THIS PROGRAM IS MADE BY MPT TO ENRICH ALL OF OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES AND IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR MEMBERS.

THANK YOU.

LIVE FROM MARYLAND PUBLIC TELEVISION, THIS IS "DIRECT CONNECTION" WITH JEFF SALKIN.

*] >> JEFF: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO YOUR "DIRECT CONNECTION."

IT IS NATIONAL MAKE A WILL MONTH.

TONIGHT WE'LL GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT WHO NEEDS TO PUT THEIR LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT AND MAYBE OTHER THINGS IN WRITING.

JOINING US IN THE STUDIO IS ATTORNEY SAHMRA STEVENSON.

THANK YOU TO BE BEING HERE.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HAVING BE.

>> Jeff: THE BIG QUESTION WHY DO PEOPLE NEED TO HAVE A WILL WHEN SO MANY PEOPLE DON'T HAVE ONE.

>> SO MANY PEOPLE DON'T HAVE ONE.

76% OF AMERICANS DO NOT HAVE A WILL TODAY AND THAT IS A LARGE NUMBER IT SPEAKS TO THE BROAD MISCONCEPTION ABOUT WHO AND WHEN.

WHO ESTATE PLANNING APPLIES TO AND WHEN THE QUESTIONS NEED TO BE ANSWERED.

THE ANSWER IS IF YOU ARE OVER THE AGE OF 18 ESTATE PLANNING APPLIES TO YOU AND IT'S TIME TO TALK ABOUT THAT.

>> FOR THAT 76% WHO DON'T HAVE IT, IF SOMETHING BAD BEFALLS THEM AND THEY PASS ON, WHAT HAPPENS TO THEIR ASSETS?

>> WELL, WHEN SOMEONE PASSES AWAY WITHOUT A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT A MAN OR WOMAN AND CREATE A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT THEY ARE SAID TO HAVE DIED INTESTTATE AND IT WILL APPLY HOW THINGS ARE HANDLED.

WHEN YOU DON'T MAKE A PLAN THE STATE HAS A PLAN FOR YOU AND IN THE CASE OF DEATH THE LAWS IN THE STATE WHERE YOU PASS AWAY.

>> Jeff: IS THAT NECESSARILY A BAD THING?

ARE THE LAWS IF I SAID THAT RIGHT, UNREASONABLE IN SOME RESPECT?

>> I DON'T KNOW IF WE SAY BAD GOOD OR BAD.

IT'S JUST MORE ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT WE UNDERSTAND WHAT IS AT STAKE.

THE MORE WE KNOW THE MORE WE CAN CONTROL THE FLOW OF THE ASSETS AND THE FLOW OF POWER AND CONTROL OVER WHO IS MAKING DECISIONS.

YOU MENTIONED END OF LIFE BUT INCAPACITY IS PART OF THIS CONVERSATION WHICH IS WHERE I THINK PEOPLE GET MISLED BY THE TERM ESTATE PLANNING.

ESTATE IT HAS TO DO WITH ASSETS OR ACCUMULATION OF WEALTH.

I WOULD ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TALK ABOUT IT AS LIFE PLANNING PART OF A CONVERSATION WE NEED TO HAVE AS HOW LIFE IS GOING TO GO AND IF WE CAN'T MAKE DECISIONS FOR OURSELVES AND HOW OUR VALUES WILL BE UPHELD AND RESPECTED IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

>> Jeff: HOW DIFFICULT IS IT FOR PEOPLE TO SIT DOWN WITH YOU AND MAKE ALL THOSE QUESTIONS DECISIONS ABOUT QUESTIONS THAT NONE OF US REALLY WANT TO FACE?

>> IT CAN BE VERY, VERY DIFFICULT.

THERE CAN BE A LOT OF APPREHENSION TO TALKING ABOUT END OF LIFE BECAUSE SUPERSTITIONS OR UNCOMMON FOR THABILITY.

MAYBE FEELING OVERWHELMED BY MAKING THOSE DECISIONS IT CAN BE DIFFICULT.

MY JOB AS AN ATTORNEY WITH STEIN SPERLING TO HELP PEOPLE NAVIGATE WALKING THROUGH AND MAKING THOSE DECISIONS SIMPLER.

