According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported losing a staggering $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year. Despite the number of fraud reports remaining steady at 2.6 million, the percentage of victims who lost money rose from 27% in 2023 to 38% in 2024.

Text Message Scams: Consumers reported $470 million in losses due to scams initiated via text messages, more than five times the amount reported in 2020.

Have you received a text from NTTA about you owing monies on your toll tag?  I have received (and deleted) many. 

If someone is saying you owe money, do not click on whatever they send you. Go to a different browser on your computer or phone and login to your account as you normally do. Verify to see if you really do have any balance due.

With open enrollment for Medicare behind us you may still get requests for quotes or claims that you need additional coverages. Always consult a professional you’ve dealt with before and trust to verify any information requests sent to you.

Email scams are still prevalent. Before clicking on ANYTHING look carefully at the email address that sent it. Watch for what comes after the @. Example: joesmith@xpy42.com versus joesmith@bankofhere.com. If the email address looks funny or the grammar and/or spelling are off it’s probably a scam. 

Calls from the IRS, your credit card company or anyone else asking you to give them your Social Security number is a scam. None of these agencies or companies will ask you for that information, they already have it. If someone persists or is aggressive on the phone, hang up! That’s your best defense. 

Always be vigilant. Monitor your bank accounts and credit cards online or review your statements received in the mail. Keep the phone numbers for your bank and credit card companies readily available. 

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338.

To learn more about Banking and Scams, how to spot them and how to avoid them, join us May 15 from 10-11:30 a.m. at National Title, 3360 Long Prairie Rd., Flower Mound. RSVP to SeniorTalkDFW.com. Or May 20 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Seeden Club, 306 US Hwy 377 N., Argyle. RSVP to SeniorTalkDFW-Argyle.com or call or text 469-616-0561.  

Edwena Potter, Senior Home Coach, Certified Senior Housing Professional, Certified Probate Expert, Keller Williams Realty. You go love on your loved ones, let us handle the details.

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The post Senior Talk DFW: Scammers are blooming this spring — protect yourself and your finances appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

When physical therapy, medicine and even surgery don’t offer the relief you’re looking for, Advanced Pain of Texas always seems to have a few extra solutions in its pain management toolbox.

“We are trying,” Dr. John Broadnax said. “Even those chronic pain issues that we haven’t quite found a solution for yet, we’re working hard to get them all covered. There is hope—you should never stop looking for solutions.”

One highly effective solution Dr. Broadnax and Dr. Eric Anderson want to share with the masses is a lower back pain treatment that addresses chronic pain on the front side of the spine (also known as anterior column pain). For most people, the pain they experience in their back comes from the back side of the spine (posterior). But every so often, a complex case will arise where a patient exhibits pain from the front side. In these situations, they may struggle to stand up straight or even bend forward because of pain from the vertebrae itself or the discs between them.

An increasing number of treatment options are available to address anterior column pain. One is to inject a steroid directly into the disc itself. If that results in symptom relief, great. But if not, another option is a procedure called basivertebral nerve ablation. With this procedure, Dr. Broadnax or Dr. Anderson directly treat the painful nerves, thus creating longer-lasting pain relief. 

“This procedure has proven very successful, and there’s a lot of data to back it up,” Dr. Anderson said. “These patients have tried everything, and they are at their wit’s end. The best part is that it’s an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime afterward.”

Dr. Broadnax agreed, adding that, “Everyone deals with back pain. We want to help.”

To learn more about how the Advanced Pain Institute of Texas can help you, visit apitexas.com or call 972-866-4246. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(Sponsored content written by Steve Gamel)

The post Yes, chronic lower back pain can be a thing of the past appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

Suppose you live in Texas and you have an adult child: Jim.

Jim has been helping you pay your bills. You want him to have direct access to your bank account to make it easier for him to do that. 

You and Jim think that adding him as a co-owner to your bank account is the perfect solution. You do that, with the banker helpfully setting up the account as a “joint tenant with right of survivorship account.” (Bankers are so helpful when they give legal advice, aren’t they?)

 Let’s look at the result. 

Because it is set up as a “survivorship account,” you just made a present gift to Jim. That may be fine if there was only $10,000 in the account, but if there was instead $50,000, then you probably need to check with your CPA about filing a gift tax return. 

