Whether you are returning to work, changing careers or seeking new opportunities, having a clear strategy can make all the difference. Below are tips to help guide your job search.

Update Your Resume: You should tailor your resume to the job you are applying for. If you are considering exploring multiple career fields, it may be a good idea to create more than one version of your resume, each one highlighting your experience and skills most relevant to that particular field. Be sure to leave out any positions from more than 10 to 15 years ago or omit graduation years as that may lead to age-related assumptions. Also, use a professional email address, ideally something simple that includes your name. If you do not already have one, you can easily create one for free. For drafting a resume, you can find plenty of free templates and resume generators available online to get you started.

Professional Online Profiles: In addition to a resume, a professional online profile can increase your visibility in the job market. You can use a reputable professional networking platform to highlight your experience, skills, achievements and career interests in a more interactive way than the traditional resume. Employers often already have online profiles that allow them to look you up online before reaching out, so ensure your profile photo, headline and job history are up to date. An online professional presence will also allow for more networking opportunities since it connects you with other professionals in real time.

Prepare for Interviews: While each interview may vary, there can be some common interview questions that can be reviewed ahead of time to make your responses more polished and unique. Spend time thinking through what your personalized answers would be to these typical questions and consider practicing with a friend. Also, prepare some questions to ask the employer. These questions could be about the job’s day-to-day activities and responsibilities which will show interest and give you helpful insight on your desired role.

Local Resources: Check with your local senior community centers or libraries to see if they have job boards or host workshops. State and county assistance programs may also have employment resources, some specifically for seniors.

Online Resources: There are plenty of general job search websites that offer flexible search options. Many online job boards allow you to search by job title, keyword, company or location. These platforms can also filter results for full-time, part-time, remote work and compensation. In some platforms, you can also set up alerts to be notified of new openings based on your previous searches.

For retired job seekers, there are websites specifically designed to focus on relevant opportunities. These websites can also provide additional resources for training, help with resumes and interview preparation to assist with your search.

Stay Positive: Job hunting can be challenging and emotionally draining when job opportunities do not come as soon as expected. Consider setting feasible goals every week and do not forget to celebrate the small accomplishments. Stay persistent and remind yourself that you are a valuable worker.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

With a growing number of fraudsters and scammers looking for victims, it is important for individuals to be able to distinguish legitimate IRS staff from imposters. All taxpayers should understand how to protect themselves from fraudulent text messages, emails, phone contacts or in-person visits.

1. Text Messages — The IRS does not send text messages to individuals with shortened links. Scammers will frequently send text messages that include a bogus link. If you receive an unexpected text, you should refrain from clicking on any links or open attachments.
   
   If you do receive a suspicious text message, you should send a screenshot of it as an attachment to phishing@irs.gov. For individuals with an iPhone, you can take a screenshot by clicking both the Volume Up and the Power button. The screenshot will appear at the lower left corner of the screen. Click on the screenshot to edit, select Done at the top left and save to photos. You may then select the photo of the screenshot, click the lower left button to allow you to choose your email service and send an email to phishing@irs.gov with the screenshot.
    
2. Email Scams— The IRS does not ask for personal or financial information with an initial contact through email. The standard IRS contact will be through several letters by regular mail. Any suspicious emails should also be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov. For additional instructions, visit “Report phishing and online scams" page on gov with specific instructions.
    
3. Individuals Who Owe Tax— If you owe tax to the IRS, you can expect to receive several letters prior to a phone call. The IRS may follow up the letters with a phone call if you have an overdue tax bill, a delinquent tax return or have failed to make an unemployment tax deposit. The IRS emphasizes it will not demand immediate payment by a specific payment method like a debit card or gift card, or ask for credit card numbers over the phone. They will also not threaten you with arrest by the local police or demand tax payments without giving you an opportunity to appeal the claim. These strategies all indicate you are talking with a scammer.
    
4. IRS Agent In-Person Visits— Generally, IRS officers only make visits after you have received several notices by mail. The IRS revenue agent may make a visit for the purpose of education, investigation and appropriate enforcement steps. IRS auditors also may mail an initial appointment letter and generally will call and confirm the date prior to a scheduled audit appointment. If you have an in-person visit with an IRS representative, you should always ask for his or her credentials and HSPD-12 card. This is a standard government form of identification that will contain the agent’s photo and serial number.
    