BITING OFF SMALLER PORTIONS.

THINKING ABOUT THINGS IN TERMS OF SHORTER PERIODS OF TIME FOR EXAMPLE.

ONE OF THE MAJOR DECISIONS THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO MAKE WHEN THEY HAVE MINOR CHILDREN IS GUARDIANSHIP.

CHOOSING A GUARDIAN TO LOOK AFTER YOUR CHILD IN THE EVENT YOU ARE NOT HERE TO DO THAT.

THINKING ABOUT THAT IN TERMS OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE CAN BE AGAIN OVERWHELMING.

BUT IF WE TAKE IT INTO A SMALLER CHUNK AND SAY WHAT ARE WE OKAY WITH FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS.

BECAUSE ANYBODY IS BETTER THAN WHAT THE STATE'S PLAN IS FOR YOU WHAT IS CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES.

>> Jeff: IT SEEMS LIKE SOMEWHERE ON THE PLANET GENERALLY IN HOLLYWOOD THERE'S ALWAYS A BIG CELEBRITY ESTATE BATTLE GOING ON.

SOME CELEBRITY PASSED AWAY AND SOMEBODY IS CONTESTING IT.

HOW OFTEN DOES THAT HAPPEN FOR NORMAL PEOPLE?

>> ALL THE TIME.

IF IT CAN HAPPEN TO CELEBRITIES IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANY OF US.

PEOPLE GO FROM GRIEF TO GREED QUICKLY.

MAKING SURE WE HAVE PLANS IN PLACE AND UPDATING THE PLANS.

YOUR ESTATE PLAN SHOULD GROW WITH YOU.

AS CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AS PEOPLE CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE YOU SHOULD BE MAKING THOSE CHANGES TO YOUR ESTATE PLAN AS WELL.

A LOT OF TIMES WE SEE THE CONTROVERSIES COME INTO PLAY WHEN PEOPLE HAVEN'T UPDATED SOMETHING AND A LONG PERIOD OF TIME HAS PASSED AND THINGS HAVE CHANGED NOW WE HAVE PEOPLE LEFT BEHIND WHO HAVE ISSUE WITH HOW THINGS HAVE BEEN LEFT.

>> Jeff: THERE'S SOMETHING CALLED A WILL SUBSTITUTE.

WHAT IS THAT?

>> A WILL SUBSTITUTE.

>> Jeff: YES IN WAYS OF ENTITLED BANKS ACCOUNTS SO IT PASSES WITHOUT GOING THROUGH THE INTESTY SYSTEM.

>> THERE'S AVENUES PEOPLE LOVE TO AVOID PROBATE PEOPLE IN MY OFFICE SAY I WANT TO CREATE A TRUST BECAUSE I WANT TO AVOID PROBATE THERE IS NO WAY TO AVOID PROBATE EXCEPT NOT TO DIE.

>> Jeff: SIGN ME UP.

>> THERE'S TOOLS WE CAN HELP SIDESTEP PROBATE OR SORT EN THE PROCESS.

ONE OF THE THINGS TRANSFER ON DEATH OR SETTING ACCOUNTS UP SO THAT SOMEONE CAN TAKE IMMEDIATE CONTROL OVER A BANK ACCOUNT OR A TYPE OF ACCOUNT OR ASSET WITHOUT HAVING TO HAVE THE COURTS GET INVOLVED.

YES, THAT IS ONE AVENUE TO GO IN.

I WOULD SAY AS AN ATTORNEY IT'S NOT THE FULL-PROOF WAY TO GO WITH REGARDS TO PLANNING.

AGAIN, THERE'S NO RIGHT OR WRONG EVERYTHING WILL BE BASED ON AN INDIVIDUAL NEED BASIS FOR AN INDIVIDUAL OR A FAMILY.

BUT WHAT YOU LEAVE WHAT I FIND WHEN PEOPLE RELY ON TRANSFER ON DEATH IS HAVING JOINT ACCOUNTS THERE IS NO BACK UP TO THAT BACK UP PLAN.

CREATING AN ESTATE PLAN OR IF YOUR GOAL IS TO AVOID PROBATE OR THE ESTATE ADMINISTRATION PROCESS OR THE COURTS BEING INVOLVED USING ESTATE PLANNING TOOLS LIKE CREATING A LIVING TRUST WHICH ELIMINATES THE COURT'S NEED TO BE INVOLVED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OR REDUCE IT IS GREATLY.

