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Thursday, May 8, 2025

Is Public Internet Safe to Use?

 



Public Internet is notoriously sketchy, but you can protect yourself and your data with smart habits.


One of the first things we learned about the Internet, back when it was becoming a part of daily life, was: password-protected network, good. Free public WiFi, bad. Today, there are more protections in place to keep your data safe on public WiFi networks. However, it’s still important to stay guarded. Today, there are more–and more sophisticated–cybercriminals looking to steal your data, and they’re targeting public Internet networks.

The Risks of the Public WiFi Connection

The biggest concern with public WiFi is that it usually isn’t encrypted, meaning that anything you send or receive (like passwords or emails) can be intercepted. And if cybercriminals are intercepting your data, you’ll likely  have no idea. In what’s known as a “man-in-the-middle” attack, hackers position themselves between you and the network to secretly steal or alter your communications over email, text, and websites. 

Another main concern is malware distribution. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in public networks to push malware onto connected devices, most often without your knowledge. You’ll notice it when your device’s battery starts to drain more quickly or overheat, and you’re getting unexpected pop ups or redirected to websites you don’t want to visit. In the background, the malware allows hackers to steal your passwords, view your online activity, and even extort money through ransomware. In other words, they force victims to pay a ransom to gain access to their data or avoid a data leak.

When you log onto public WiFi, it’s essential to be sure you’re choosing a legitimate connection. Rarely, you may see a network name in the list that impersonates the network you really want–for example, the real network name might be “Springfield Library,” and the imposter one might be named “Springfield Library1.” That second one is set up by hackers who want you to log on to the unsecured connection. 

Clearly, the consequences of using an unsecured connection are serious, for both personal and business devices.

How to Keep Yourself and Your Data Safe on Public Connections

The good news these days, according to the Federal Trade Commission, is that, while public WiFi isn’t usually encrypted, most websites now are. If you’re using a website that starts with https://, the “s” indicates an encrypted connection through an SSL certificate. In fact, the “s” stands for “secure.” On an https:// connection, the website scrambles your data so that hackers can’t just look or listen in, even on an unsecured public network. The https:// secure connection also ensures that you’re looking at the website you think you are, not an imposter website. Look for the little lock icon in your URL bar, along with the “s,” to confirm you’re visiting a secure site. 

While you can have more confidence using public WiFi when you’re accessing secure websites, there are more steps you can take to protect your data from targeted or sophisticated attacks. 

  • Use secure passwords. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency suggests using a password manager and making each password unique, long, and random. A strong password is still one of the best defenses against cybercrime. 
  • Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). For between $5 and $10 a month, a VPN creates a secure “tunnel” through which all your data travels. A VPN isn’t an Internet connection, but you log into it when you use any Internet connection to keep your data encrypted. VPNs can also protect you from companies viewing your data to target ads. Setting up a VPN takes some up-front work, but many people consider it a best practice for Internet safety.
  • Keep your operating systems up to date. Each update fixes known vulnerabilities, so every time you update your computer, phone, or other device, you’re protecting yourself against the latest criminal tactics.
  • Disable the “Connect Automatically” feature. Stay in control of which networks you connect to by making sure that your device isn’t connecting automatically to any open network. 
  • Be extra cautious about what you share. The best way to ensure that your sensitive information stays safe on a public network is not to share it in the first place. If you’re not sure if a WiFi network or a particular website is encrypted, avoid sharing your credit card information, SSN, and any other personal data.

Remember, the organization providing you with a free public Internet connection– whether a library, government office, business, or other space–isn’t responsible for keeping your data safe online. Take steps to protect your data, at all times, but especially when the WiFi network doesn't ask you for a password.


Sources: 
Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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Used or New? The Car-Buying Dilemma in 2025

 





Today's economy is shifting the calculus of the car search. 

With changes at the federal level and a sustained demand for electric vehicles (EVs), buying a car takes more research than ever. Industry experts say that 2025 isn’t a terrible time to buy a car, considering that prices aren’t expected to drop back down to pre-pandemic levels anytime soon. But it’s getting more difficult than ever to abide by the rule of thumb not to spend more than 10% of your income on car expenses.

Once you’ve decided it’s time to buy, you first need to resolve the classic dilemma: used or new?