Suppose you accidentally overdraft the joint account. Who is on the hook for the overdraft?  You and Jim. 

It is a two-way street. What happens if Jim forgets to pay his taxes, and the IRS places a lien on his accounts? The lien will include your joint account, of course.   

Now suppose Jim gets a divorce. He will have to disclose that he is an owner in the joint account. Could the funds in the account be in jeopardy? Yes. 

You may be able to successfully fend off the IRS and Jim’s horrid spouse, but it will cost you money and time.  

What is a good alternative to adding Jim as an account owner? You could add him as an account signatory so he can access your account during your lifetime to help pay your bills. Or you could name him as your agent under a power of attorney, which would give him access to manage your account. If you want Jim to inherit the account when you die, then just name him a beneficiary. 

You have choices, and not all of them are wild.  

Attorney Virginia Hammerle is an attorney at Hammerle Finley Law Firm, a boutique law firm offering services in estate planning, probate, guardianship, business law, litigation and real estate. Contact her at (972) 436-9300. This article does not constitute as legal advice.

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The post Legal Talk Texas: Mom’s banking shortcut; why an easy fix is a bad idea appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

It is not uncommon to find yourself in a situation where you need access to cash fairly quickly. That is the point at which many people consider taking money out of their employer-sponsored 401(k) plan through either a loan or distribution. But before you make the decision to withdraw, consult with your financial advisor. An advisor can take your personal situation into account and work with you to find other options.

“It is understandable that people may consider dipping into their 401(k) plan,” said Sylvie Feist, director of Retirement & Personal Wealth Solutions at Bank of America. “In some circumstances, your 401(k) plan may be your only choice for getting access to necessary cash.”

Here are some things to consider before you look at your 401(k) as a source for meeting your current needs.

A lost opportunity to grow your savings: As much as you may need the money now, by taking a distribution or borrowing from your retirement funds, you are interrupting the potential for the funds in your 401(k) plan account to grow through tax-deferred compounding — and that could make it more difficult for you to reach your retirement goals, says Feist. Taking funds out of your account might mean missing out not only on the potential growth of the money you have invested but also on any growth of that money’s earnings.

“As a general rule, dipping into your retirement funds to cover a short-term need could end up costing you more in the long run. If it is possible, I would encourage you to consider other ways to access cash that could be more beneficial to your long- and short-term financial goals,” Feist said. “However, if you are considering a withdrawal from your 401(k), consider the ordinary income tax and early withdrawal additional tax implications before you remove funds from the account.”

For example, if you are under 59.5 years old and withdraw $50,000, you could owe $12,000 in ordinary income taxes and $5,000 in additional federal taxes, leaving you with just $33,000. This assumes a 24% effective federal income tax rate and that no exception to the 10% additional tax applies.

Keep in mind that the taxes noted in this example apply only to a true withdrawal. There would be no taxes imposed on funds that you borrow and pay back via a loan (unless you fail to pay it back, as noted below).

What happens if you leave your job before the loan is paid off?: Although you generally have up to five years to repay loans from your 401(k) plan, leaving your job (or losing it) before the loans are repaid may mean you have to pay the money back in full quickly. “This is called a loan offset,” explained Feist.

Even though no additional money leaves the plan at this point, the amount that still needs to be repaid is considered a distribution. You may be subject to federal and state income taxes, as well as an additional 10% federal income tax if you are under the age of 59.5, unless an exception applies, she adds. However, you may avoid this tax treatment by repaying or rolling over the loan offset amount to a new employer’s 401(k) plan or an IRA, as long as this is done by the federal income tax filing deadline, including extensions, for the year in which the offset occurred.

“For all of these reasons,” said Feist, “Before you consider taking a loan or a withdrawal from your retirement savings, make sure you have explored other options that could meet your needs. Your retirement savings should be your last resort.”

By tapping into them, you are jeopardizing your future financial security. An action to consider, if you are able, is to set aside funds for short-term needs so you have the money available – if and when you need it.

For more information, contact Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Financial Advisor Jeffery D. Price of Price & Associates at jeffery_price@ml.com or (817)-410-4940.

