Sharing Valentine’s Day With Others - Q: My wife and I have been talking about celebrating the upcoming Valentine's Day. During our 30 years of marriage, we have usually enjoyed moonlight dinners, going to a concert or taking a short vacation. However, this year, we would like to do something extra and share our blessings with others. What would you suggest?

Social Security’s Most Misunderstood Rule - Regular readers of my column know that over the years, I've dealt with many misunderstandings that people have about their Social Security benefits. In fact, I just wrote a column a couple of weeks ago that dealt with many of these misconceptions. But I can tell from the hundreds of emails I've received as a result of that column that there is one issue people get wrong more than any other.

Yes, Social Security Is an “Entitlement” -- Literally - "That's what's wrong with our country today. We have an entitlement culture. Everyone thinks they are due something from the government."

Scam Warfare - You need to take action immediately. Senior scams are escalating. The largest scams focus on identify theft, debt collection, Internet services, prizes, auctions and foreign money requests.

My Life as a Freeloader - Q: I thought the column you wrote criticizing people for what you called "disability bashing" was very worthwhile and well-spoken. People do become disabled and need assistance. Social Security's real problems are those freeloading families who get benefits from a deceased parent.
What’s With the Disability Bashing? - "We all know that if we cut their government checks, most of these deadbeats would go out and get a job the next day!" That is total poppycock on a number of different levels. And I'll use today's column to explain why.

Dear Doug: Money Can't Buy Happiness - Q: Our daughter-in-law is a spendthrift and keeps our son on a financial and emotional edge with her excessive spending for her family's "needs and wants." About every six months, our son is forced to ask us for a loan in order to make their ends meet. Of course, our loan no longer means a loan — it has become a gift! What's our solution?

First Year of Retirement Rule May Help - Q: I have just turned 62 and will get my first Social Security check in October. I actually retired several years ago, but I still do a bit of consulting. So far this year, I've made about $11,000. I know I can make $14,160 once I'm on Social Security. So, does that mean I could make $14,160 between October and December?

◊Considering Taking Social Security Early? Think About What This Might Mean for Your Spouse

Dear Doug: Enjoy Your Now Now - Is anyone surprised we are getting hooked on the dollar stores? Should we use our backup savings to buy a car or larger TV? Will prices be cheaper next year? What is your take?

More Internet Lies Uncovered - I covered about half of the attacks last week. This week, I am looking at more misleading allegations and more hard facts.

Aging Lifestyles - Politicians and just plain citizens have been accusing the press for nearly everything these days. Bring back the good old days of fair newspaper reporting, the critics say. Just when were those days?

When Are You Too Old? - When is "too old"? At what age do we give up? At 100?  At 88?  How about 103?  It can become a very important question..

Aging Smokers Lose Muscle - More bad news for smokers. A new study says aging smokers lose more muscle mass than non-smokers.

How Much Do You Really Know about Alzheimer's? - A lot of Americans still don't know much about Alzheimer's Disease. Here's a quick quiz that may help.

Life Is Like a Bank Account - A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is blind, moved to a nursing home today.

Seniors: Recognize, Avoid Telemarketing Scams - With fraudulent telemarketers directing 56 percent to 80 percent of their calls at older Americans, here are tips to help seniors and their caregivers avoid being victims of telemarketing fraud.

How Much Music Can You Make - Imagine this. A concert violinist is performing a difficult piece in front of a large audience. Suddenly there is a loud snap that reverberates throughout the auditorium. This is a story that has more to do with life than with music.

Keeping Grandkids Happy on Visits - From our experience with 11 grandchildren, we've put together a list of how to keep children happy for a weekend.

Take Small Steps To Lower Your Risk For Type 2 Diabetes - Here is how to alter the most common risk factors for type 2 diabetes, with a goal of prevention. By the acting director of National Institute of Diabetes.

How Much Music Can You Make - Imagine this. A concert violinist is performing a difficult piece in front of a large audience. Suddenly there is a loud snap that reverberates throughout the auditorium. This is a story that has more to do with life than with music.

Be an Adopted Grandmother - Touch the life of a child and be an adopted "grandma." Look for a single mother or a mother in need.