>> Jeff: REMIND OUR VIEWERS IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT WILLS AND TRUSTS AND ESTATES SEND AN E-MAIL TO LIVE QUESTIONS AT MPT.ORG.

LET'S TALK ABOUT CONGRESS WHICH LIKES TO CHANGE TAX LAWS ALL THE TIME THEY DID IT AGAIN.

HOW DOES THAT AFFECT YOUR AVERAGE CLIENT AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN STATE LAWS DON'T CHANGE AT THE SAME TIME?

>> SO THE BIG BIG, WHICH IS IN THE NEWS LATELY AND IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD ABOUT THE INHERITANCE CHANGE TO THE EXEMPTION TO INHERITANCE TAX THE FEDERAL LEVEL BEING TO $15 MILLION WHICH IS SAFE TO SAY NOT MANY PEOPLE FALL INTO THAT CATEGORY AND THE CONSEQUENCE FOR ME AS A TRUST AND ESTATES ATTORNEY THE CONSEQUENCE FOR THAT FOR ME IS REALLY TRYING TO MAKE SURE I EMPHASIZE THAT ESTATE PLANNING GOES BEYOND TAX PLANNING.

THAT MIGHT BE THE GOAL FOR SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE GETTING INVOLVED WITH CREATING AN ESTATE PLAN.

BUT THERE ARE THINGS THAT GO BEYOND THAT WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING A PLAN.

I ENCOURAGE CLIENTS TO BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND.

WHAT IS YOUR END OBJECTIVE.

AVOIDING TAXES MIGHT NOT BE WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO DO.

MAYBE IT'S CREATING PRIVACY AROUND YOUR ASSETS.

MAYBE IT'S CREATING EASE AND ELIMINATING THE NEEDS FOR ATTORNEYS FEES AND COURT COSTS FOR YOUR FAMILY AS THEY ARE TRYING TO SETTLE THINGS AFTER YOU ARE GONE.

>> Jeff: THERE'S SPECIAL URGENCY FOR LGBTQ FOLKS TO PAY ATTENTION TO THIS STUFF THIS YEAR.

WHY IS THAT?

>> WELL, THAT IS LOOKING AT FORWARD THINKING TOWARDS WHAT THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROTECTIONS AROUND LGBTQ FAMILIES, SPECIFICALLY WITH THE RESPECT TO GAY MARRIAGE AND WHETHER OR NOT THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS GOING TO CHANGE AT A FEDERAL LEVEL.

I THINK THAT REALLY LENDS ITSELF TO A CONVERSATION THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IN LGBTQ FAMILIES ABOUT HOW DO WE MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE PLANNED FOR ACCURATELY NO MATTER THE CHANGE IN THE LAW.

AND ALSO, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT WITH THE CHANGE IN THE FEDERAL LAW IS GOING TO CREATE SOME DIFFICULTIES WITH THERE BEING FLUIDITY ACROSS STATE LINES MAKING SURE YOU ARE PLANNING WITH REGARDS TO NOT ONLY WHERE YOU ARE LIVING BUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN OTHER STATES THAT YOU MIGHT END UP HAVING TO USE YOUR DOCUMENTS IN.

>> Jeff: VIEWER QUESTION WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS, IF ANY, OF A MEDICAID TRUST?

AND HOW MUCH DO THEY COST TO SETUP?

I SHOULD ASK YOU THAT GENERALLY ABOUT WILLS IN TERMS OF MEDICATE TRUSTS.

>> MEDICAID AND MEDICARE ASSET PLANNINGS TALKING ABOUT THIS IS A TYPE OF PLANNING THAT LOOKS AT MAKING SURE THAT YOU ARE GOING TO QUALIFY FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS IN THE EVENT THAT YOU FALL ILL AND WILL NEED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY OR IN-HOME CARE.

WHATEVER THE CASE MAYBE.

MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PLANNING TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO LOOK BACK HAS A FIVE-YEAR LOOK BACK PERIOD AS TO WHAT ASSETS YOU HAVE AND YOUR BELONGING TO QUALIFY YOU FOR MEDICAID.

