Matthew Lesko has published over 70 books showing everyday people how to get free services and products from the federal government. He has had two New York Times best-sellers and two national best sellers, Getting Yours and Information USA. In addition, Lesko has twice received the prestigious “Best Reference Book of the Year” award from the American Library Association and has written syndicated consumer columns for Good Housekeeping, The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune.

Guest Blogger Matthew Lesko--

Seniors Can Save A Few Dollars

When you were younger and got hit with a big expense, you had time to recover. But once you hit retirement age, everything can drain your savings. Most seniors don’t realize that there are programs out there to make their lives a little easier. Here is just a sampling to help you keep your savings in your savings account!

Help With Writing Your Will

Many seniors do not have wills, powers of attorney documents, or advanced directives. These documents let your loved ones know your wishes and help settle your estate when you are gone. Sometimes the fees for these services can be prohibitive, but many states offer legal hotlines or can refer you to lawyers who will complete the forms for free or reduced rates for those who qualify. For more information contact the Eldercare Locator Service at 800-677-1116 for a referral to your local Department on Aging.

Free Legal Help With Age Discrimination

If the unemployment line is beginning to look like a gathering of the Gray Panthers, then maybe it’s time to step back and re-evaluate. Do you feel as if your age was a factor in not getting a job for which you were qualified? Age-based discrimination is a serious and growing problem for older adults who depend on their income from working. Individuals 40 years of age or older are protected by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967. The law prohibits age discrimination in hiring, discharge, pay, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment. In Fiscal Year 2007, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received 19,103 charges of age discrimination. EEOC resolved 16,134 age discrimination charges and recovered $66.8 million in monetary benefits for charging parties and other aggrieved individuals (not including monetary benefits obtained through litigation). For more information contact Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1801 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20507; 800-669-4000.

Missing Money

Make $2,000 in 45 minutes. That is what one of my employees did when she searched state databases looking for old forgotten utility deposits and bank accounts set up by relatives. Every state has an office that collects money in that state that has been abandoned, forgotten, or left unclaimed, including:

Savings and checking accounts

Uncashed payroll or cashiers checks

Money orders and travelers checks

Certificates of deposit

Paid up life insurance policies

Health and accident insurance payments

Stocks and dividends

Utility deposits

There is currently $32.8 BILLION dollars in unclaimed funds, just waiting for you. To locate funds, contact the unclaimed property office in the state (usually part of the state treasurer’s department) where you or your benefactors have lived or conducted business. Most state agencies have websites, and many have searchable databases. You can contact the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrations at www.unclaimed.org. Not only does the website give you a listing of state offices, it also links you to those states that have existing websites.

Identity Theft Is Scary Business

What do you do if your identity has been stolen, or how do you protect yourself so it doesn’t happen to you? The Federal Trade Commission has established a website to give you all you need to know. This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. On this site, consumers can learn how to avoid identity theft – and learn what to do if their identity is stolen. Businesses can learn how to help their customers deal with identity theft, as well as how to prevent problems in the first place. The FTC Identity Theft website

Prescription Drug Costs Continue To Skyrocket

If you are uninsured or lack adequate coverage to cover the cost of your prescription medications, you may be able to get them free or at a reduced rate through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance Program. This service is sponsored by the pharmaceutical research companies and connects people to over 475 patient assistance programs offering over 2,500 prescription medications. More than 4 million individuals have benefited from this assistance. For more information contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at 888-4PPA-NOW or online at www.pparx.org

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               Money-Saving Tips For Today's Seniors