(Sponsored content)

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Failing to Update Legal and Financial Documents

In Texas, a community property state, assets acquired during marriage are owned equally by spouses. Assumptions about automatic inheritance can lead to trouble. Action may still be required to transfer the deceased spouse’s interests. Failing to remove a deceased spouse’s name from property titles can complicate future sales or transfers.

How to Avoid It: Review and update all legal documents. Consult an estate attorney familiar with Texas law to ensure beneficiary designations, deeds, and wills reflect your current situation.

Ignoring the Probate Process

Many Texans assume that their spouse’s debts die with them, and assets transfer automatically to the spouse. This belief causes people to ignore the Probate process. Without proper probate, heirs might face legal battles down the road and find it difficult to sell vehicles and real estate.

How to Avoid It: Work with a professional to inventory family assets and debts and determine what’s the best solution for your family.

Rushing Major Decisions Out of Grief

Grief can push people to act impulsively: Selling the family home, giving away possessions, or making financial moves before its time. Selling too soon might mean missing out on future gains or cause issues with title. Likewise, distributing personal belongings without a clear plan can spark family disputes or unintended tax consequences.

How to Avoid It: Take time for consideration before making irreversible decisions. Lean on trusted advisors or loved ones to help weigh your options objectively.

Final Thoughts

Navigating life after a spouse’s death is never easy, and Texas’s unique legal landscape can add complexity. By steering clear of these three mistakes, you can honor your spouse’s memory while protecting your future. When in doubt, seek professional guidance tailored to your situation. After all, the best way to move forward is with clarity and confidence.

Attorney Mark Mayer is an attorney at Hammerle Finley Law Firm, a boutique law firm offering services in estate planning, probate, guardianship, business law, litigation, and real estate. Contact him at (972) 436-9300. This article does not constitute as legal advice.

(Sponsored content)

The post Legal Talk Texas: The three biggest mistakes people make after a spouse passes appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

That’s why staying ahead of issues with a yearly HVAC inspection and tune-up is so important. It’s one of those simple things that can make a big difference in your home.

Read on to learn the importance of routine HVAC maintenance—and how it helps keep your home cool, safe, and stress-free, no matter what the Texas weather throws your way.

Prevent Costly Repairs: Most major AC breakdowns start as small, easy-to-fix issues. A worn-out part here, a clogged drain there—left unchecked, these little things can turn into big, expensive problems. A yearly tune-up gives a trained technician the chance to spot and fix issues before they snowball.

Lower Your Energy Bills: If your AC has to fight through dust, dirt, or worn parts to do its job, it’ll run longer and harder to cool your home. That extra effort shows up on your energy bill. A tuned-up system runs more efficiently, helping you save money month after month without sacrificing comfort.

Help Your System Last Longer:  Replacing an air conditioner isn’t cheap, and the longer your current system lasts, the better. Routine maintenance keeps everything working smoothly, reduces wear and tear, and can add years to the life of your unit. Think of it like a regular check-up for your car—simple upkeep that pays off in the long run.

Protect Your Warranty: Many manufacturers require proof of regular maintenance to keep your warranty valid. If your system ever fails and there’s no record of annual service, you could be stuck paying for repairs that otherwise would’ve been covered. A yearly inspection helps you stay protected.

Keep Your Home Safe: Air conditioning issues aren’t always just about temperature. Problems like electrical hazards or refrigerant leaks can pose safety risks. A thorough tune-up includes a safety inspection that ensures your system is operating properly and your home stays protected.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about preventing problems—it’s about keeping your home comfortable, your family safe, and your budget intact. A little attention once a year can go a long way, especially when you’ve got a team you can trust to handle it right.

In Need of a Reputable, Licensed HVAC Provider?

Force Home Services is proud to serve homeowners across Denton and the surrounding areas with licensed, reliable, and honest HVAC care. With over a thousand 5-star reviews, we’ve built our reputation on doing the job right and treating people with the respect they deserve.

Whether it’s your first tune-up or just time for your annual check-in, we’re here to help keep your system running safely and efficiently.

Right now, we’re offering our $79 HVAC Tune-Up and Safety Inspection—a simple, affordable way to get your system ready for the season ahead.

