so far this year running around $88 for an 18-day trip outside North America, compared with around $440 for broader coverage with cancellation on a $7,700 trip.
Confused, yet? Me, too.
But I do know this: I will no longer travel abroad without travel insurance. I’ve stupidly done so on two trips out of the country this year, including one with my 83-year-old mother. Blame penny-pinching or a sense of infallibility.
Yes, we’re both healthy. The problem is neither of us has the reserves to foot a medical bill like Gebhardt’s.
I have some insurance coverage through the American Express Platinum card, but even an artificial-intelligence bot couldn’t help me figure out whether it’s enough. And my healthcare provider was similarly vague when I reached out about coverage abroad. So I’ll soon be shopping for a policy for a trans-Atlantic cruise we’re planning for later this year.
Article written by Kristen Fischer, AARP
Muscle mass and strength naturally decline with age, but there are things you can do to protect and maintain your muscles.
Sarcopenia — the gradual loss of muscle and strength — can start in the 30s and 40s and affects people starting at around 60. Anywhere from 9 to 11 percent of community-dwelling older adults experience it, and the numbers go up if you’re hospitalized or in a nursing home.
In addition to age, other risk factors for sarcopenia are obesity, inadequate protein, insulin resistance and chronic diseases like diabetes. Sleep and circadian rhythms can also play a role, some research finds. Changes in metabolic rate, kidney and liver function, as well as less physical activity, can also negatively affect muscle, says John A. Batsis, M.D., an associate professor of geriatric medicine and nutrition.
Scientists believe that exercise and diet are most effective in combating the effects of muscle loss and, in some cases, reversing it. In general, consuming more protein and vitamin D — along with physical activity — is the most researched solution for optimal muscle health.
Mediterranean and Japanese diets may offer protection from sarcopenia because they’re low in fat while being high in vegetables, fruits and high-quality protein. A typical Western diet —high in processed foods, refined grains, red and processed meats and high-sugar drinks — is linked to increased muscle loss with age, according to a 2022 report.
The most important factor for maintaining muscle health as you age is getting ample protein, because you build less muscle and break down protein more. “This is important, as muscle is a major metabolic organ as well,” Batsis says.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of weight. Some research suggests older people need 1 to 1.2 grams per kilogram of weight — that’s anywhere from 75 to 90 grams per day for a 165-pound person.
Consuming less than the RDA of protein usually speeds up muscle loss. Even if you meet the RDA, it may not be enough, says Roger A. Fielding, senior scientist in the Metabolism and Basic Biology of Aging directive at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.
“Higher intakes [of protein] are associated with less loss,” Fielding says.
High-quality protein is a must for maintaining muscle, so make sure you’re getting about 20 to 35 grams of protein in every meal. Another breakdown advises adults over 65 to get 1 to 1.2 grams of protein per day for every 2 pounds they weigh. Amino acids — especially one called leucine — are just as vital to preserve muscles. Aim for approximately 2.5 to 2.8 grams of leucine per day.
Your body produces less vitamin D as you age, so getting enough is critical for healthy muscles, Batsis says. Evidence shows that vitamin D deficiency, specifically, contributes to muscle loss. Ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels to see if you need a supplement, Fielding says.
When it comes to eating for muscle health, these foods are some of the best bets.
A glass of milk or a whey protein smoothie can be a simple way to get your protein fix. Whey is a protein found in cow’s milk that’s commonly extracted into protein powders. Some research shows that whey, leucine and vitamin D improved scores in tests used to assess muscle mass.
Note: If cow’s milk isn’t an option, fortified soy alternatives could be a good choice, as they contain added calcium, vitamin A and vitamin D. These dairy foods are also good sources of protein, Fielding notes.
Serving size: 3.5 ounces, whole milk
Protein: 3.5 grams
This poultry is a protein powerhouse. The proteins in meats and seafood in general are especially good for us because they have an amino acid profile very similar to that for the proteins in our bodies, Fielding says.
Note: Not in the mood for chicken but still want a good source of protein? Opt for loin cuts of beef or pork, lean ground beef or turkey, says Elizabeth Dennis, an associate professor in physical therapy and rehabilitation at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Serving size: 3.5 ounces (about the palm of your hand), boneless and skinless.
Protein: 32 grams
If you don’t eat animal-based proteins, make sure you’re getting a well-rounded blend of amino acids from other protein sources, Fielding says. Tofu, a soy-based product, fits the bill. And even if you do eat meat, tofu can be nice to add into the mix.
Note: Don’t forget about grains, nuts and seeds as protein sources, says Jennifer Bruning, a registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson.
Serving size: ½ cup
Protein: 21.8 grams
Peas and lentils contain protein, but they aren’t complete proteins — foods that contain the nine amino acids that our bodies don’t make. That said, they still pack a protein punch (with the fiber content to boot).
Note: Quinoa, hemp seeds, chia seeds and spirulina are complete proteins, so balancing these with beans can give you a more wide-ranging amino acid profile.
Serving size: ½ cup black beans
Protein: 7.6 grams
In addition to being a great source of protein, wild salmon is high in vitamin D. Think farmed salmon is the same? Not quite, as it has about 25 percent of the vitamin D as wild salmon, according to one report. Data varies on levels between farmed and wild salmon, but wild salmon typically has more vitamin D. Both types are good sources of the vitamin.
Note: Trout and tuna are other solid seafood sources for vitamin D and protein.
Serving size: 3.5 ounces of wild salmon (about the size of your palm)
Vitamin D: 988 international units (IUs)
Protein: 25 grams (in a 3-ounce serving)
Eggs are a good source of protein despite the ongoing debate over them. And don’t ditch those egg yolks — they’re some of the best food sources for vitamin D, Dennis says.
Note: Other fortified foods, like orange juice, have good amounts of vitamin D — just check the label to confirm the vitamin has been added, Dennis says.
Serving size: 1 large egg
Vitamin D: 44 IUs
Protein: 6 grams
Sweet potatoes aren’t exactly a protein powerhouse, but they’re loaded with beta-carotene, an antioxidant known as carotenoid. Research finds that vegetable and fruit intake may support muscle health in older people. One study found that adults between 65 and 85 who ate more fruits and vegetables had stronger grip strength — one sign of muscle health — compared with those who ate fewer amounts of the plants.
Note: Some research indicates that high-alkaline diets full of fruits and veggies can lower acidity in your body and protect muscle health, Fielding says. Cruciferous vegetables — broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts — show some promise in protecting muscle as we age, he adds.
Serving size: 1 cup, baked and no salt
Beta-carotene: 23,018 micrograms
Veggies with the red and orange hues are rich in beta-carotene — and the red pepper is one that Fielding recommends for your muscles. Scientists have documented some muscle benefits linked to carotenoid intake, and other research has linked low carotenoid levels to reduced muscle content in older adults. More studies are needed to better understand how carotenoids can affect muscles, Fielding says.
Note: Carrots have a high carotenoid content, but tomatoes can also be a good source, Fielding says.
Serving size: ½ cup
Beta-carotene: 1,210 micrograms
You may not feel as thirsty as you grow older, which is why it’s important to monitor how much you drink. Hydration is another factor that scientists say affects muscle health, and older adults have a higher risk for dehydration, compared with younger people.
The need to hydrate grows when it’s hotter or if you’re physically active, so be sure to drink up, Fielding adds. The National Academy of Medicine recommends about 9 cups per day for women and 13 cups for men, ages 51 and over. (The 8-cups-a-day recommendation is a reasonable goal, experts say.)
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