What is the best way to find a good maintenance or repair person that can help with small jobs around the house?

Finding a good repairer can be a bit of a challenge. How do you find someone who will return your calls or texts, show up on time, do the job right and finish it, all at a fair price? Here are a few tips and resources that can help you with your search.

What Kind of Help

While it may seem obvious, whom you call on for help will depend on what you need done. For example, if you have an odd job or small home repair project that does not require a lot of technical expertise, a repair person may be all you need. But if you have a job that involves electricity, plumbing, heating or cooling systems, you are better off hiring a licensed tradesperson. Bigger jobs like home renovations or remodeling may require a general contractor.

Where to Find Help

One of the most reliable ways to find help is through referrals from people you trust. If your friends or family do not have any recommendations, turn to professionals in the field like a local hardware or home improvement store, or real estate agents. If you do not have any luck in this search, there are a number of online resources you can turn to that can quickly connect you to a wide variety of skilled workers in your area.

If you are looking for someone to do a home chore or a small job, an option is to use online platforms that connect you with freelance workers who have undergone background checks. On these sites, you can find help with tasks like furniture assembly, lifting or moving heavy items, mounting TVs or shelves, making minor home repairs and indoor and outdoor cleaning services. Freelance workers set their hourly rates, which are typically displayed on these websites for your review before you book an appointment.

Other good options for locating repair people are fix-it franchises or repair service companies. These companies vet and insure their staff, but they may be more expensive than hiring an individual directly. You may also consider using social networking sites to ask for recommendations.

If you are in the market for a specialist, like a plumber, electrician, painter, roofer or carpenter, there are also websites that connect you with licensed contractors. These websites also vet their independent contractors and will let you request quotes from several candidates. Depending on the website you choose, some may offer more details like average response time, specifics about the work they do and photos of past projects. To find these websites, use your preferred online search engine and search using terms like “how to find a home repair person” or “licensed contractors near me.”

Things to Know 

Once you have located a few candidates, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and ensure you are satisfied with the results. Get a handwritten estimate or digital contract that lists the tasks and the hourly rate or project fee. Next, ask to see their proof of insurance, which will cover any damages they may cause while working on your home. Also, consider asking for several references from past jobs.

It is best to pay only after the work is complete, though it is not unusual to be asked for a small deposit for material costs upfront. Whenever possible, you should pay with a credit card, since it offers the ability to dispute the payment if something goes wrong with the job. Checks and electronic payments do not offer the same level of protection.

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.

What can you tell me about restless leg syndrome? Over the past year, I have developed an uncontrollable urge to move my legs because of a tingling sensation, and it is keeping me awake at night.

If an irresistible urge to move your legs has you kicking in your sleep, you may be dealing with symptoms commonly associated with restless leg syndrome (RLS), a condition that affects about 7% to 8% of Americans. Here is what you should know.

RLS, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a nervous system problem that causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations such as crawling, tingling, itching, aching, throbbing, pulling or an electric feeling in one or both legs. These sensations create an urge to move your legs when you are sitting or lying down, and the symptoms usually get worse with age. It typically happens in the evenings or at night while resting. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily.

While RLS is not a life-threatening condition, it disrupts sleep which can lead to daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating and possibly depression. The cause of RLS is unknown. Researchers suspect it could be linked to several things including iron deficiency or an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine. There is also likely a genetic component since about 60% of people with RLS have a family member with the same condition.

Treatments

While there is no cure for RLS, there are things you can do to help alleviate the symptoms. The first line of defense is usually to avoid certain substances like alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and refined sugar, which can aggravate the problem.

Some drugs including antinausea drugs, some antidepressants and cold and allergy medications containing sedating antihistamines can also worsen RLS symptoms. If you take any of these medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist if something else can be taken.

Iron and magnesium deficiencies are also believed to be contributors to RLS. It may be wise to make an appointment with your doctor and get a blood test to check for this. If you test positive for iron or magnesium deficiency, your doctor may recommend supplements.

You may also benefit from self-care treatments such as leg or calf stretches and massage, hot baths or applying hot or cold packs to the affected area. Pressure can also be effective for some people, so wearing compression socks may be helpful.

Getting moderate, regular exercise like walking, cycling, water aerobics and yoga may help ease symptoms. However, exercising too intensely or exercising late in the day may intensify RLS symptoms.

Medications

If the previously listed tips and self-treatments do not reduce your RLS, there are various medications your doctor can prescribe that can help, including:

Anti-seizure drugs: These medications affect nerve cell activity to reduce symptoms. Examples include gabapentin enacarbil, gabapentin and pregabalin.

Dopaminergic medications: These drugs, which are taken before bedtime, work by increasing dopamine, a chemical in the brain that helps reduce RLS symptoms. Examples are ropinirole, pramipexole and the transdermal patch rotigotine. Be aware that while these drugs, taken short-term are effective, long-term use can make symptoms worse.

Anti-seizure medicines are a popular treatment option because they seem to be as effective as dopaminergic medications, with fewer side effects. Sometimes, other medications like benzodiazepines – alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam – may be prescribed for more restful sleep, but they do not eliminate the leg sensations, and they can be addictive, so it is best to avoid them if possible. For more information, visit the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation at RLS.org.

