How do I go about selling pre-purchased burial plots in my hometown cemetery? How can I best accomplish this?

Life changes such as relocating, divorce, along with the growing popularity of cremation in the U.S. is causing more and more people to sell previously purchased burial plots they do not intend to use. Depending on where you live and the location of the cemetery, selling a plot can be difficult. If you do decide to sell, you will most likely get less than what you initially paid for it. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Contact the cemetery: Your first step in selling your unwanted burial plots is to contact the cemetery and find out if they would be interested in buying them back, or if you are allowed to sell them yourself to another person or family. If you are permitted to sell it you can ask what paperwork will you need to complete the sale and find out if there transfer fees. Note that some states require sellers to offer the plot back to the cemetery before selling it to others.

Selling options: If you find that it is permitted to sell your plots yourself, many people choose to use a broker. There are a number of companies that will list your plots for sale and handle the transaction for a fee or commission. If you go this route, you will need to sign paperwork, giving the broker permission to work on your behalf. Listings typically last up to three years or until the plots sell.

Alternatively, or simultaneously, you yourself can also list the plots on seller marketplace type websites and handle the transaction yourself. In the advertisement listing, be sure to post pictures, describe the area where the cemetery is located and give the plot locations.

What to ask: Appropriate pricing is key to selling your plots. It is recommended that you find out what the cemetery is selling their plots for today and offer your plots for a discounted price. If you are pricing too close to what the cemetery charges, there is no incentive for potential buyers from you.

Beware of scammers: If you choose to sell your plots yourself, it is not unusual for scammers to reach out and try to get your personal financial information. Phone calls tend to be more genuine than emails and text messages.

Donate them: If you do not have any luck selling your plots and money is not an issue, another alternative solution is to donate them to charity such as a religious congregation, a local veteran's group or an organization that aids the homeless. To get a tax deduction, you will likely need a qualified appraisal, which a cemetery or broker may supply for a fee.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" 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.

I read an article about online tools that can help people search for lost or forgotten money left behind by their deceased relatives, can you help explain more?

Forgotten or lost money is very common in the United States. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, there are billions of dollars in unclaimed funds sitting in state treasuries and other agencies waiting to be claimed.

These unclaimed funds are either from accounts that are inactive or whose owners or heirs cannot be located. Unclaimed funds can include lost or forgotten saving or checking accounts, stocks, utility security deposits, tax refunds, life insurance policy proceeds, uncashed dividend checks, matured savings bonds and much more.

This typically happens because the owner changed their address or name, the owner died and the estate was unaware of the money or the heirs could not be located. By law, companies and financial institutions that cannot find the owner or their next of kin within two to five years must turn the property over to the state where it is held indefinitely.

Where to Search

About 10% of all Americans have some unclaimed money waiting to be found, so it is very possible you have some too. To start your search, go to Unclaimed.org, which has links to all state programs that will let you do a state benefits search online for free.

Be sure to check every state in which you have lived, worked or did business. Also, make sure to check under your maiden name (if applicable), and if you have a frequently misspelled name, search those misspellings too. Using a first initial and last name is also encouraged to make sure everything comes up. Every state can tell you immediately if unclaimed money exists, as well as how to go about collecting it.

Look Here Too

In addition to state treasuries, here are additional resources that can help you look for unclaimed money that may have been overlooked.

Forgotten retirement benefits: To search for lost or forgotten 401(k) funds your parent may have left behind with an old employer, use the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits website. To search for lost pension benefits, use the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation trusteed plan search tool at PBGC.gov/search-trusteed-plans.

Lost life insurance: To track down a lost or forgotten life insurance policy, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, an insurance regulatory support organization, offers a free policy locator service.

Unredeemed savings bonds: It is very common for people to lose track of U.S. saving bonds because they are often given to children as gifts, then forgotten before the bonds reach maturity. The U.S. Department of the Treasury provides an online search tool at TreasuryHunt.gov for finding matured, uncashed savings bonds over 30 years old and no longer earning interest.

