Time to Clean out Your Wallet

Donna Nichols • June 7, 2023
A brown wallet filled with money and credit cards.

I was perusing the latest AARP bulletin and found so many great articles for blogs. This article is titled Wallet Audit and has some great ideas to keep your identity safe. Amy Nofziger is the author and has served as AARP’s director of fraud victim support for nearly two decades.


Amy says your wallet should be slim, light and contain very little. Most of the information we carry in our wallets is on our phones now, so we can clean those wallets out and have less for the crooks to take. Here are some suggestions to make your wallet lighter and safer.


Take only as much cash as you will need. No one carries a lot of cash anymore and you shouldn’t either. If you will be using cash for purchases, take only what you think you will need and perhaps a little bit more in case of an emergency.


Leave your Medicare card at home. Only carry your Medicare card when you have a doctor’s appointment that may require it. Should someone get a hold of your number, it may be used for any number of scams, including filing for false claims.


Never carry a blank check in your wallet. There isn’t much use for checks these days, so why leave yourself open to the possibility of someone getting your bank account information?


Carry one credit and one debit card ONLY. Leave any other cards at home. You shouldn’t need any more than one credit card or one debit card for anything you are buying. Imagine if you’re a crook and you found a wallet with five or so credit cards in it! WOO HOO! Jackpot! Don’t risk it!


Do NOT carry a house key in your wallet. If someone does get your wallet, they also have your address and can show up at your house at any time.


Copy the front and back of all the health and credit cards you choose to carry with you and store them in a safe place. This will ensure you have all the correct numbers in case your wallet does get stolen.


Remove any photos you may have in your wallet also. Why let the crooks have access to find out about your family or standard of living? Best to leave the photos on your phone.


Probably the most important! Remove your social security card! How many times have you needed to show your social security card? Your entire identity can be stolen if a crook gets your social security number, why risk it? Leave the card at home in a secure place.


It’s sad that we must continuously write blogs on scams and how to protect yourself. Even ten years ago it wasn’t as bad as it is now. I guess the crooks were learning new ways to scam and perfecting their ways. It’s such a sad world these days. That people would take advantage of our seniors is just despicable.



Please take care of our most vulnerable population and watch out for them! It takes all of us working together to help them thrive!

A person is holding a wallet full of credit cards.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.