The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Fourth of July Sales and what to buy and not buy in July

What are your July 4^th plans?

This year, three-quarters of consumers plan to celebrate Independence Day, down from 86 percent in 2019, according to a survey conducted for the American Retail Federation. Much of the decline is because fewer consumers plan to go to traditional celebrations such as a fireworks show. Only 24 percent said they plan to celebrate the Fourth by attending a community celebration, compared with 41 percent last year.

Consumers plan to spend $76 on average, which about the same as previous years. And more than half of consumers expect to plan a cookout or BBQ.

Independence Day sales

July 4^th sales are underway. It’s a good holiday for discounts and brings savings on many items, according to DealNews.com.

Tips for Father’s Day 2020

My dad was really good at guessing what was in his presents. One time, to fool him, I bought him a magazine subscription and I put it in a toy jack-in-the-box. When he turned the handle, boom. The clown delivered a note about the present. He was really surprised.

This year, in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, a lot of the activities we’d usually do with our dads, wouldn’t be a good choice for this year. For example, getting on an airplane to visit your dad is risky. Also, going to a restaurant with a large group of people isn’t advisable. Nor or hugs, unless you’ve been staying at home together.

But, you can order a present and make plans for a get together later.

Some gift ideas include:

• Tech gadgets. Apple iPad, Kindle or Nook, digital camera.
• Tools. Drills, rakes, hoes.
• Clothing. Shirts, ties, t-shirts, jackets. (For some dads, but not others.)
• Sporting goods. Book on sports, sports paraphernalia, new gear.
• Books. Check AARP’s list of summer reads.
• Music. Smart speaker, Apple AirPods.
• Photos. Favorite family photos, digital photo frame, photo book.
• Gift basket. Golf, fishing, grilling, baseball, brewing, coffee, beer, wine.
• Gift card. O.K. if you’re out of ideas.
• Limited funds. Small pocket knife, coffee mug with your photo, framed photo of you and your dad.

Baby boomers ponder these times

Photo: .RGB.

America is in turmoil. Millions of Americans are pouring out into the streets to protest the death of George Floyd, a black man who was murdered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when a police office pressed his knee on his neck until he died. All this in the middle of the covid-19 pandemic. 

I'm stressed. I don't know what's going to happen next. Police reform? I hope so. Millions more getting the coronavirus and thousands more dying of it? I hope not. 

I've decided what I'm going to do in these challenging times is make a large contribution on an organization that works to improve my community, including working on homeless issues.

Our boomer bloggers are writing about what's going on in America and what's going on in their lives:

Black Lives Matter

The Black Lives Matter protests are swelling throughout the nation. As she reached out to her friends of color, Carol Cassara of Heart·Mind·Soul has learned more about what it means to be an effective ally. In "How Much Do Black Lives Matter to You?" she relates an impactful dialogue she had with a female friend; one that made even more vivid what people of color face every day of their lives. 

Jennifer Koshak of Unfold and Begin has been struggling with a lot of emotions lately; sadness, anger, and outrage, to name just a few. She was sickened by the casual way in which a cop murdered George Floyd, and while she doesn't know exactly what to say, she does have something to say.

Something that happened to Laurie Stone of Musing, Rants & Scribbles five years ago seems as relevant today as it did back then. She was in her neighborhood grocery store when she encountered a tall, middle-aged African-American man stocking shelves. He had a cart full of product and part of it blocked her way. She looked at him, smiling, saying, “Excuse me.” He turned and gazed at her, his eyes hard, face tight and unsmiling. And that’s when she saw it.

Travel

Rebecca Olkowski with BabyBoomster.com attended the American Travel Trends Forum online with guest speakers Peter Greenberg, Samantha Brown, Andrew McCarthy, and others. The tourism industry has been heavily impacted by the pandemic with over 100 million out of work. What does it need to do to come back? Rebecca reports on some of their thoughts and findings.