Federal tax refunds: Each year thousands of refund checks totaling millions of dollars are returned to the IRS by the post office. To look for lost Federal tax refund checks go to IRS.gov/refunds or call 800-829-1954.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" 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.

I would like to know more about electric trikes. I used to cycle in my younger years but as I have gotten older, I have some balance issues and do not trust myself on a two-wheeler anymore. I have read that electric powered trikes are a good option but could use some help choosing one.

Electric powered adult tricycles – also known as e-trikes – are a great cycling option for adults with balance or stamina issues because they are safe, fun to ride and easy on the body. Here is what you should know, along with some tips to help you shop for one.

Safer Cycling

If you are interested in cycling, but worry about falling or injuring yourself, e-trikes are a great choice because of the three-wheeled stability they provide. With a trike you can ride as slow as you want without ever losing your balance, which is very reassuring for most older riders.

E-trikes come with a small electric powered motor to enhance the riding experience. When you apply the throttle, the motor can either give you a boost when pedaling or it can do all the work for you. This makes it much easier to go up hills and ride into headwinds without exhausting yourself or taxing your knee joints.

In addition, most adult e-trikes are also made with a low "step through" design making mounting and dismounting easier. They typically come with big tires that ensure a smooth ride; have ergonomic handlebars that are easy to reach and grip; and offer oversize seats (some even have backrests) for comfort and support.

There are many different types of adult e-trikes to choose from with prices ranging anywhere from $2,000 up to $7,000. To shop for one, contact bike shops in your area to see what they offer or look online for additional options.

When shopping for an e-trike, pay special attention to the motor and the battery.

Most e-trikes can reach speeds of anywhere between 15 and 28 miles per hour, and typically go somewhere between 20 and 55 miles on a single charge, depending on how much pedaling you do. Battery charge times will also vary, ranging anywhere from 3 to 8 hours.

How to Choose

To help you figure out what type of e-trike is right for you, ask yourself how and where you plan to ride it. If you are primarily interested in a leisurely ride around the neighborhood for pleasure, fitness or running errands, an upright cruiser e-trike with a rear cargo basket would be a good choice.

If you are looking to take longer road rides, a recumbent e-trike may be a better option. These are aerodynamic, low-to-the-ground stretched-out frame trikes that allow you to recline with your legs positioned in front of you.

There are also folding e-trikes, which are practical if you have limited home storage space or would like to take your trike with you when traveling. Once you know the kind of bike you are interested in purchasing, use your favorite online search engine to find the option that best suits your needs.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" 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.

What kinds of clothing options are available to individuals who have a difficult time dressing?

The chore of dressing and undressing in traditional clothing can be difficult, time-consuming and even painful for millions of people with certain health and mobility difficulties. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of special clothing, known as "adaptive clothing," that can help with most dressing challenges. Here are some of the many types of adaptive clothing options that could help.

What is Adaptive Clothing?

Adaptive clothing is specially designed garments for people with mobility issues, disabilities and cognitive challenges who have a difficult time getting dressed. Adaptive clothing incorporates discreet design features to make dressing and undressing easier, while still having the outward appearance of typical clothing.

For self-dressing individuals who may have impacted dexterity, there are pants, shirts, dresses and outerwear made with Velcro or magnetic closures. Alternate clothing closures can be easier to fasten and unfasten than buttons and zippers. Be aware that magnetic closures are not suitable for those who have pacemakers.

In addition, there are adaptive pants with zippers or snaps on both sides of the pants that are easier to put on. A wide range of rear closure shirts, tops and dresses with Velcro or snap fasteners in the back are available and are helpful for individuals who cannot raise their arms over their head.

For wheelchair users there are higher back and elastic waistband pants that help prevent the garments from slipping down. Pants with fabric overlaps at the seat to allow for easier toileting access are also available.

For people with tactile sensitivity, you can purchase garments that have soft and stretchy fabrics without tags. Some garments are sewn with flat seams to help prevent chafing or sensitivity. There are one-piece jumpsuits that have back-zipper access to prevent the wearer from disrobing inappropriately, which may be useful if the individual suffers from cognitive challenges.

Where to Shop?