AND WHEN WE GET INTO MEDICAID PLANNING ONE OF THE ADVANTAGES TO THAT IS THAT WE'RE MAKING SURE THAT PEOPLE ARE PROTECTING THE ASSETS THEY HAVE IN A TIMELY INFORMATION.

MAKING SURE THAT FIVE-YEAR LOOK BACK PERIOD DOESN'T CREATE A SITUATION WHERE THEY NEED TO SPEND DOWN THE ASSETS THEY HAVE.

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THOSE BENEFITS.

>> Jeff: WHAT DOES ALL THIS COST?

AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE ME A SPECIFIC NUMBER BUT PEOPLE WILL SEE ADS ON-LINE FOR FREE OR LOW COST WILL PREPARATION SERVICES.

AND THOUGHTS ON WHETHER THAT MAKES SENSE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND WHAT IT COSTS TO HAVE A PROFESSIONAL DO A CUSTOM APPROACH?

>> SURE.

AT THE END OF THE DAY A LOT OF TIMES YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

IF THE PRICE SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE YOU SHOULD BE QUESTIONING THAT FOR GOOD REASON.

IT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN'T GET WHAT YOU NEED, IT MEANS YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION.

SO GENERALLY SPEAKING, YOUR WILL A COMPLETE PLANNING IS GOING TO BE NOT JUST A PIECEMEAL DOCUMENT LIKE A WILL IT WILL BE A WILL, POWER OF ATTORNEY, MEDICAL ADVANCED DIRECTIVE, HIPA WAIVERS THAT RELATE TO YOUR MEDICAL ADVANCED DIRECTIVE LIVING WILL AND THOSE DOCUMENTS IN A COMPLETE PLANNING PACKAGE WILL BE BETWEEN $1500 AND $2,000.

THIS IS GOING TO BE TO VARY ACROSS WHETHER YOU ARE WORKING WITH A LARGE FIRM, A SMALL FIRM WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING TO GET OUT OF THE EXPERIENCE.

YOUR TRUST PLANNING IS GOING TO START AROUND $3500 AND $4,000 AND CAN RANGE UP TO 12, 15,000.

>> Jeff: WHO NEEDS TO HAVE A TRUST?

>> THE COMPLEX PLANNING PART?

>> Jeff: JUST TO SETUP ANY TRUST.

>> IT IS A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.

I AM A REAL ADVOCATE FOR REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST IT IS A TOOL THAT HELPS FAMILIES WITH PLANNING AND HELP STREAMLINE THINGS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION THAT IS COMING BEHIND THEM.

THERE ARE GREAT WAY TO KEEP YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION OUT OF THE COURT'S PURVIEW.

ONE THING PEOPLE -- ONE THING PEOPLE COMMONLY DON'T REALIZE IS THAT A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT IS PUBLIC RECORD.

IT IS FOR YOUR EYES ONLY WHILE YOU ARE LIVING ONCE YOU PASS AWAY FOR AN ESTATE ADMINISTRATION CASE TO BE OPENED IN YOUR NAME AN ORIGINAL COPY OF YOUR WILL NEEDS TO BE FILED WITH THE ORPHANS COURT AND IT BECOMES A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD IT MIGHT MATTER TO YOU OR NOT.

WALK DOWN TO THE COURTHOUSE AND NOW YOU GET ON-LINE AND DOWNLOAD IT FOR $2.50.

IT'S SOMETHING TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU CREATE A TRUST ONE OF THE UTILITIES IS ITS PRIVACY AND NOT SOMETHING THAT THE COURT GETS INVOLVED WITH.

>> Jeff: ASIDE FROM PLANNING TO DEAL WITH THIS, AT THE RIGHT TIME, WHAT OTHER BIG MISTAKES DO PEOPLE MAKE?

>> NOT HAVING THE CONVERSATIONS NOT HAVING THE FAMILY CONVERSATIONS NOT INVOLVING EVERYBODY THAT THEY NEED TO IN THE PLANNING PROCESS.

SO I REALLY, ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO FIND A WAY TO BE CONFIDENTLY VULNERABLE WHEN TALKING TO FAMILY MEMBERS.