5. Resolving Tax Issues— On gov, there are several helpful sections that may assist taxpayers in creating payment plans. You can pay taxes through the Online Account with IRS Direct Pay or using your debit or credit card. There are individuals who may qualify for a payment plan or an Offer in Compromise (OIC). The IRS again emphasizes it will not demand immediate payment, will not ask for credit or debit card numbers, will not threaten to have you arrested by local police and will always offer an opportunity to appeal. An IRS appeals officer may review your case prior to any further action.

Editor's Note: The fraudsters and scammers continue to become more sophisticated. Many of them build a relationship with the victim through multiple emails or phone calls prior to taking action to complete fraud. Individuals should be careful if they are contacted by someone who claims to be from the IRS.

Ibuprofen is one of the most popular medications on the market to relieve various types of ailments including headaches, fevers and cramps. Given the drug’s broad pain relief benefits, track record of safe use and over the counter (OTC) accessibility, it is common for individuals to regularly take ibuprofen whenever they feel discomfort. However, ibuprofen can pose certain health risks, especially for individuals with kidney or stomach issues. Here is what you should know.

What is Safe?

For most adults and children at least 12 years and older, the recommended OTC dose of ibuprofen is one or two 200-milligram tablets, caplets or gel caplets every four to six hours while symptoms persist. You should not take more than 1,200 mg (or six pills) in a 24-hour period. If you have not consulted a doctor about the appropriate dosage, or if you are not certain about your risk factors, it is best not to exceed the recommended limit of 1,200 milligrams a day.

If you experience chronic pain, or were recently injured or underwent surgery, your doctor may prescribe ibuprofen for you at a higher dose. Prescription tablets are usually stronger compared to the OTC dose, such as 600 mg and 800 mg tablets. The maximum daily dose for prescription-strength ibuprofen is 3,200 mg in a 24-hour period. It is important to only take what your healthcare provider has prescribed for you. You should also be aware that ibuprofen is sometimes added to certain cold and flu medications, so always read the ingredient list on medications before using them.

Be Cautious!

Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the activity of certain enzymes. These enzymes also help maintain kidney and liver function and regulate the balance of fluids and electrolytes in your body. Since it can interfere with these processes, taking ibuprofen can be dangerous for patients with kidney disease or failure, liver damage or cirrhosis, and individuals with conditions like high blood pressure or heart failure. Those at high risk for these conditions – as well as for stomach ulcers, heart attacks, strokes or bleeding disorders – should consult with their doctors before taking ibuprofen.

People taking medications such as diuretics, anticoagulants, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors or ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) to manage cardiovascular issues should take caution when using ibuprofen as it can place extra strain on the kidneys and the heart. To reduce these health risks, avoid taking the maximum recommended dose for more than a week or two at a time. If you need ibuprofen for more than two weeks, or if you are turning to it every day to keep your aches and pains in check, you should see your doctor.

When taken for long periods, ibuprofen can also increase the risk of stomach ulcers. The drug inhibits enzymes that aid in the production of mucus that line and protects the stomach lining. Without these enzymes, the stomach becomes vulnerable to irritation and damage.

Some alternatives to ibuprofen that you may want to discuss with your healthcare provider include acetaminophen, topical NSAIDs (diclofenac gel), nonacetylated salicylates, curcumin (an active ingredient in turmeric) and acupuncture.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently undergoing significant staffing reductions. Reduced staffing will cause longer processing times and may make it more difficult to obtain in-person assistance. Here is how you can best navigate the SSA as it downsizes its workforce.

Use SSA.gov Website for Online Services

Most SSA requests and questions can be handled online. To get started, go to SSA.gov/onlineservices where you can create an online “my Social Security” account. This account allows you to view your latest statement and earnings history, apply for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas) and print a benefit verification letter. The SSA’s website also has a wealth of information and includes answers to frequently asked questions that you can access at SSA.gov/faqs.

