The Milwaukee Post

SENIORS StatePoint T here are more than 93 million Americans in the U.S. over age 55, according to Census data, and the vast majority (74 percent) of them have a smart- phone. And that number keeps growing. In addition, baby boomers spend an average of 149 minutes a day on their smartphones — about as much as smart- phone-obsessed millennials at 171 minutes per day. Despite these figures, and the fact that members of this generation were the inven- tors of the wireless industry, many mobile plans for Americans 55 and older are still designed for a time before the internet. They come with limited minutes, and no data. "The fact is that many 'senior' plans offer limited services that only work with basic phones. This doesn't make sense for most of today's modern, mobile adults," said John Legere, CEO and president of T- Mobile. "Unfortunately, many carriers and plans treat these generations like they're stuck in the past." But even without the dumbed-down "senior" plans, empty-nesters aren't given great options. When kids leave the house and are off the family plan, most major car- riers raise the per line cost by almost 60 percent, costing customers a hefty sum when it's time to pay the bill each month. So how can you find the best deal for your needs? When looking for a plan, con- sider the following: ■ How many lines do you need? Virtually every wireless provider has a lower per-line cost for four lines instead of two. So, if you only need two lines, look for a plan that won't penalize you for not hav- ing four. ■ If you're a frequent traveler — whether it's for business or pleasure — ensure your wireless plan offers the perks you need to avoid sticker shock on your bills when you get home. T-Mobile ONE includes compelling perks for travelers — like an hour of free Gogo in-flight internet on domestic flights and high-speed data in Mexico and Canada, and data and texting from 140 countries and destinations around the world. It's a good choice for those on the go. ■ How much do you use your mobile phone? Be honest with the number of min- utes you spend making calls and the amount of data you use. Lately, unlimited plans have become incredibly affordable and popular again. If you don't want to ever have to worry about your data use, it may be time to take advantage of these deals and switch to an unlimited plan. Consider new options like the recently launched T-Mobile ONE Unlimited 55+, which is designed specifically for today's modern mobile adults. For just $60 a month, with taxes and fees included in the price, those who are 55 and older can get T- Mobile ONE, with unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE data, as well as the already men- tioned other perks. It also comes with the ability to use your number on other com- patible phones, tablets and PCs. It's limited to those aged 55 and older, so bring your ID when you go to sign up. To learn more, visit t-mobile.com/unlimited55. Being over 55 doesn't mean you have to compromise on your wireless plan, so do your research and find a plan that offers you everything you really need to stay con- nected at the best price. luengo_ua/stock.adobe.com Because baby boomers spend nearly as much time on their smartphones as millenials, those over 55 should make sure their phone plans make sense for them. 14 • Milwaukee County Post • November 17, 2017 Going beyond 'senior' wireless plans for boomers - PAID ADVERTISEMENT - "DANGER!" - JOINT BANK ACCOUNTS Most lawyers who practice estate planning and probate, continuously have to deal with bank accounts erroneously opened in an improper fashion. Mom has three children. She is getting up in age and would appreciate the help of her son, Tom, in paying bills. She and Tom go to their local bank to open up an account. Unfortunately, the chances are very high that they will leave the bank having established a joint account between Mom and Tom. This means that Tom is a joint owner of all of the money in that account and that account will pass to Tom when Mom dies. If Mom intended the account to pass equally to her three children, she most likely will be disappointed. The other major problem with a joint account is that Tom's creditors can go after the joint account if Tom gets in financial trouble. Mom may continue to think of the joint account as "her" property, but the law sees it differently. Properly titling and opening a bank account is more complicated than most people realize. Bank tellers and many people in banks are not trained in explaining the consequences of titling an account. Also, most probate and estate planning lawyers will tell you that banks always want accounts to be jointly owned, rather than explaining the consequences of the different forms of ownership. In the above case, Mom should have named Tom as an agent under power of attorney on the account. Tom would have had the ability to deal with the account on behalf of Mom, without having any ownership rights to the account. Attorneys know that powers of attorney are the correct way to handle most of these situations. If Tom simply has power of attorney over the account, the money in the account does not belong to him. He simply has access to the money on behalf of Mom. Tom receives none of the money in the account on Mom's death and Tom's creditors cannot go after the money in the account. Unfortunately, the different ways of opening a bank account are seldom explained by bank employees. If you have a valid general durable power of attorney, normally prepared by an attorney, insist that the bank make a copy of the power of attorney and that the power of attorney form control the bank account. Also, discuss how your assets and bank accounts are titled with your estate planning attorney. Do not change the title on bank accounts without discussing with your estate planning attorney. Finally, do not accept the idea or suggestion that Tom can split the money with his siblings when Mom dies. The Law Office of James J. Winiarski is a general practice firm emphasizing probate and estate planning. We offer a free simple estate planning consultation. Our approach to estate planning is to explain the options available, the cost of each option, and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. If you would like to set up an appointment for a free estate planning conference, please call us at 414-383-3902. 257845099 709 W. Oklahoma Ave. 481-8170 Accepting Blue Cross, Anthem, TRICARE, Express Scripts and more... Health Tip of the Week Registered Pharmacist Bob Stresing and the Serv-U Team 257845095 Safe Handling Of Turkey The cooking process kills any surface bacteria, so experts say it's not necessary to wash the bird before cooking. This also prevents bacteria from being splashed around your kitchen. Thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator in a shallow baking pan to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods. Allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 lbs. of turkey. When preparing the turkey, wash your hands and kitchen surfaces frequently to avoid spreading bacteria. Cook the turkey until it reaches a temperature of 165 degrees in the breast or stuffing and 180 degrees in the thickest part of the thigh. It's safest to cook stuffing separately. Housecalls Thick/Fungus Nails Corns/Calluses Ingrown Nails Heel Pain Dr. Thomas Marciniak is pleased to announce the opening of his office specializing in the non-surgical treatment of foot problems in SENIORS. Our services are covered by Medicare in most cases and we accept Medicare assignment. So whether you are diabetic and you need routine foot care or your nails are too thick to cut by yourself or your feet just hurt, please give our office a call at 414-427-1999. Housecalls are also available for patients who have difficulty getting to the office. If you have a question or would like to make an appointment please call our office at 414-427-1999. Dr. Thomas Marciniak PODIATRIST / FOOT SPECIALIST 4811 South 76th Street • 414-427-1999 257845093 Foot Care for Seniors DO YOU NEED A WILL? Attorney James J. Winiarski An experienced professional in estate planning. A standard simple will is $215.00, and that charge includes a private conference with Attorney Winiarski. Husband and wife for $400.00. •Probate services are also available at reasonable rates. •Emergency consultations are available. •Please Call for a Free Simple Estate Planning Consultation Attorney James J. Winiarski 3625 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee (414) 383-3902 257845098 Special Rates for Senior Citizens & Veterans Vietnam Veteran - VFW Member NEW HOURS Monday–Friday 7:30am–4:30pm 258231002 Norv's BARBER SHOP 2688 S. 13th St. 384-3380

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