CONFIDENTLY VULNERABLE.

I HAVE MY 200 2-AND-A-HALF AND I HAVE AN OLDER MOM WHO I'M CARING FOR.

I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE I SHOULDN'T SAY IT LIKE THAT.

HOWEVER, THESE CONVERSATIONS WE NEED TO HAVE ABOUT HOW WE'RE GOING TO CARE FOR EACH OTHER A LARGER FAMILY CONVERSATION.

>> Jeff: WE WILL LEAVE IT THERE.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

AARP IS OUT WITH THE ANNUAL LIST OF 99 WAYS TO SAVE.

WE SPOKE RECENTLY WITH DAVID BRINDLEY.

>> WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE MONEY SAVING IDEA THIS YEAR?

>> WELL, IT'S HARD TO CHOOSE FROM 99.

BUT MY FAVORITE ONE IS HAS TO DO WITH CELLPHONES.

RATHER THAN IF YOUR BATTERY IS GOING KAPUT, RATHER THAN BUYING A NEW CELLPHONE WHICH CAN COST HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IF YOU REPLACE YOUR BATTERY ITSELF KEEP THE CELLPHONE THAT WILL GIVE EXTEND THE LIFE OF THE CELLPHONE AND YOU SAVE MONEY.

>> Jeff: I AM THERE.

I AM ROCKING THE UP-TO-DATE IPHONE 13 AT THIS POINT.

AND YOU KNOW THERE IS AN APP WHERE YOU CAN SEE HOW YOUR BATTERY IS DETERIORATED.

AND DOWN TO 80%.

BUT I'M NOT QUITE AT THE POINT TO SPEND, I DON'T KNOW, $80, $90 TO UPDATE IT.

INTERESTING DECISION POINT.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

YEAH.

I'VE REPLACED MINE I HAVE IPHONE 11 AND I REPLACED MINE LAST YEAR.

>> Jeff: YOU ARE AHEAD OF ME FOR FRUGALITY.

LOOKING AT THE LIST OF 99 IDEAS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT JUMPED OUT WAS THE IDEA THAT TODAY'S STATE-OF-THE-ART CELLPHONE HAS WAY MORE PROCESSING POWER THAN YOUR EVER GOING TO NEED.

LIKE LAST YEAR'S MODEL WOULD BE JUST FINE.

>> THAT'S ABSOLUTELY THE CASE.

AND LAST YEAR'S MODEL IS TYPICALLY CHEAPER THAN THE NEW MODELS THAT WILL COME OUT THIS FALL.

IF YOU ARE WILLING TO SACRIFICE A LITTLE BIT OF THAT PROCESSING POWER YOU CAN SAVE PROBABLY HUNDREDS OF BUCKS.

>> Jeff: YOU ALSO RECOMMEND TAKING A LOOK AT THE OFF BRAND CELLPHONE NETWORKS.

WHICH ARE ACTUALLY RUNNING ON THE CELLPHONE NETWORKS OF THE THREE MAJOR COMPANIES FOR THE MOST PART.

ARE THEY NOT?

>> ABSOLUTE, YES THEY ARE.

AND YOU CAN TRY TO GET A TRIAL RUN IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING COMFORTABLE ABOUT DOING ONE OF THE OFF ONES THEY CAN GIVE YOU A TRIAL RUN TO MAKE SURE THE COVERAGE IN YOUR AREA IS SUFFICIENT.

BUT IT IS A GREAT WAY TO SAVE MONEY.

>> Jeff: LET'S GO TO THE GROCERY STORE.

EVERYBODY GOES TO THE GROCERY STORE.

HOW DO WE SAVE MONEY BUYING GROCERIES?

>> HERE IS A TIP THAT I DIDN'T REALIZE AND I LEARNED DOING THIS COVER STORY.

SO A LOT OF DRORSRY STORES PUT THE PRICE HERE ITEMS AT EYE LEVEL.

IF YOU LOOK UP AND LOOK BELOW THOSE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND CHEAPER PRODUCTS.

AND ANOTHER WAY TO SAVE AT THE GROCERY STORE IS USE THE SELF CHECK OUT LANE YOU CAN AVOID THOSE LAST-MINUTE IMPULSE BUYS WHILE YOU ARE WAITING FOR THE CASHIER AND SCANNING YOUR ITEMS IF SOMETHING COSTS MORE THAN YOU EXPECTED YOU CAN PUT THAT ASIDE AND SAVE MONEY IMMEDIATELY.