Phone Assistance

If you cannot conduct your Social Security business online or need extra help, you can receive assistance over the phone by calling your nearby field office (see SSA.gov/locator for contact information) or by calling the SSA national number at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. When you call, there are many automated service options that you can use 24 hours a day without waiting. If you need to speak to a representative, waiting times are typically shorter early in the morning (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.) or later in the afternoon (between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.). You may also experience shorter waiting times later in the week (Wednesday to Friday) and later in the month.

If you need to visit your nearby SSA office, it is best to call ahead and make an appointment as walk-ins often have much longer waiting times. To make an appointment call 800-772-1213 or contact your local SSA office.

Planning and Patience

When communicating with the SSA, it is important to be patient and prepare in advance. With the SSA staff reductions, delays and longer waiting times will be inevitable. If you are planning to start drawing your Social Security benefits soon, it is best to apply as early as possible. You can apply for benefits up to four months before you expect to receive benefits. Applying as early as possible can help ensure the benefits are available when needed.

Keep in mind that the SSA recently announced that new applicants who cannot properly verify their identity over the agency’s “my Social Security” online service will be required to visit an SSA field office in person to complete the verification process. The verification procedures could add additional time for those applying for benefits. This change will also apply to unverified existing recipients who want to change their direct deposit information.

If you have concerns regarding staffing reductions, you may reach out to your Congressional representatives to communicate the importance of safeguarding and prioritizing Social Security. To find your Congress members’ contact information, go to Congress.gov/members/find-your-member.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Many traditional IRA owners with larger balances take their RMD during the months of October, November and December. Because many individuals with larger IRAs do not need IRA distributions throughout the year to pay for living expenses, they often delay an RMD until the end of the year. This allows the IRA balance to benefit from additional tax-free growth during the year.

Fortunately, the IRA charitable rollover will count towards the donor's RMD. Although RMDs are not required until age 73, the IRA charitable rollover can be used by any donor once they reach age 70½. The IRS term for an IRA charitable rollover is a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) which is also the term commonly used by IRA custodians.

There are five donor profiles for IRA charitable rollover gifts. The first are the convenience donors who find it a simple method for an end of year gift. The second is the generous donor who wants to give more than the 60% of adjusted gross income (AGI) deduction limit for cash gifts. The third is a major donor who may be a generous individual looking for a favorable opportunity to make a major gift. The fourth donor is the Social Security recipient looking to reduce taxes with an IRA charitable rollover gift. Finally, a donor who takes the standard deduction can also benefit from an IRA charitable rollover gift.

Convenience Donor

Many IRA owners wait until the final months of the year to take their IRA withdrawals. As the individual approaches the end of the year, he or she will need to make decisions related to their RMD. If an IRA owner is actively making gifts to charity during the year, then using a QCD is a good opportunity to make a gift.

Convenience donors may contact their IRA custodians to arrange for an IRA charitable rollover. There is no charitable income tax deduction, but also no inclusion in federal taxable income. It is a simple and convenient way to help their favorite charity.

Generous Donor

Some generous individuals already donate up to 60% of their AGI which is the maximum limit allowed by the IRS for deduction of cash gifts each year. Any gifts over this limit may be carried forward and deducted over the following five years. Some generous donors may also have a large IRA and live at a moderate expense level and may not need their entire IRA.

If there is a desire to give more, they can give up to 60% of adjusted gross income from their cash assets and make "over and above" gifts from an IRA. Some generous donors may in effect give nearly 100% of their income per year through this method. Since the IRA charitable rollover is not included in taxable income, it will have no impact on their regular income and other charitable gifts.

Major Donor

As the rules have continually become more favorable for IRAs and required withdrawals have been reduced, IRAs balances are likely to keep growing. There are occasional market dips, but the long-term trend is positive and IRAs will continue to increase in value.

For many professionals and business owners, the IRA may become most of the estate. In these cases, it may be desirable to do "asset balancing" to keep future RMDs at manageable levels. To accomplish this goal, the major donor can give up to the maximum QCD amount in 2025 of $108,000 from his or her IRA. This has the advantage of "balancing" the estate assets.