A Complicated Calculus

Before the new administration’s tariffs went into effect in April, inventory was up for new cars, meaning prices had stabilized since the supply-chain crises of the pandemic. Now, experts are predicting we’ll see a drop in the new car supply (and the inevitable increase in prices) similar to what we saw during the pandemic. As the new car supply takes a hit, demand for used cars is expected to rise as well. Plus, automakers made 8 million fewer cars during 2020 and 2021 than they would have in pre-pandemic times, so those are 8 million fewer used cars to hit the market today.

All of this makes the math trickier for thrifty buyers. Here are some factors to consider as you weigh buying used vs. new in 2025.

  • Buy sooner rather than later. According to Kelly Blue Book, the effects of the tariffs will trickle down to individual carmakers and dealers at different times, but everyone will be affected. Keep an eye on the prices in your area, and know that every month will probably be the cheapest month to buy a car for the foreseeable future.
  • Make the most of the car you have to sell. The silver lining here is that, if you have a car that still has some miles on it, you’re likely to get a good price when you trade in, and especially if you’re willing to go through the hassle of selling it privately. With used cars in such high demand, dealers are more likely to offer you a trade-in even for cars with over 150,000 miles. 
  • EV vs. Hybrid vs. Gas? If you’re leaning toward buying new, you could still save money on an EV. From January to September 2024, Americans saved $2 billion on over 300,000 electric and hybrid vehicles, thanks to significant tax incentives. At the time of writing, the federal government was still offering a tax credit for EVs. The incentive puts $7,500 back into the pockets of buyers of new EVs priced under $80,000. For pre-owned EVs and hybrid vehicles, the credit is up to $4,000. Check fueleconomy.gov for the latest updates on the status of the incentive program and to search for eligible vehicles.
  • Don’t rule out a used hybrid or EV, but beware. Buying a used hybrid or electric vehicle is arguably the most environmentally-friendly choice. And since hybrid cars, in particular, have been on the market since 2000, they’re out there on used car lots–but they’re also in high demand. When considering buying a used EV, the most important consideration is the life of the battery. Understand the charging capacity and where the battery is in its life cycle, and be sure to factor battery replacement timing into the total cost. 


Pay Special Attention for Flooded Cars

As more extreme weather brings higher flood risk to many parts of the U.S., cars become a casualty. Few drivers carry flood insurance, as it’s prohibitively expensive, but even a partial inundation can total a car, or set it up for expensive repairs a few years down the road. When car owners offload these flooded cars onto auctions and dealers, they often get transported many miles from the site of the flood. As a result, used car buyers are seeing more and more cars with flood damage on the lot–whether or not they realize they’re looking at waterlogged vehicles.

Unfortunately, uncovering a flooded car’s history isn't always easy. Totaled cars sold at auction should come away with a salvage title, but sometimes there’s only a number or letter code on the title to indicate the fact that a car was flooded. Only in a few states are flooded cars required to be re-sold with a “flood” title stating that history.

To avoid buying a used car with flood damage, check out the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System to confirm that the title of the car you’re considering hasn’t been “washed” of its flood history. Visually inspect the car, too: look under the dashboard for any bare screws that show signs of rust; see if the carpet has any signs of being waterlogged; and check if the cardboard in the air filter looks soggy. 

The bottom line isn’t great: car prices are rising, and any downward trends are unpredictable. But, as Experian says, the best time to buy a car is when you need one.




This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice from a qualified financial advisor.




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Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Pickleball's New Rules for Competition

  





This one's for the pickleheads. 


For the fourth year in a row, pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport. At least 36 million people have tried pickleball, and pickleball courts now number over 16,000 in the U.S. alone. With all this growth, pickleball is starting to lose the reputation it once had as a sport just for older folks. The largest age bracket of pickleball players is now 25-34 (28% of players). About 30% of “avid” pickleball players–those who play at least once a month–are above 44 years old. 

Pickleball’s multigenerational appeal can be attributed in part to its accessibility. Sometimes described as a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball has low barriers to entry. Pickleball coach Ernie Medina Jr. told The New York Times, “In tennis, the balls are all over the place. In pickleball, you're hitting a plastic wiffle-like ball, so it's less bouncy and doesn't fly as fast through the air. And the paddle is much easier to handle because it's shorter and lighter than a tennis racket." 

