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Thrifty Cooking Ideas

Dear Heloise: I am thrifty in the kitchen. I rarely discard cooking water from any vegetables and even save pasta and potato water. In the fall, I make tasty vegetarian soup from all these liquids; add tomatoes, vegetables, beans and or grains/pasta. When my carrots got a little too old, I cooked them in enough water to cover, drained and pureed them in a blender, using the cooking liquid to get consistency. I froze the carrot puree in ice cube trays. I added several cubes to soup, stews, sauces, etc. Other things to freeze in ice cube trays: pesto, pimentos in their liquid, mashed ...

Researching Family History Exposes Old Murder Charges

DEAR ABBY: While researching my family, I discovered that my now-elderly mother was charged with the murder of a toddler 40 years ago, before I was born. She was never convicted and never mentioned it. However, after reading her testimony and things she’s said after the incident, I have no doubt she is guilty. This has me reeling because she has always been a great and loving mother. When she heard I was researching our family, she mentioned that I would find something unsavory and asked me to please not look into it because it’s in the past and she didn’t want it to tarnish my ...

Savvy Senior: Should I Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?

Dear Savvy Senior, My wife and I have thought about purchasing a long-term care insurance policy, but we hate the idea of paying expensive monthly premiums for a policy we may never use. Is there a good rule of thumb on who should or shouldn’t buy long-term care insurance? — Getting Old Dear Getting Old,There are two key factors you need to consider that can help you determine if purchasing a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy is a smart decision for you and your wife. One factor is your financial situation and second is your health history. Currently, around 8 million Americans ...

Getting Fruity

Dear Readers: The first Tuesday in October is National Fruit at Work Day. Fruit is defined as the edible part of a plant, derived from a flower. Fruit is a delicious, all-natural snack option that has no added sugar or calories, is high in fiber and provides a boost of energy to ward off the afternoon slump. Not a fan of the usual fruits? Eggplant, avocado, squash, tomatoes and olives are all considered fruit! It’s time to get healthier with some fruit for National Fruit at Work Day. So whether you’re working at home or the office, snack on some delicious fruit. — ...

Friendship Mysteriously Ends After 30-Year Relationship

DEAR ABBY: I need help moving past the end of a longtime friendship. I don’t know what happened. My friend, my former college roommate, just drifted away. After school we continued to be friends — not besties, but we would meet for coffee or dinner a few times a year. Fast-forward 25 years. She called me the day she left her husband, 10 years ago, to tell me the news. I was her emotional lifeline for a few days, and it was intense. We continued to be in touch a few times a year. Then, a few years ago, I sent a message suggesting we meet soon. She replied that she was busy but ...

Social Security Column: New Benefit Verification Letters

We are excited to announce the release of a new, standardized Benefit Verification letter. People receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can obtain their letter by using their personal my Social Security account. You can use the letter as proof of income for loans, housing assistance, mortgage, and other verification purposes. Please create your personal my Social Security account to access your new Benefit Verification letter online in a safe, quick, and convenient way without needing to contact us. People not receiving benefits can use ...