>> Jeff: I'M GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE CLOSER NOTE OF MY NEXT TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE ABOUT WHAT IS AT EYE LEVEL.

I BELIEVE THAT MANUFACTURERS PAY FOR PROMINENT SHELF LOCATIONS.

I'VE HEARD THAT.

>> I'VE HEARD THAT AS WELL, YEAH.

>> Jeff: SO THE BIG BRAND NAME IS IN FRONT OF YOU AND YOU LOOK HIGHER OR LOWER THERE MIGHT BE A BETTER DEAL THAT IS THE IDEA?

>> YEAH, ABSOLUTELY.

IT IS AN EASY WAY.

AND YOU CAN ALWAYS GO FOR THAT PRICIER ONE.

BUT IT'S GREAT TO HAVE OPTIONS.

>> Jeff: HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT STORE BRANDS?

SO I KNOW YOU ARE IN THE WASHINGTON METRO AREA AND WE HAVE THE GIANT FOOD CHAIN AROUND HERE.

I'M A HUGE FAN OF THEIR BOXES OF STORE BRAND RAISINS.

LIKE 100 CALORIES YOU GET SIX FOR $2.

IT'S A LOT CHEAPER, SMALL SAVINGS BUT COMPARED TO THE FAMOUS NATIONAL BRAND IT IS A GOOD DEAL.

SO THAT'S WHAT I HAVE IN MY PANTRY.

>> THAT'S IN FACT ONE OF OUR TIPS IS TO LOOK AT THE STORE BRANDS AND TO CONSIDER BUYING THOSE.

BECAUSE OFTEN THEY ARE JUST AS GOOD QUALITY AND YOU CAN SAVE A LOT OF MONEY OVER THE COURSE OF AN ENTIRE YEAR.

>> Jeff: NOW AT THE SAME TIME I AM A FAN OF CHEERIOS AND I HAVE NOT BEEN FRUGAL TO THE POINT OF TRYING TO THE STORE BRAND CHEERFUL OATS OR WHATEVER THEY CALL IT.

>> RIGHT.

BUT THAT IS A CHOICE.

YOU SPEND A LITTLE BIT MORE ON YOUR CHEERIOS BUT SAVE MONEY ON YOUR RAISINS.

AND EVERYONE WINS.

>> Jeff: THE ARTICLE TALKS ABOUT DIGITAL COUPONS AND I HAVE NOT DONE THAT YET.

I WILL TYPE MY PHONE NUMBER INTO THE MACHINE BECAUSE THAT'S YOU SAVE A FEW BUCKS EVERY TRIP.

DIGITAL COUPONS SEEMS LIKE AT THIS POINT FOR ME LIKE A BRIDGE TOO FAR.

I DON'T WANT TO TAKE THAT EXTRA STEP.

DO YOU THINK IT'S WORTH IT?

>> I PERSONALLY FIND IT USEFUL.

WHEN I GO TO MY PHARMACY I WILL CHECK I HAVE THE APP ON MY PHONE, I WILL CHECK TO SEE WHAT IS ON SALE THAT WEEK.

IF THERE'S SOMETHING I'M PLANNING TO BUY I WILL CHECK THAT COUPON AND IT SENDS IT TO MY CARD AND THE AUTOMATICALLY DEDUCTED FROM THE OVERALL TOTAL.

I THINK IT IS A GREAT WAY.

>> Jeff: LET'S TURN TO TRAVEL.

TRAVEL IS NOT CHEAP RIGHT NOW.

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST IDEAS FOR SAVING MONEY ON TRIPS?

>> WELL, IF YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY, THE KEY TO SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL THE KEY IS FLEXIBILITY.

SO RATHER THAN GOING AT PEAK HOURS IF YOU WILLING TO TAKE A PLANE EARLY IN THE MORNING OR A TRAIN LATER AT NIGHT, YOU CAN OFTEN GET A MUCH BETTER DEAL ON THE FARE.