Of course, athletes should always know their limits and accept the inherent risks of playing a sport; pickleball players see their fair share of sports injuries. But pickleball is a great workout and promotes social interaction, which has plenty of mental health benefits. In CSA Journal, Issue 93, Kyle Laramie detailed the transformative, research-backed health benefits of pickleball, including everything from weight management to decreased stress. 

For the Avid Pickleball Players

If you’re a pickleball player, none of this is news. The rest of this post is for you, pickleheads. Since pickleball is still such a new game, USA Pickleball tweaks the rules each year. Don’t hit the court again without understanding what’s new in 2025–at least not with any avid pickleball competitors.

1. Introduction of Rally Scoring in Doubles Play. Before this year, pickleball employed a side-out scoring system, where only the serving team could score points. In 2025, USA Pickleball approved the optional use of rally scoring for doubles matches in certain tournaments. In rally scoring, the ref awards a point at the conclusion of every rally, regardless of which team served. This change aims to streamline matches and add a new strategic layer to the game. But keep in mind that traditional side-out scoring remains in effect for major tournaments, such as the USA Pickleball National Championships.

2. Clarification on the Start of a Volley. To eliminate ambiguities surrounding volleys, the 2025 rulebook provides a clearer definition of when a volley begins. A volley is now officially recognized as starting when the player's paddle makes contact with the ball. This clarification makes it easier for referees to call faults.

3. Equipment Specifications and Approvals. The 2025 rulebook makes some recommendations on equipment for competitive play.
Balls: For any USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournament, the ball in play must be listed on the official list of approved balls available on the USA Pickleball website. 
Paddles: Players are responsible for confirming that their paddles are approved and listed as "Pass" on the USA Pickleball Approved Paddle List. 

4. Serving Techniques and Restrictions. The rules surrounding the serve have been refined to promote fairness and consistency.
Ball Release: Players are permitted to release the ball with either their hand or paddle when serving. However, imparting spin on the ball during the release is prohibited. 
Drop Serve: When executing a drop serve, the ball may roll off the face of the paddle by gravity alone, without any additional force or spin imparted. 

5. Spectators Should Keep Their Opinions to Themselves. That’s right, the new rules outlaw “bleacher coaching." Spectators may no longer offer advice to players during a competition. 

If you’re new to pickleball, don’t let the competition rules overwhelm you. With thousands of people joining the sport every year, there are plenty of teachers out there. This summer could be a great time to pick up a paddle.  



Sources: 

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors



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Trends in Primary Care: Concierge Medicine

 



As concierge medicine becomes more affordable, who benefits?


These days, it’s not easy to find a primary care doctor. Many practices have waiting lists, especially in rural areas. When you do find one, insurance makes the rules: you’re not likely to spend more than 15 minutes with your physician. And you may have waited a month to get that appointment. 

Patients and doctors alike are sick of this model. Enter concierge medicine. Concierge medicine is a healthcare model where patients pay a membership fee for enhanced access to their physician. This special access may include longer appointments, 24/7 communication, same-day visits, and even accompaniment by the doctor to specialist appointments. Annual membership fees can range from $200 for very limited services, to $10,000, $20,000 or more for extensive access to the doctor. 

That fee covers many of the same primary care services that insurance would, but a concierge medicine subscription should not replace insurance. Emergency care, surgery, and specialist care will not be covered by the annual concierge fee, so be cautious of companies that try to pitch their subscription as a low-cost alternative to insurance. Insurance will always be the more affordable option–but concierge care offers benefits that many are willing to pay for in today’s healthcare landscape. And more affordable concierge options are growing, making personalized care accessible not just to the wealthiest.

Doctors and Patients Want to Get to Know Each Other
Concierge medicine is trending, but it isn’t new. “Retainer,” “boutique,” or “luxury” practices first appeared in the U.S. in the mid-90s. And even in 2013, surveys reported that as many as 1 in 10 doctors were leaving traditional practices for the relative freedom of concierge medicine. 