Because each person's dressing needs and style is so specific, finding appropriate adaptive clothing can be difficult. Recently, mainstream clothing stores have started offering a line of adaptive clothing for adults that combines fashion and functionality. However, in-store options are often limited. To get a bigger selection, visit a store's website and type in "adaptive clothing" in their search engine.

You can also find a large selection at online stores that specialize in adaptive clothing. Some companies have been selling adaptive clothing for decades and offer a wide variety of garments to accommodate almost any need, condition or style, for independent self-dressers and for individuals who need help. Some other adaptive clothing sites sell clothing primarily designed for wheelchair users.

Velcro fastening shoes, instead of shoelaces, have long been a popular option and can be found in most local shoe stores. Some other new lines of adaptive shoes make fashionable sneakers and comfortable walking shoes that slip on hands-free. Some brands also make uniquely designed zip-on shoes.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" 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.

I would like to hire an in-home helper for my 82-year-old parent to assist with household chores. However, they do not require personal/physical caregiving, nor do they require any home medical care. Any tips to help us find someone?

Getting parents help at home to handle some of the day-to-day chores is a smart idea that can make a big difference in keeping them independent for a longer period. Here are some tips to help you find someone reliable.

In-Home Help

For seniors who could use some help at home but do not require a caregiving aide for personal care, there are homemakers/home helpers for hire that can help make life a little easier.

Most in-home helpers can assist with any number of things such as shopping, running errands, transportation, light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, arranging services (home maintenance, lawn care, etc.) and other household chores, along with providing companionship and support. If your parent gets to the point of requiring personal/physical care such as bathing or dressing, many home helpers can assist with this too.

Most home helpers are part time workers who work either a few hours a day or a few days per week. You should note that while Medicare does cover home health care services if a doctor orders it, they do not cover in-home homemaker/helper services.

There are two ways in which you can go about hiring homemakers/home helpers. You can either go through a home care agency, or you can hire someone directly on your own.

Home Care Agency

Hiring a home helper through a non-medical home care, or non-medical companion care agency is the easiest, but most expensive option of the two. Costs typically run anywhere from $15 to $25 an hour depending on where you live.

How it works is you pay the company, and they handle everything including assigning appropriately trained and pre-screened staff to care for your parent and finding a fill-in on days a helper cannot come.

However, some of the drawbacks include not having much input into the selection of the aide and helpers may change or alternate, which can cause a disruption.

To find a home care agency in your area, use your preferred online search engine and type in "non-medical home care" followed by the city and state your parent lives in. Or you can use Medicare's home health services search tool at Medicare.gov/care-compare – click on "home health services." Most home health agencies offer some form of non-medical home care services too. You can also check your local yellow pages under "home health services."

Hiring Directly

Hiring a personal assistant/home helper on your own is the other, less expensive option. Costs typically range between $12 and $20 per hour. Hiring directly also gives you more control over who you hire so you can choose someone who you feel is right for your parent.

Be aware that if you hire someone on your own, you become the employer so there is no agency support to fall back on if a problem occurs or if the assistant does not show up. You are also responsible for paying payroll taxes and any worker-related injuries that may happen. If you choose this option, make sure you check the person's references thoroughly and do a criminal background check.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" 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.

I lost my 78-year-old parent to COVID-19 in 2021 and want to find out if I am still eligible for the government funeral assistance program. What can you tell me about this?

The government program you are referring to is the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This program is part of the American Rescue Plan, a stimulus package passed in 2021 in an effort to help the country financially manage amid the pandemic.

This program, which currently has no termination date, offers up to $9,000 to cover the cost of a funeral for someone who passed away due to COVID-19 as far back as January 2020.

Unfortunately, less than half the people believed to be eligible for funeral assistance have actually applied for it. Here is what you should know about the program's requirements and how to apply.

Where to Start?

To apply for COVID-19 funeral assistance, you must call FEMA at 844-684-6333, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. The application process takes about 20 minutes.

After you apply, FEMA will provide you an application number, which you may use to create an online account at DisasterAssistance.gov.

