Holiday Gifts For All Ages: Finding The Perfect Gift

Car-Man and I cherish our throws. We curl up on the sofa at night under them and watch some of our favorite programs.

Then Debbie Burak, founder of VeteranAid.org, introduced me to a custom woven throw made from a digital or print image.

This not only makes the ideal gift, it comforts:

Those who have lost a loved one

Children who have a parent deployed

Those in hospitals, rehabs, nursing homes or assisted living facilities

Those separated by distance

Those remembering their favorite pets

Those reminiscing about happier times.

Ms. Burak is extending a 10% discount to my readers if you enter coupon code TENOFF at the checkout.

Create a family heirloom by following the simple ordering instructions. Your gift will be the best gift. I promise.

Other gifts which are sure to please:

For Grandma

For Grandpa

For less money

For everyone

For Last-Minute

An Apple a Day Keeps Colon Cancer At Bay: What To Eat For Colon Health

What you eat is important for colon health, according to Real Age. The fiber found in apples (pectin) appears to protect your colon from cancer-causing compounds. Choose cloudy over translucent juices because they contain more disease-fighting antioxidants.

Head for Red Delicious bin at your supermarket. Wash them well and don't forget to eat the nutrient-enriched skins.

Other key factors to colon health are:

Get screened for polyps

Load up on whole grains

Drink milk and stay away from sugary drinks

Add sliced onions to your salads

For more on colon cancer, visit 50somethinginfo.com. And read my cousin's real-life situation conquering colon cancer.

Special Times To Save Money (Consumer Reports): When You Should Buy

Consumer Reports suggests you adjust your alarm clock to get the best deals.

Find the least expensive airline seats on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Buy your seat after 3 p.m. (Eastern time), Tuesday - Thursday.

Bowl before 9 or 10 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

Shop farmers markets near closing time for the best buys.

Discounted movie tickets may be available in the morning or early afternoon.

The cost of live theater tickets may be greatly reduced within a couple hours of curtain time--but be prepared to pay in cash.

Check your utility company to see if rates are lowered during off-peak times.

Dating For Boomers and Seniors: How to Find YOur Soulmate

When you're in the dating pool, you're thinking about where to go, what to wear and what to say.

AARP has something to say about making the whole process easier:

Try group activities such as wine tasting, cooking classes or seminars.

Join groups that focus on your hobbies.

Put on your dancing shoes.

Pack a picnic or better yet, shop together for the picnic fare and find the perfect spot.

Go to a gallery or a museum.

Try boating--canoe, row boat or dinner cruise.

Join a book group or meet at an author's lecture.

Pull out your golf clubs or tennis racket.

Visit a nursery.

And most of all, have fun!!!

Financial Planning For Boomers and Seniors: How to Hire the Right Personal Financial Advisor

Two of the most abused words in the English language are “financial planner.” Be warned that a number of professionals wear that title even though they shouldn’t--like insurance agents and stockbrokers.

When looking for a personal financial advisor, find one who accepts no commissions from product sales. Pay by the hour, a flat fee, an annual retainer, or a percentage of your assets.

Interview the person (this appointment should be free) to see if it is a right fit.

Consult as many sources as you can including those that can be found online.

However, if you find yourself unable to pay your bills, don’t hesitate to confer with a nonprofit credit-counseling agency for free or low-cost. Consider applying for public programs, also, to get over the hump.

For more, check out 50somethinginfo.com.

Medicare Part D Prescription Plan: Getting the Best One For You

Take Dale Carter's word for it.  She provides step-by-step instructions on how to select the right plan for you or your parent.  

Each year she reviews her mother's current plan to decide if that is the proper route to take for the subsequent year.  

Following her advice takes into account changes in congressional or state legislation, changes in prescription plans and changes in a person's medical and financial situation.  

You can check the estimated annual costs for comparisons and make the most prudent decisions.

Now there's no need to reinvent the wheel.  Thanks to Dale Carter, a daunting task is made easy.      

Smoking: It's Never Too Late to Stop

Even if you've smoked two packs a day for 40 years, you are likely to add years to your life, breathe more easily and have more energy...if you quit. You'll also have more extra money and your food will taste better.

Your clothes and hair will smell better.

You'll be setting a healthy example for your kids and grandkids.

Your chance of heart attack, stroke and other circulatory diseases diminishes within the first year.

And much more.

The bad news is that the first few weeks are very hard. You may become grumpy, hungry or tired. Headaches, depression, sleeping habits and concentration may plague you.

BUT the good news is that there is a lot of help out there. You can join a support group, get counseling or use nicotine replacement therapy. Find the organizations, doctors and clinics offering stop-smoking programs by opening your phone book or check out this site to find out more than you ever wanted to know (!) about smoking.