Call us at (940) 241-0948 or message us online at www.forcehomeservices.com. And don’t forget to check out our current seasonal specials at forcehomeservices.com/promotions.

Let’s make sure your home stays cool, comfortable, and in good hands.

(Sponsored content)

The post Annual HVAC Inspections & Maintenance: Why it’s important not to skip them appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

When you set up an estate plan, signing the paperwork is the easy part. What comes before that—making often-difficult decisions about who gets what when and sharing your plans with your family—can be an emotional minefield.

After all, you are talking about your mortality. No wonder many people keep their plans under wraps.

But the price of silence can be steep: Not sharing your estate plans can create family quarrels later or make it harder for your heirs to manage their inheritance. Hosting a family meeting to communicate your plans is crucial to successful wealth planning. 

Your financial advisor and estate attorney or tax professional can help you think through how to structure your estate. Then your advisor can attend your family meeting—having an objective advisor present to lead the conversation and answer questions can help family members talk freely about their feelings.

These four tips can help you have a productive conversation:

Come prepared

Before you involve family members in an estate planning discussion, you and your spouse, if you are married, need to agree on what you hope to leave to your kids and other family members and what you would like those assets to help them achieve.

Gather information about your account balances and other assets — your advisor can help. Having those numbers in mind can help your family members understand how an inheritance might affect their own financial plans. Think, too, about whether you want to pass on your legacy while you are still living or after you are gone.

Finally, sharing an agenda in advance will allow family members to prepare for a thoughtful and open conversation and not get caught off guard.

Share the ground rules

For a matter as important and potentially fraught as your estate plan, it can be a good idea to set up a series of discussions. They do not have to take place face to face. Virtual meetings can be easier to schedule, and the physical distance can help remove some of the emotion.

Make clear that you want people to be candid but respectful. The idea is to forge consensus. Instead of talking about numbers for the first meeting or two, start by sharing your thoughts about what the assets you have accumulated have meant to you. Then you can talk about the impact you hope your money can have on the next generation.

Set a positive tone

Emphasize a “we are all in this together” approach. Estate planning is a collective responsibility requiring a collective solution. To encourage feedback, offer discussion points as questions, such as “Do you feel the estate plan gives you the help you may need?”

Explain that your heirs will be better able to manage their financial plans based on realistic expectations and point out that everyone in the family might feel more at ease knowing where to find your estate planning paperwork and which advisors or estate attorneys they should turn to in the event of your passing.

Leave with an action plan 

As you work together to create an estate plan, your advisor can help with practical strategies for many complex situations. These may involve financial documents such as wills, trusts and life insurance policies. Say you are considering passing on part of your estate while you are alive but wonder whether your children are prepared to handle it. Your advisor can help you implement a “test drive” approach in which you periodically give financial gifts through a trust.

Then there is the question of estate taxes. During your family meeting, your advisor can help make sure everyone understands the implications of their inheritances and can work with your estate attorney or tax professional to see whether there might be ways to lessen their potential tax burden.

Even after all the paperwork is done, think of this as an ongoing conversation. As your family’s needs change—through divorce, marriage or a new grandchild, for instance—you will want to revisit your plan. And each time you do, it should come closer to capturing your vision for empowering the next generation.

For more information, contact Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Financial Advisor Jeffery D. Price of Price & Associates at jeffery_price@ml.com or (817)-410-4940.

(Sponsored content)

The post Money Sense: The one secret to creating a smarter wealth transfer plan appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

The differences between each plan are clear, but seniors tend to forget why they originally chose a specific plan.

Here is the important thing: Plan F, G and N all pick up the full 20% that Medicare doesn’t pay. Regardless of which plan you choose, you are protected in a major health event. 

The common way to differentiate between plans is to note each plan’s cost beyond their monthly premium.  

Let’s take a look:

Plan F: No expenses beyond monthly premiums (only seniors who started Medicare prior to 2020 are eligible).

Plan G: Part B deductible once per calendar year (Currently $257 in 2025).

Plan N: Part B deductible, doctor copays (no more than $20), ER copay of $50 (unless admitted), excess charges (these are rare, but do exist).

Each plan can be used anywhere Medicare is accepted, regardless of the company name (Cigna, Aetna, etc.) There are no referrals required, and no prior authorization. 

