Monthly Archives: November 2019

Repairs

At Repair Cafe events – held nationwide. usually about once a month- volunteer coaches help you fix small appliances, lamps or whatever else you can carry in. Find events at RepairCafe.org/en/visit. Can’t wait? Get free expert advice for fixing just about anything at Fixya.com.

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Odds and ends

The Freecycle Network is a grassroots nonprofit movement providing a forum for giving and receiving free stuff in cities and neighborhoods across the country. Try Freecycle.org to locate a group near you. You can also get items for your home and garden on Craigslist; search for “free stuff.”

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Phone and internet

Folks with low incomes can get help paying for cellphone or landline service, as well as broadband, under a Federal Communications Commission program. The benefit is $9.25 per month toward your monthly bill. To check if you qualify, go to LifelineSupport.org.

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Home

Weatherization

The Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program covers costs to make homes more energy efficient, helping consumers save an average of $283 each year. Any recipient of Supplemental Security Income qualifies; otherwise, eligibility varies from state to state. For more info see Benefits.gov/benefit/580.

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Animal adventures for grandkids

Many zoos don’t charge admission fees for kids on selected days of the month. Search for the zoo of you choice to find out if and when.

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Museums

If you hold a Bank of America, Merrill Lynch or U.S. Trust credit card or debit card, search the site BankofAmerica.com for “museums on us”. Cardholders get one free on us. “Cardholders get one free admission to participating museums around the country on the first full weekend of each month.

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Credit monitoring

Sites such as WalletHub.com, CreditSesame.com and CreditKarma.com will monitor your credit score for free and let you know if something changes. Many other companies require payment after a trial period.

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Legal services

Federally funded programs, aimed at older people with a social or financial need, offer advice on a wide range of legal issues, including access to Social Security and Medicare. Check out ElderCare.acl.gov to locate aid in your area.

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