Why the exodus? The biggest reason is that concierge physicians serve fewer patients than they would in traditional practices. The average primary care physician in the U.S. has a patient panel between 1,800 to 2,000. Concierge doctors serve fewer than half that number on average, around 600 patients. So, it makes sense they can spend twice as much time with each individual. "My real joy is spending time with patients and trying to help them improve their health,” shares “Dr. F” from North Carolina on the Concierge Medicine Today site. The retainer model gives doctors that time back. “I spend about 30 minutes with a patient during our average visit. This is the main reason that most patients give for returning to our practice. People are willing to spend money on something they value, and they value time with the doctor."

Besides offering that personal time that both doctors and patients crave, the concierge medicine model also offers doctors a stable income from membership fees and independence from insurance constraints. In short, doctors are turning to concierge medicine to avoid the burnout that has become a hallmark of the profession in modern times.

The Downsides of the Retainer Medicine Trend
If only the U.S. had an overabundance of qualified primary care physicians. Unfortunately, the country is looking at a shortfall of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, factoring in the aging population’s growing need for care. "Concierge medicine potentially leads to disproportionately richer people being able to pay for the scarce resource of physician time and crowding out people who have lower incomes and are sicker," researcher Adam Leive told CBS News.

When a doctor transitions to concierge medicine, their previous patients experience a gap in care. With a current national deficit of more than 20,000 physicians, finding a new, non-concierge primary care doctor is already a challenge. Many people in this position end up abandoning the idea of a PCP and start to rely on urgent care centers or emergency rooms for primary care.

To help fill the gap, some practices are starting to distinguish between concierge medicine, a boutique service accessible only to the wealthy, and “direct primary care” or DPC. This newer model has been called the “blue-collar concierge practice.” One difference is that concierge practices always charge an annual fee–often tens of thousands of dollars. DPC practices, like Direct Primary Care in Boca Raton, charge monthly fees and don’t require a long-term contract. At Direct Primary Care of Boca Raton, for $85/month, you don’t wait to see your provider, and there’s more weekend availability. The practitioner doesn’t bill insurance, except for medication, and when patients need specialist care, the DPC provider will do a soft handoff to specialists who take their insurance. 

Some DPC providers will even accompany their patients to rehab centers or specialist appointments, but that’s not the norm. If that high level of personalized care is important to you, be sure to look for it in the contract, and expect higher monthly or annual rates. 

The concierge trend offers consumers more options for care and relieves doctors of the unrealistic patient load that today’s insurance system places on them. As this industry grows, patients and their advocates will want to stay aware of what’s available, while also promoting equitable insurance-based models of care.


Sources: 
Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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Tuesday, May 6, 2025

The Late-in-Life Breakout Success of Colonel Sanders

 



The iconic figure behind KFC is more than just a face on a fast-food bucket—he's a true example of finding success in life when most would have given up.


With 24,000 locations in more than 145 countries, Kentucky Fried Chicken represents a quintessential American business success story. And KFC’s founder, Colonel Harland Sanders–known to millions as Colonel Sanders or simply The Colonel–offers a personal success story for all of us who wonder if we’ve missed the boat in life. At 65, Sanders didn’t have much to his name other than a failed roadside restaurant. At 73, he was a fried chicken millionaire. His story offers a friendly reminder that we just don’t know what tomorrow will bring, no matter how old we are.

Born on September 9, 1890, in Henryville, Indiana, Sanders’ father died when he was just six years old. His mother was forced to work, leaving Harland to care for his siblings. This early responsibility led him to develop cooking skills, particularly a knack for Southern-style comfort food.

Sanders didn’t have a smooth or focused career path. Over the years, he held a dizzying array of jobs: farmhand, streetcar conductor, railroad fireman, insurance salesman, and even a lawyer for a brief stint—until a courtroom brawl with his own client ended that career. By his mid-30s, he was operating a service station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he cooked meals for travelers in the back room. His fried chicken, made with a secret blend of herbs and spices, quickly became a local favorite.

It was during this time that Sanders developed what would later become the foundation of KFC: pressure-fried chicken that was crisp, flavorful, and cooked quickly. By 1936, the Governor of Kentucky gave him the honorary title of "Colonel" in recognition of his contributions to the state's cuisine. Business picked up, and he expanded into a proper restaurant.

But Sanders’ path took a major detour in the 1950s. At age 65, with the advent of a new interstate highway that bypassed his restaurant, his once-thriving business collapsed. He was forced to sell the property at a loss. 

