Ask the Experts ;
Q I get very nervous when I go to the doctor. How can I get the most out
of a visit when I can’t remember all the
things he tells me?
A Taking notes and bringing a friend or elative along to help ask questions and
remember answers are both good ideas. For
more tips, go to this federal website: ahrq
.gov. Click on “Effective Health Care Program,”
then “Explore Your Treatment Options.”
Q My children are average high school students and are engaged in few
extracurricular activities. What can help
them get into college?
A Your kids might want to think commu- nity college first—it’s generally easier to
get in. Concerning four-year schools, increasing numbers are accepting lower-performing
full-pay students over higher achievers who
need aid, a recent survey found. If you’re
good for all costs of their education, your kids
might have an advantage.
QI started taking reduced Social Secu- rity benefits at age 62. Will I get the
full amount when I turn 66, my full retirement age?
ANo. When you take benefits early, you’re generally opting for a permanent
reduction. But you could boost your check
later by going back to work and earning more
than $14,160 a year—Social Security will
reduce your benefits until age 66, then raise
them permanently to compensate you.
MARK ZINGARELLI
Send your questions to: Ask the Experts, AARP Bulletin, 601 E St.
N W, Washington, DC 20049, or email askourexperts@aarp.org.
Visit aarp.org/bulletin for previously asked questions and answers.
We regret that volume precludes us from providing answers to
all questions.