PLUS IF YOUR FLIGHT IS OVERBOOKED AND YOU HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY GO AHEAD AND VOLUNTEER FOR THAT NEXT FLIGHT.

YOU'LL OFTEN GET A GREAT VOUCHER FROM THE AIRLINE SAY UP TO $1,000 PER PERSON THAT YOU CAN USE ON A LATER TRIP AND YOU CAN ALSO ASK FOR FREE UPGRADES LIKE TRY TO FLY FIRST CLASS.

>> Jeff: HOW FAR DO YOU TAKE THE IDEA OF TRAVELING OFF PEAK?

EVERYBODY WANTS TO GO TO THE MOST POPULAR PLACE AT THE MOST POPULAR TIME.

NOBODY WANTS TO GO TO ALASKA IN JANUARY.

ARE YOU SAYING GO TO ALASKA AND SEE THE SIGHTS IN JANUARY BECAUSE IT'S DARK ALL THE TIME?

>> NO, THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.

RATHER THAN LOOKING ONLY AT FLIGHTS DURING PEAK TIMES DURING A PARTICULAR DAY, CONSIDER GOING EARLIER IN THE MORNING OR LATER AT NIGHT AND ALSO CONSIDER TAKING RATHER THAN A DIRECT FLIGHT WHICH CAN BE VERY COSTLY, ADD ONE STOP AND YOU'LL LIKELY SAVE A LOT OF MONEY ON THAT PLANE RESERVATION.

>> Jeff: OFF PEAK IS TRUE ON AMTRAK IF YOU DON'T MIND WEIRD HOURS.

ONE THING RELATED TO TRAVEL ON YOUR 99 IDEA LIST, WAS TO MAKE USE OF YOUR CREDIT CARD POINTS OR MILES OR WHATEVER THEY ARE CALLED, BECAUSE THEY ARE ACTUALLY WASTING ASSET.

THEY MAYBE DECLINING IN VALUE.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I RECALL I THINK WE SAY THAT UP TO 25% OF PEOPLE DIDN'T USE ANY OF THEIR POINTS LAST YEAR.

SO WE RECOMMEND GO AHEAD AND USING THOSE BEFORE THEY DECLINE IN VALUE.

WE TAKE THE APPROACH EARN AND BURN.

>> Jeff: WHAT OTHER EVERYDAY DECISIONS THAT PEOPLE MAKE ARE COSTING THEM MONEY, MAYBE WASTING A LITTLE BIT OF MONEY?

>> SURE.

WELL, WHEN IT COMES TO ELECTRICITY, THIS MAYBE SURPRISING.

BUT SOME APPLIANCES WHEN LEFT PLUGGED IN, ARE STILL DRAINING ELECTRICITY FROM THE GRID.

SAY FOR EXAMPLE, YOUR TELEVISION OR YOUR COMPUTER.

WE RECOMMEND UNPLUGGING THOSE OR BETTER, PUT THEM ON A SURGE PROTECTER AND TURN THE SURGE PROTECTER OFF WHEN YOU ARE NOT USING THEM THAT WAY YOU CAN SAVE UP TO 10% ON YOUR OVERALL ELECTRICITY.

>> Jeff: I CAN SEE THAT.

THE CABLE BOX IS RUNNING.

THE TV IS DOING STUFF.

I WONDER ABOUT BATTERY CHARGERS.

I'VE HEARD THAT ABOUT THE LITTLE CUBE THING THAT YOU PLUG IN TO CHARGE YOUR CELLPHONE THAT CAN'T BE DRAWING THAT MUCH POWER.

>> IT CAN'T.

BUT I DON'T THINK IT DOES THAT MUCH.

BUT IT DOESN'T HURT TO UNPLUG IT.

JUST AS A FIRE SAFETY.

>> Jeff: LET'S TALK ABOUT THE BIG BILLS THAT PEOPLE PAY THE MORTGAGE FOR EXAMPLE.

WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO TO SAVE MONEY ON THAT?

>> HERE IS A GREAT WAY TO MAKE YOUR MONEY REALLY SMART WAY TO MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK HARDER FOR YOU.

PAY HALF YOUR MONTHLY MORTGAGE EVERY TWO WEEKS.