In addition, there may be income tax benefits. If the donor were to take the IRA distribution into his or her own personal income, there are several types of exemptions that are phased out at higher income levels. Thus, it may be preferable to make the gift directly from an IRA rather than making a charitable gift from regular income.

Social Security Donor

Social Security is subject to two levels of taxation. For donors who have income in excess of the first level, 50% of Social Security is taxed. For donors with income in excess of the second level, up to 85% of Social Security income may be subject to tax.

Withdrawing any amount from an IRA will potentially cause the amount of the donor’s social security benefits that are taxable to increase from 50% to 85%. Even if the withdrawn amount is given to charity and then deducted, there may still be increased tax on the donor’s income. Thus, by making the transfer directly to charity, many Social Security recipients will save income taxes.

Standard Deduction Donor

Many seniors do not have a mortgage and have medical deductions that are less than 7.5% of AGI. Thus, they may not have a sufficient level of deductions to itemize and choose instead to use the standard deduction.

If a donor withdraws $1,000 from his or her IRA and then gives it to charity, there is $1,000 of increased income with no offsetting charitable deduction, since the standard deduction is taken. Therefore, it may be preferable for all donors who take a standard deduction to make IRA charitable rollover gifts directly to charity and avoid the additional income tax on their RMD.

As auto insurance rates across the country continue to rise, drivers may face an even bigger increase once they reach their 70s, as insurers in some states take into account age-related changes in driving ability and the higher likelihood of physical injury in collision. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce your premiums. To find out what discounts may be available to you, contact your auto insurer and inquire about these options.

Increase your deductible: Paying a higher deductible could lead to significant savings on your premiums. For example, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can bring your annual premiums by 15% to 20% on average. Be sure you have sufficient savings set aside to cover the higher deductible if needed.

Adjust your coverage: Consult with your insurance provider to determine if adjusting coverage could help lower your premium while still providing sufficient protection. If you are driving an older vehicle that is paid off, you may want to consider removing collision or comprehensive coverage if your premium is more than 10% of the car’s value. Collision insurance covers damage to your car if you are involved in a crash or if you are the victim of a hit-and-run. Comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by acts of nature (such as storm damage), vandalism, theft or fire. If you are scaling back to liability coverage, make sure you have enough to pay for damages out-of-pocket if you are in an accident or your car sustains damage due to weather, theft or another non-collision event.

Take a defensive driving course: Some insurance companies offer defensive driving discounts – between 5% and 15% – to drivers who complete a refresher course to brush up on their driving skills. Courses are available online through organizations like AARP, the American Automobile Association and the National Safety Council. The cost of defensive driving courses can vary by state and course type, typically ranging from $15 to $150.

Report your mileage: Some insurers offer discounts to customers who drive limited miles each year, which is usually beneficial to retirees who drive less because they no longer commute to work every day. These low-mileage discounts usually kick in when your annual milage drops below 7,000 miles, though exact thresholds vary by insurance provider.

Bundle policies: If your auto insurance policy is issued by a different company from the one insuring your home, call each insurer and ask if bundling the policies would be cheaper.

Sign up for driver monitoring: Some insurers offer discounts based on how and when you use your car. They will monitor things like your acceleration, braking habits, driving speeds and phone use, which are monitored via a smartphone app or a device that plugs into your car’s diagnostic port. Drivers can be rewarded anywhere from 10% to 30% for safe driving. In addition, many insurance providers also offer discounts to drivers who have not had any violations or accidents for three or more years.

Ask about membership discounts: Many insurers offer discounts through professional associations, workers’ unions, large employers or membership organizations. You may also qualify for savings based on the college you attended or the fraternity or sorority you belonged to.

Improve your credit: You may be able to lower your car insurance premium by paying your bills on time and reducing the amount of debt you carry. Insurers evaluate at how customers manage credit to gauge risk set premiums. Lower rates are given to those with good credit scores, typically around 700 or above. However, insurers in some states ban or limit the use of credit scores to determine premiums.

Comparison shop: To find out if your current premium is competitive with other insurers, consider using online insurance marketplaces that allow you to compare quotes from multiple providers. You can also work with an independent insurance agent who represents several insurance agencies to help you compare.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.