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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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Money

Pension recovery

Having trouble tracking down a pension you’re owed – maybe because your employer merged or changed owners? Get help from the Pension Rights Center at PensionRights.org.

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Dental Care

If you or a loved one doesn’t have dental coverage, look into Donated Dental Services, a network of dentists and labs across the country that provide free dental work for the elderly, medically fragile or disabled people who can’t afford dental care. Eligibility varies from state to state, and there may be a waiting list. For information see DentalLifeline.org.

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Fitness Tips

Run by the American Council on Exercise, the ACE Exercise Library offers a free trove of moves that target specific areas of the body. each comes with photos, to ensure proper form. At AceFitness.org click on Education; then, under For All, select Exercise Library.

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Peace of Mind

Search online for “UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center” to get free guided meditations (in English and Spanish) that you can practice on your own. SOme other no-cost mediation phone apps include InsightTimer and Stop, Breath & Think.

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Health

Cancer screening

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program helps low-income and underinsured women get lifesaving early screening and diagnostic services for breast and cervical cancers. To learn if you qualify and to locate a provider near you, go to cdc.gov/cancer and click on National Programs.

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