BY THE END OF THE YEAR, YOU WILL HAVE MADE AN ADDITIONAL MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENT THAT EXTRA PAYMENT GOES TO YOUR PRINCIPLE AND CUTS DOWN ON THE AMOUNT OF NOT ONLY THE AMOUNT OF INTEREST AT THAT TIME HAD YOU HAVE TO PAY BUT ALSO YOU WILL LIKELY PAY THE LOAN OFF FASTER.

>> Jeff: YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES WHO PUT THIS LIST TOGETHER LIKE CASH.

I BELIEVE IN CASH BUT I TELL YOU KIDS TODAY HAVE NO USE FOR CASH.

WHY DO YOU LIKE CASH?

>> WELL, STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT PEOPLE PAY REGULARLY WITH CASH SPEND LESS MONEY.

MAYBE THAT IS BECAUSE YOU'RE MORE HESITANT TO PULL YOUR WALLET OUT AND PLUNK DOWN $20 BILLS.

ANOTHER WAY TO SAVE IS SMALL BUSINESSES ARE PASSING ON THE CREDIT CARD FEES THAT THEY ARE GETTING TO THEIR CUSTOMERS.

BUT IF YOU PAY CASH, YOU WON'T HAVE TO PAY THOR CREDIT FEES THE ALL.

>> Jeff: NO BETTER EXAMPLE THAN THE GAS STATION.

THEY PUT IT ON THE SIGN OUT FRONT THERE IS A CREDIT PRICE AND A CASH PRICE.

>> EXACTLY, YES.

>> Jeff: SPEAKING OF DRIVING, WHEN IT COMES TO AUTO INSURANCE WHICH IS ANOTHER BIG BILL, YOU LIKE THE IDEA OF ALLOWING THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO INSTALL OR HAVING SOME OTHER MECHANISM FOR THEM TO MONITOR YOUR DRIVING.

I MEAN I AM FRUGAL BUT I HAVE NOT DONE THAT ONE, BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE I LIKE THE IDEA THAT THE STATE FARM GUY IS GOING TO EFFECTIVELY BE SITTING WITH ME IN THE CAR ALL THE TIME.

>> THAT IS A MECHANISM THAT THEY INSTALL AND CAN MONITOR YOUR DRIVING AND MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE NOT SPEEDING AND NOT RUNNING RED LIGHTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT WHICH MOST PEOPLE DON'T DO.

SO IF YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH HAVING A BIG BROTHER WATCHING ARE EVERY MOVE YOU CAN SAVE A LOT OF MONEY ON YOUR CAR INSURANCE.

>> Jeff: YEAH.

AND SIMILAR DECISION POINT FOR PEOPLE WHEN IT COMES TO THE BROWSER EXTENSIONS, COMPARISON SHOPPING SERVICES THAT WANT YOU TO INSTALL THIS ADD-ON TO WHATEVER BROWSER YOU USE, AND I GUESS, THE WAY IT WORKS IF YOU ARE SHOPPING FOR SOMETHING ON AMAZON IN THE BACKGROUND IT'S LOOKING FOR A BETTER DEAL, IS THAT ABOUT IT?

>> YES.

THAT'S IT EXACTLY.

SOMETHING THAT IF THEY FIND A BETTER DEAL THEY WILL POP THAT PRICE UP AND YOU CAN SAVE MONEY IMMEDIATELY.

BIG DATA IS EVERYWHERE ANYWAY SO THIS IS A LITTLE BIT MORE MONITORING WHAT YOU ARE ACTUALLY BUYING.

BUT YOU CAN SAVE OVER TIME.

>> Jeff: DAVID WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE 99 WAYS TO SAVE?

>> WE HAVE ALL THE TIPS AND MORE AT AARP.ORG/99 WAYS TO SAVE.

>> Jeff: DAVID BRINDLEY WITH AARP.

SIR, WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

APPRECIATE IT.

>> Jeff: AND THAT IS "DIRECT CONNECTION" FOR THIS WEEK WE'RE BACK FRIDAY WITH "STATE CIRCLE" AND THE LATEST ON MARYLAND POLITICS JOIN US FOR AT THAT TIME FRIDAY EVENING AT 7:00 P.M. FOR ALL OF US AT MPT THANK YOU FOR WATCHING "DIRECT CONNECTION".

AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

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