Bathing suits

Quarantine, recession, protest marches. It has been a long week. But it is also summer and time to relax a bit and enjoy the season, the weather, the warmth. Meryl Baer of Six Decades and Counting obliges with an upbeat post about swim suits. Summer’s here and that means bathing suits.

Social Security

Tom Sightings at Sightings Over Sixty had occasion to check on his Social Security benefits – which we all know can often be complicated and sometimes confusing. So he turned to financial guru Jeremy Kisner to find some important Social Security FAQ's ... which will answer (almost) any question you ever had about Social Security, including if and when it will go bankrupt.

These articles make up the Best of Boomer Blogs #653. Be sure to check out the articles and leave a comment. Boomer bloggers love to hear from readers.

Copyright 2020, Rita R. Robison, Consumer and Personal Finance Journalist

What to buy and not buy at Memorial Day sales 2020

Memorial Day sales have begun, even though stores aren’t operating like they usually do due to the coronavirus pandemic. Shop online for safety or pick up items you’ve ordered from local retail stores.

Many states have opened retail stores, including Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Iowa. However, I wouldn’t take the risk to go shopping for clothes or other items yet. About a dozen states – Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Mississippi – have opened retail stores even though their coronavirus cases are going up or have plateaued rather than dropping. See this New York Times article on the reopening plans of states.

DealNews.com suggests consumers look for Memorial Day deals on:

Top Mother’s Day tips in the coronavirus pandemic era

In the past, I’ve written dozens of articles on how to celebrate Mother’s Day. However, this year is so different.

Instead of being in Madrid celebrating with my daughter and her family, I’m at home by myself, picking up groceries once a week as my only outing.

Fortunately, except for the people who have to work, you can still order things for Mother’s Day gifts. And, in some states, restaurants are opening. However, in Washington state where I live, we are still under Stay Home, Stay Healthy orders. I think it’s too early to go out to a restaurant, so I’m not putting that on my list.

Here are some suggestions:

• Set up a Zoom or Skype meeting with your mom. If she isn’t tech savvy, you may be able to help her get started by a phone call. If you live in the same city with your mom, you can continue your social distance visiting.
• Check local flower shops in your mom’s city to see which ones are delivering. Many are saying that wholesale supplies have been interrupted so selections may be limited. In addition, some are requesting that you order your flowers to be delivered on alternate date to support logistical constraints.
• Order pizza or a special dinner. Although most restaurants may be closed to dining, many are offering pickup and delivered meals. For example, in the Seattle area, you can order food from the Australian Pie Co., Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub, Frank’s Smokehouse, Vietnam Café and Sandwich, Sushi In Joy, Anthony’s Des Moines, Theo Chocolate, Dick’s Drive-In, Ivar’s Seafood Bars, Pagliacci, Red Robin, Tutta Bella, Canlis, Sunlight Café, and many other restaurants.
• Buy a gift card for your mom’s favorite restaurant, department store, or spa.
• Give her a themed gift basket with snacks and chocolates. Or, order a box of chocolates. The choices are endless.
• Make a spring wreath and hang it on your mom’s door when you drop off your gift and card.
• Get copies made of family photos you love and put them in an album.
• Give her the gift of an online cooking class.
• Schedule a virtual happy hour or play a game such as Scrabble over Zoom.
• Order several different wines so she can have a wine tasting and have them sent to her.
• Order her a kitchen herb garden kit.
• Buy her a new pair of pajamas or sweats and slippers, since that’s what we all seem to be wearing. Or, a new spa robe would be nice.
• Give her a “Best Mom” or “I Love You” mug.
• Get a diary for your mom so she can record how the 2020 coronavirus pandemic is unfolding.
• Give her a card with a letter setting up a date to for a special occasion such as a concert or trip to a museum.
• Order a book, if your mom is an avid reader.
• Look for jewelry that you think she might like, although the prices sometimes go up just before Mother’s Day.

