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Variables to consider before downsizing a home in retirement

Aspiring to save money in retirement makes perfect sense. Once professionals call it a career and are no longer drawing a paycheck, cutting back on expenses can be a sound decision that ensures seniors won't outlive their money. And housing remains a significant expense, even for retirees ...

Bridge by Steve Becker

1. Six clubs. Partner’s four-notrump bid is the equivalent of a strong takeout double, so you should assume that he has adequate trump support for at least two suits. When he next bids five spades, you should assume that he is void of spades and that diamonds is not one of his suits, as ...

Hints from Heloise: Refreshing baby wipes and more

DEAR HELOISE: I use baby wipes frequently, and I have one package in each of our two bathrooms. After a while, I found that the top sheets would be dry, while the bottom sheets would be swimming in liquid. Now when I use the bathroom, I flip the package. Some packages are flat and get flipped over, while some packages are taller and need to be rotated. But this way, there are no dry or awash sheets anymore! My second hint is about the pill bottles that my pharmacy gives me; the tops can be switched out from a childproof top to a screw top. I feel better when some pills come with the ...

Dear Annie: Father’s 73rd birthday: To go or not to go

DEAR ANNIE: My dad is turning 73 next month, and my mom is throwing this big party for him. She is begging me to come, but my parents live across the country — a six-hour plane ride. I work full time and have two kids under 5. My family only takes a trip like this once or twice a year, and if I’m really honest with myself, I don’t want to spend it on this family party. At the same time, I know they’ll be disappointed if I say no. I feel guilty but also spread thin. How do I decide? — Torn Daughter DEAR TORN DAUGHTER: There’s no perfect answer, only the one you can live ...

How bee stings can help ease arthritis pain

Q. My grandmother told me that bee stings or yellow jacket stings would relieve arthritis for an extended time. I’d like to believe her, but I don’t know if I should. Do you have any information on using stings to relieve arthritis pain? A. Back in the early 20th century, some doctors actually prescribed bee stings to treat arthritis. Hospital pharmacies stocked the venom. This treatment fell out of favor after World War II, though. We heard about this approach many years ago, when one reader wrote: “While snoozing on the porch, I was stung on the finger by a tiny bee. The ...