Good morning. Halloween is Friday, and I still haven't decided if I'm handing out full-size candy bars or making enemies.
In this issue:
4 bills you can negotiate lower — seriously
Worth Knowing: cozy home upgrades, the health topic nobody talks about, and a clock reminder
From the Archives: our Parkinson's disease guide
Slice of Life: a candy confession
Most seniors pay full price for things that are completely negotiable. Here are four bills you can lower this week.
1. Internet or cable. Call and say "I'm thinking of canceling." You'll get transferred to retention, where reps can offer 20-30% discounts. Average savings: $20-50/month.
2. Car insurance. Get three quotes online. Show your insurer the lowest. Ask about low-mileage, senior, and multi-policy discounts. Average savings: $200-400/year.
3. Medical bills. Request an itemized bill — billing errors are common. Then ask about payment plans or hardship discounts. Many providers reduce 20-40% if you ask.
4. Prescription drugs. Ask about manufacturer coupons, GoodRx (free app), and preferred pharmacies. Switching pharmacies alone can save $100+/year.
The script that works: "I've been a customer for [X] years. I'm on a fixed income. Is there a discount, assistance program, or lower rate available?"
What to do: Save this email. You'll want that script.
🏠 Small home changes, big comfort. Better lighting, a good reading chair, and one plant can change a room. Eleanor Hayes wrote a guide to making your home cozier without spending much.
🩺 1 in 3 seniors deals with this — nobody talks about it. Incontinence affects 1 in 3 adults over 65. It's treatable, common, and doesn't mean what you think. I wrote a complete guide.
🕐 Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday (Nov 2). Set clocks back. Replace smoke detector batteries. Add nightlights — the extra evening darkness increases fall risk for 2-3 weeks.
Parkinson's Disease in Seniors — by Nino C.
One of our most comprehensive health guides. Parkinson's affects men 1.5 times more often than women, and non-motor symptoms often show up before the tremors do. If Parkinson's affects your family, bookmark this.
A confession: I bought Halloween candy two weeks ago "for the trick-or-treaters." I've replaced the bag twice. At this point I'm not preparing for Halloween — I'm just a grown man with a candy habit and a convenient excuse. If your doorbell rings Friday night and you're short a few Snickers, you'll know where they went.
Until next Tuesday,
Nino
P.S. If someone you know is overpaying for a bill they could negotiate, forward this their way. I read every reply.