You will then need to submit supporting documents, including a death certificate for your parent, but it must state that the death "may have been caused by" or "was likely the result of" COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. The death must also have occurred in the U.S. on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

If you do not have this, you will not be eligible for funeral assistance.

You will also need to submit proof of funeral expenses, such as itemized receipts, invoices or funeral home contracts.

These supporting documents can be submitted either online (through your DisasterAssistance.gov account), by mail (P.O. Box 10001, Hyattsville, MD 20782) or via fax (855-261-3452).

After the paperwork is received, it takes FEMA approximately 45 days to make an eligibility decision.

Families who had multiple deaths due to COVID-19 can also apply. One family can receive up to $35,000 across multiple funerals.

Reimbursements can be used to cover any portion of funeral expenses including burial plots, caskets, preparation of the body, cremation, urns, clergy, services and headstones as well as costs related to state or local ordinances and producing death certificates.

Please be aware that pre-paid funerals are not eligible for reimbursements. Any payment made specifically for a funeral prior to death is considered a duplication and is not eligible.

If FEMA approves your application, the funds will either be deposited into your bank account or sent by mail via check, usually within a few days of approval.

If, however, you receive a letter from FEMA saying you are ineligible, or if the amount awarded is not enough, you have the right to appeal within 60 days of FEMA's decision letter.

For more information on the COVID Funeral Assistance program, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" 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.

I plan to enroll in original Medicare in a few months and have been told I probably need to get a Medicare supplemental policy too. Can you offer any tips on selecting one?

If you are enrolling in original Medicare, getting a supplemental policy ("Medigap insurance") is a smart decision because it will help pay for things that are not covered by Medicare. Medigap insurance policies may cover copayments, coinsurance and the Part A deductible. Here are some tips to help you choose an appropriate plan.

Medigap Plans

In all but three states (Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin), Medigap plans, which are sold by private health insurers, are available to new enrollees in eight different standardized plans. These plans are labeled with the letters A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N, with two more, C and F, which are only available to those eligible for Medicare before 2020.

Plan G is the most popular policy among new enrollees because it is the most comprehensive range of coverage. Monthly premiums for Plan G typically range between $100 and $300, depending on your age and the state you reside in. If that is more than you are willing to pay, there are also high-deductible plans that have lower premiums but impose higher out-of-pocket costs.

For more information on the different types of plans and coverage details, including Medigap options in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, go to Medicare.gov/publications and type in "choosing a medigap policy" in the keyword box, and download their 2022 guide. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask them to mail you a copy.

How to Choose

To pick a Medigap policy that works best for you, consider your health, family medical history and your budget. The differences among plans can be small and rather confusing.

To help you choose, visit Medicare.gov/medigap-supplemental-insurance-plans and type in your ZIP code. This will give you a list of the plans available in your area, including the price range, name and contact information of companies that sell them. To get specific pricing information, you will need to contact the carriers directly or call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

It is required by law that Medigap policies with the same letter must cover the exact same benefits, you should shop for the cheapest policy.

You will get the best price if you sign up within six months after enrolling in Medicare Part B. During this open-enrollment period, an insurer cannot refuse to sell you a policy or charge you more because of your health.

Medigap policies are usually sold as either: "community-rated" where everyone in an area is charged the same premium regardless of age; "issue-age-rated" that is based on your age when you buy the policy, but will only increase due to inflation, not age and "attained-age-rated," that starts with low premium but increase as you age. Community-rate and issue-age-rated policies are the best options because they will save you money in the end. You can buy the plan directly from an insurance company or you can work with a reputable insurance broker.

Drug Coverage

You should also be aware that Medigap policies do not cover prescription drugs, so if you do not have drug coverage, you will need to buy a separate Medicare Part D drug plan too. See Medicare.gov/plan-compare to compare plans. Also, note that Medigap plans do not cover vision, dental care, hearing aids or long-term care.

Alternative Option

Instead of getting original Medicare, plus a Medigap policy and a separate Part D drug plan, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan (see medicare.gov/plan-compare) that provides all-in-one coverage. These plans, which are sold by insurance companies, are generally available through HMOs and PPOs that require you to get your care within a network of doctors.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" 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.