Most people would have accepted defeat at that point, but not Sanders. With just $105 in his pocket and a Social Security check to his name, Sanders set out in his old car to franchise his chicken recipe. He drove across the country, sleeping in his car, going door to door to restaurants, cooking his chicken for owners and staff in hopes of making a deal. He offered a simple arrangement: they could use his recipe and name in exchange for a small royalty on every piece of chicken sold. He was rejected over a thousand times before finally convincing one restaurant in Salt Lake City to take him up on the offer. That restaurant’s sales soared, and word began to spread. Soon, more offers followed, and the KFC brand began to flourish.

By 1964, at the age of 73, Sanders had franchised over 600 outlets and sold the rights to his company to a group of investors for $2 million (roughly $20 million today), while retaining control over the quality and staying on as the brand's ambassador. He remained the face of KFC for the rest of his life, traveling the world in his signature white suit, black string tie, and goatee, promoting the chicken he loved.

Colonel Sanders passed away in 1980 at the age of 90. By then, KFC had grown into one of the largest fast-food chains in the world. 

Today, the Colonel is still the face of the global brand. Colonel Sanders’ didn’t hit his stride until most people his age were retired, when he decided to hit the road rather than accept the fate dealt to his original restaurant. “The easy way rests hazardously upon shifting sands,” he’s quoted as saying on KFC’s website, “whereas the hard way builds solidly a foundation.” Sanders didn’t just sell chicken—he served up hope that no matter how late it seems, your best days might still be ahead of you.


Sources: 


Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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Thursday, May 1, 2025

Famous & 65

 

Look who's turning 65 this month

Find out which celebrities are turning 65 this month!

May 10 – Bono, rock star, activist

Dublin native Paul David Hewson started going by the nickname Bono long before he became one of the world’s biggest rock stars. At 14 or 15, his friend dubbed him “Bono Vox” after a local hearing aid shop called Bonavox, Latin for “good voice.” Bono took on the mantle, and his powerful voice is still moving fans to their feet today. He’s been the frontman of U2 since 1976.

In addition to his rock anthems, Bono is famous for his activism, particularly fighting against the AIDS crisis in Africa and global poverty. His campaigns, including One and Red, engage in lobbying to pressure governments to increase their support for humanitarian aid. Over the years Bono’s organizations have leveraged billions of dollars toward these causes. He’s been criticized for neglecting to work with African entrepreneurs and grassroots organizers; critics argue that One and Red’s approach contributes to African dependency on foreign aid.

Bono met his wife, Alison Stewart, the same year that U2 formed, and they’re still together (the couple and the band). During his Presidency, President Biden awarded Bono a Presidential Medal of Freedom.





May 24 – Kristin Scott Thomas, actor

While she’s from England, Kristin Scott Thomas raised her family in Paris, has starred in several French films, and says she sometimes considers herself more French than British. At 25, she landed her debut role in Under the Cherry Moon (1986). In 1996, Scott Thomas played Katharine Clifton in the highly-acclaimed film The English Patient, which garnered her Golden Globe and Oscar nods. Other well-known credits of hers include Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), Bitter Moon (1992), Mission: Impossible (1996), The Horse Whisperer (1998), and Gosford Park (2001).

In 2023, Scott Thomas made her directorial debut with a drama known as North Star in the UK and as My Mother’s Wedding in the U.S. It stars Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller. And this past September, she got married to John Micklethwait, the editor-in-chief of Bloomberg News.




May 31 - Chris Elliott, screenwriter, actor, comedian

Brad Garrett started out as a stand-up comedian in the 80s, and he’s still a stand-up comedian today, performing regularly at his own comedy club at the District at MGM in Las Vegas. The website of the Brad Garrett Comedy Club https://bradgarrettcomedy.com/ advertises it at the #1 comedy club in Las Vegas. By any standard, that’s a pretty long-running and successful stand-up career. Garrett is also known as a TV personality, starting with his role as Robert Barone on the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. His other credits include leading roles as Jackie Gleason in the made-for-TV movie Gleason and Eddie Stark on the sitcom ‘Til Death. Viewers of the Night at the Museum movie trilogy may (or may not) recognize Garrett from his recurring role as the Easter Island Head. The three-time Emmy Award-winner is a California native and UCLA alum.





Source:

Wikipedia




Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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