Copyright 2020, Rita R. Robison, Consumer and Personal Finance Journalist

Facts and figures for Easter 2020

It's such a strange year for celebrating Easter Sunday. The coronavirus pandemic has shut down so much of the United States so that the usual Easter activities, such as attending church, aren't happening. In addition, about half of Americans say they won't be buying Easter candy, a new outfit, or Easter foods this year, according to a WalletHub survey.

Here's more information on the WalletHub Easter 2020 survey:

Source: WalletHub

 

Copyright 2020, Rita R. Robison, Consumer and Personal Finance Journalist

Baby boomers learn from staying home

On March 23, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee issued a stay-at-home order due to the covid-19 pandemic. About a week before that, I began staying at home because I concerned about getting sick. That means I’ve been at home for about three weeks now.

I’m doing well because on Feb. 25 a federal official advised Americans to prepare for a possible coronavirus outbreak where they live. Nancy Messonnier, M.D., director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said it wasn’t a matter of if an outbreak would happen, but when.

Another federal official said to prepare like you would for an earthquake or other natural disaster. I bought two weeks’ worth of groceries.

Then on March 16, I figured out I’d need groceries (and toilet paper) for a month.

Now, I’m able to order groceries for pick up from my local food co-op.

So, I’m doing well. I’m working on my book, “Follow the Money: My Life as a Money Journalist,” as well as writing articles for my blogs.

Gov. Inslee has extended the stay at home order until May 4, my birthday. However, I bet seniors will need to stay home longer.

Meanwhile, my boomer blogger group is writing about:

Staying home due to covid-19 is affecting Easter plans and spending, survey shows

About 68 percent of Americans who observe Easter say their Easter spending will be affected by the coronavirus this year, according to WalletHub’s “Coronavirus Easter Survey” released Monday.

Highlights of the report include:  

• Worshippers don’t want to stay home: 56 percent of Americans who went to church on Easter Sunday last year say they’ll go to church for Easter this year, if it’s open.
   
• Republicans are more likely to attend services: Republicans are almost three times more likely than Democrats to attend church on Easter this year, if it’s open.
   
• Pandemics make people appreciate family and health more: The coronavirus has made Americans most grateful for their family, 40 percent, followed by health, 29 percent, and freedom, 13 percent.
   
• Traditional Easter spending is down: Almost half of Easter-celebrating Americans are skipping candy, new outfits, and Easter foods this year, in contrast with prior years.
   
• Covid-19 itself is scarier than financial troubles: 68 percent of Americans are more worried about the coronavirus than the U.S. economy.
   
• Many Americans think lockdowns should last: About half of Americans believe that non-essential business, restaurants, and travel shouldn’t restart for at least three months.

More survey details from Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst:

90 mayors call for action for price gouging on critical coronavirus medical equipment

With the coronavirus spreading rapidly across the United States, government leaders and health care providers are frantically working to find enough gloves, masks, ventilators, and other medical equipment. However, an investigation by ProPublica and others shows that suppliers are using the crisis to increase prices exorbitantly.

According to the ProPublica story, New York, one of the states hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, has struggled to deal with skyrocketing prices of medical equipment including:

• 20 cents for gloves that would otherwise cost less than a nickel. 
• $7.50 each for masks – about 15 times the usual price.
• $2,795 for infusion pumps, more than twice the regular cost. 
• $248,841 for a portable X-ray machine that usually sells for $30,000 to $80,000.

“Every mask and surgical glove could prevent the transmission of this dangerous virus," said Matt Wellington, public health campaigns director for U.S. PIRG. "Every ventilator and oxygen tank could save a life. A fractured supply process is forcing states and hospitals to bid against each other to save the lives of their citizens and patients.”

What to buy and not buy in March

March can be a slow shopping month, especially if you compare it to February, with its Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Days sales. However, March isn't totally blank when it comes to sales.

Look for sales on television sets, cruises, luggage, winter sports gear, and seasonal fruit, according to DealNews.com.

On the what not to buy list are android phones, spring apparel, gym memberships, and lingerie.

Copyright 2020, Rita R. Robison, Consumer and Personal Finance Journalist