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 tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs) will be available until September 30, 2025. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) repeals the EV credit after that date. The credit for new EVs is up to $7,500, while the credit for a used EV is limited to a maximum of $4,000.

July and August sales of EVs have increased substantially. A report from Cox Automotive indicated that July sales were up over 20%. The report also noted that the average price for a new EV was $55,689 and the used EV average listing price was $35,263.

Several companies are competing in the EV market. The five top EV companies in order of sales volume are Tesla, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Ford and Honda.

There is a sense of urgency in the EV market. However, buyers are advised to research EV ratings. There are multiple organizations that provide reviews, and these can be located by using any of the popular internet search engines.

In addition to reading reviews on specific EVs, owners should also examine their capability to charge an EV. Nearly all EV owners will need to charge their EV at home. A Level I charging system can use a standard 120V outlet. However, many EV owners prefer a higher amperage Level II charging system. Level II typically requires an electrician to install a 240V outlet near where the EV will be parked, likely in a garage. Prospective EV owners should research the costs of installing a suitable outlet for charging an EV.

Taxpayers must also check to see that they qualify for the EV credit. The EV credit for new vehicles is available for individuals with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) up to $150,000 for an individual or up to $300,000 for married couples. For the EV credit for used cars, the MAGI limit is $75,000 for an individual or $150,000 for a married couple.

If your income is over that limit, you will not qualify for the credit. However, the IRS permits you to use your 2024 or 2025 income to qualify for the credit. If your income this year is over the applicable limit, you still may be able to qualify based on your income in 2024.

An important taxpayer benefit is the flexibility to order and make a down payment on a car by September 30. If "a written binding contract is entered into and a payment has been made" by September 30, the actual transfer of ownership of the vehicle may occur later and the credit will still qualify.

Another option is to lease an EV as dealers are permitted to pass along up to $7,500 in credits with a lease. Because over half of EV purchasers lease their vehicle, this is a very helpful benefit. The buyer should examine the contract carefully to ensure that the dealer is passing along the credit.

The average car lease in July was $582 per month. However, Edmunds’ lease data reflects that EV lease payments were lower, coming in at $538 per month.

Editor's Note: The EV credit is likely to boost sales in September. While auto manufacturers are likely to continue to offer EVs, they will also continue to promote internal combustion engine vehicles. OBBBA created a new deduction for up to $10,000 in interest on auto loans. Cars can qualify, in part, by having final assembly in the United States. This limit is applicable for single individuals with incomes under $100,000 or a married couple with income under $200,000.

I plan to retire soon and begin receiving my Social Security retirement benefits. I heard that the new big, beautiful bill eliminated taxes on Social Security. What can you tell me?

The new law, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), did not eliminate Social Security taxes. It did, however, provide a temporary “senior bonus” deduction (starting in 2025 through 2028) of up to $6,000 for each eligible taxpayer age 65 or older. The deduction begins to phase out for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income over $75,000 for single taxpayers or $150,000 for joint filers. This new provision is a deduction for seniors and not a refundable credit, thus it will not benefit lower-earning seniors who owe no income taxes.

Who Owes SSA Taxes?

Whether your Social Security benefits are taxed depends on your total income and filing status. Approximately 40% of individuals receiving Social Security have total income levels that trigger federal income tax on their benefits.

To determine if your benefits will be taxable, the first step is to add up your non-Social Security income including wages, taxable and tax-exempt interest, dividends, pensions and taxable retirement plan distributions, self-employment and other taxable income. To that total, add half of your annual Social Security benefits.

If you are single and your combined income from all the listed sources is:

• Less than $25,000, your benefits will not be subject to federal income tax.
• Between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50% of your benefits will be taxed at your regular income tax rate.
• More than $34,000, up to 85% of your benefits will be taxed.

If you are married and filing jointly and the total from all sources is:

• Less than $32,000, your benefits will not be taxed.
• Between $32,000 and $44,000, up to 50% of your benefits will be taxed.
• More than $44,000, up to 85% of your benefits will be taxed.

If you are married and file a separate return, you will probably pay taxes on your benefits.

To help you with the calculations, review a copy of IRS Publication 915 “Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits,” which provides detailed instructions and worksheets. You can download it at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p915.pdf or call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and request a free copy through the mail.

You can also find out if any of your benefits are taxable through the IRS online tax tool which asks a series of questions that will help you determine your status. To access this tool, go to IRS.gov/help/ita and click on “Social Security or railroad retirement tier I benefits - Are mine taxable?” 

To limit potential taxes on your Social Security benefits, you should be cautious when taking distributions from retirement accounts or other sources. In addition to triggering ordinary income tax, a distribution that raises your gross income can bump up the proportion of your Social Security benefits that are subject to taxes.

How to File

If you find that part of your Social Security benefits will be taxable, you will need to file an income tax return using Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. If you expect to owe taxes, you should make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS or have taxes automatically withheld from your benefit payments.

To have the taxes withheld, you must complete IRS Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request (IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4v.pdf), and file it with your local Social Security office.

State Taxation

In addition to the federal government, nine states – Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia – tax Social Security benefits to some extent. If you live in one of these states, check with your state tax agency for details.

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.