People ask me if I have a favorite, and to be quite honest, I don’t. Seniors who carry these plans are generally very happy with their coverage. Plan N makes sense for seniors in good health. Plan G is great for avoiding copays. Plan F helps avoid dealing with bills. To each their own!

As could be expected, the monthly premiums do increase over time, which tends to be the only thing most Medicare Supplement policyholders lament. 

If you are in good health, we can probably lower your premium pretty easily any time of year. We’d be happy to talk through your individual situation.

Come see us at PlanMedigap at 2604 Long Prairie Road, Suite 100, or give our team a call at 800-750-2407.

God bless you!

(Sponsored content)

The post Medicare Supplement Plans appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

That question came up again at a health fair, where several older women shared their fears.

“I don’t have a husband or children,” one said. “What if I fall or have a stroke? Who would even know?”

“It’s scary,” another added. “I don’t want to be a burden, but I also don’t want to go through something like that alone.”

Solo aging is more common than many realize. And while it can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and support, you can feel secure about your future.

Start by building your support circle—trusted friends, neighbors or even professionals like care managers or advocates. Make sure you’ve completed essential documents like a medical power of attorney and advanced directives.

If you’re not sure where to start, we can help. We’re working on a list of trusted advocates who can be there if you’re hospitalized and need someone in your corner. Whether you’re looking for community resources, planning tools or just someone to talk to about your options, give us a call.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s create a plan that gives you peace of mind and the support you deserve.

Lori Williams is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) with over 18 years of senior living experience. She is an Author, Podcast Host, Public Speaker and owner of the multi-award-winning senior placement service, Lori Williams Senior Services, LLC. To contact Lori, call 214-783-1222 or visit her website www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com.

(Sponsored content)

The post Aging in Style with Lori Williams: No Partner, No Kids – Now What? appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

Health and Wellbeing

Boosts Mental Health – Volunteering helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by fostering a sense of accomplishment and social connection.

Enhances Cognitive Function – Engaging in meaningful activities keeps the mind active, which may help reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

Promotes Physical Activity – Many volunteer roles involve light physical activity, which can contribute to overall fitness and mobility.

Social Engagement

Reduces Loneliness and Isolation – Volunteering provides opportunities to meet new people and form meaningful relationships.

Creates a Sense of Belonging – Being part of a volunteer community fosters a strong connection to others and a sense of purpose.

Encourages Intergenerational Connections – Volunteering with younger generations allows for knowledge-sharing and meaningful cross-generational interactions.

Emotional and Personal Fulfillment

Provides a Sense of Purpose – Helping others reinforces self-worth and gives meaning to daily life.

Boosts Happiness – Acts of kindness release endorphins, often called the “helper’s high.”

Encourages Lifelong Learning – Volunteering exposes seniors to new skills, ideas, and experiences, promoting continuous growth.

Practical Benefits

Expands Skill Development – Volunteering can help seniors learn new skills or refine existing ones, potentially leading to new hobbies or career opportunities.

Offers Perks and Recognition – Some organizations provide discounts, free training, or other benefits to volunteers.

Flexible Opportunities – Many volunteer roles can be adapted to fit different schedules, abilities, and interests, including remote or in-person options.

Ways to Get Involved

Community centers and local charities; Libraries, schools and mentorship programs; Hospitals, senior centers and wellness programs; Religious organizations and faith-based initiatives; Virtual volunteer opportunities from home.

Volunteering is a fulfilling and enriching experience that benefits both the giver and the recipient. No matter the role, every effort makes a difference. Start exploring opportunities today and experience the joy of giving back! 

Jen Adame from CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Denton County, is joining us at our April seminars to share possible volunteer opportunities. 

To learn more join us Tuesday April 15^th in Argyle at Seeden Club, 306 US Hwy 377 N, Argyle, 10-11:30. RSVP to SeniorTalkDFW-Argyle.com. Or Thursday April 17^th in Flower Mound at National Title, 3360 Long Prairie, Flower Mound. RSVP at SeniorTalkDFW.com or call/text 469-616-0561.

Edwena Potter, Senior Home Coach, Keller Williams Realty 

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The post Golden Giving: The joy and benefits of volunteering in your prime appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.