There are some basic rules of thumb that guide people in retirement planning. For example, on average, about one-third of expenses in retirement are for housing; about 40 percent are for food, healthcare, and transportation; and the rest goes to insurance costs, clothing, and discretionary spending. However, retirement planning is largely a personal matter; everyone goes into the post-work years in different circumstances and with different priorities.

What's more, we're realtors, not financial planners or CPAs, so we don't want to hand out any sort of serious financial advice. Still, as active adults ourselves, and having lots of friends, family, and clients in their retirement years, we've seen too many people get derailed from their plans due to expenses they didn't see coming (but could have).

We recommend everyone work with a qualified professional to make smart savings and budgeting plans for their retirement years. And hopefully, they'll guide you in planning for those unexpected costs that so often sneak up on people. But there's no substitute for going into things well informed, so here's a quick look at five of the more common expenses people don't always account for in retirement.

Unforeseen Medical Expenses
A lot of your healthcare expenses, like prescription costs and checkup copays, are predictable. But as you age, diagnostic testing, major dental work, surgery, physical therapy or other rehabilitation, hospitalization, and other medical care become more likely and can come with considerable out-of-pocket expenses. Keep in mind that changes to Medicare or other health plans could affect you, too. Also, nursing care for you, your partner, or an elderly parent-whether temporary at-home help or full-time care at a special facility-often becomes a necessity.

Taxes
Who could forget about taxes? You might be surprised how many people neglect to think about what they'll have to fork over to Uncle Sam when they start withdrawing from their 401(k)s, IRAs, or other retirement accounts. Taxes on retirement funds and income can range from around 10 percent to as much as about 40 percent. And also remember that in 10 years, your money won't be going as far due to inflation.

The Children and Grandchildren
You may be long since done raising kids, but as you know, you're never done being a parent. Or a grandparent. It's not uncommon for retirement-aged folks to be hit up for money for things like their grandchildren's college education or their adult children's overdue major home repairs. Or an adult child or spouse could face a layoff or serious money problems and you'll want to help.

Maintenance or Replacement Costs
Speaking of home repairs, sometimes you have to spring for them yourself in the retirement years. Then there's vehicle maintenance, or possibly the need for a new car at some point. These sorts of expenses don't usually come along often, but they can be significant when they do. One recommended approach is to put away 10 percent of your home and your car's value each year for these costs; that way, there's a good chance you'll have a designated emergency fund should you ever need it.

Travel
This is generally lumped in with "discretionary spending," and for many, travel is a big part of their plans for the active adult years. But plenty of people are unprepared for the major lifestyle change and huge increase in free time when they stop working, and they desperately wish they had more freedom to travel than they anticipated. Also, think about family-related travel. How far will you have to go to visit your children and grandchildren? How often will you want to see them? Or maybe you'll want to help them with the cost of coming to you.

Central Florida is one of the hottest retirement and vacation home markets in the country. There are plenty of good reasons for it, like its diversity of landscapes, natural features, man-made attractions, untouched wilderness, quaint and quirky small towns, thriving cities, and cultures, plus pretty amazing weather year-round and lots of beautiful resort-style 55+ communities. 

If you're not from around here, you probably think of Orlando's theme parks and resorts when you think of Central Florida. But they're just the tip of the iceberg of what the area has to offer. 

Polk County, FL isn't far from the excitement of Orlando, and it's one of the great counties in Central Florida. It's worth a closer look if you're trying to narrow down your shortlist of locations for a new or second home here. Below are some fast facts and information about the county to help determine if it might be the right place for you to buy. 

• Polk County is centrally located in the state and has a good balance of urban, suburban, and rural areas
• It has more than 620,000 residents
• There are lots of small family farms in the county
• Just over one-fourth of the population is between the ages of 45 and 64, while almost 20 percent is 65 and older
• The county leans slightly Republican
• Median home value in Polk County at the end of 2015 was $134,700, a 6.1 percent increase from a year earlier
• The I-4 corridor runs through Polk County, which is roughly midway between the Orlando and Tampa Bay areas
• From most places in the county, you're only a little more than one hour's drive from downtown Orlando and about 45 minutes from downtown Tampa
• Lakeland is the county's most populous city, with over 100,000 residents
• Other larger Polk County cities include Winter Haven, Haines City, Bartow, Lake Wales, and Auburndale
• Lakeland's leading claim to fame is the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world, located at Florida Southern University
• Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is a gorgeous, lesser known Central Florida attraction for nature and architecture lovers
• Orlando may get all the attention for theme parks, but Winter Haven is home to Legoland, a fantastic place to take the grandkids
• Polk County has over 550 lakes, and they're a significant part of the lifestyle and recreation in the area
• Winter Haven is nicknamed “The Chain of Lakes City” because you can travel across 25 lakes (between two chains) connected by navigable canals
• With over 40 state and county parks, there's no shortage of camping, RVing, hiking, birdwatching, boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and other fun outdoor opportunities

Some of us still remember when there was no such thing as “online dating.” Or even “online.” Then, as it became a real thing, there were strong stigmas attached to meeting strangers and pursuing romance with them on the weird but wonderful World Wide Web. 

But nowadays, online dating is a perfectly normal and acceptable practice. With a little over 54 million single adults in the US, more than 49 million Americans have tried online dating, which has become a $1.749 billion-per-year industry, according to Statistic Brain Research Institute. 

While leading active-adult communities have busy social programs, regular special events, and public gathering spaces to facilitate meeting new people, sometimes residents get a little curious about what sort of proverbial fish are in the digital sea. And there are a number of great online dating sites for testing those waters for the over-50 crowd. 

Even those of us with a good deal of life experience who are relatively new to internet dating are sometimes unaware of all the potential pitfalls and dangers. It doesn't hurt to brush up on some common-sense but often overlooked safety measures before meeting anyone in real life for the first time whom you encountered online. 

Remember, until you've met in person, you don't truly know anything you think you know about your date. While most people on dating sites are honest (or at least only resort to mostly harmless white lies and slight exaggerations to build up your interest), some post pictures that are not of themselves, fill their profiles up with outright lies (even about very basic information like their age or marital status), and interact in dishonest ways to mislead people. Often, it's just an attempt to attract more potential dates, but sometimes the motives involve defrauding or hurting victims. 

1. Keep an eye out for red flags. If someone seems too perfect, if details seem contradictory or don't add up, if you have simple questions that get dodged, if they have excessive grammar and spelling errors, or if someone is quick to speak of love or fate, it can indicate something's amiss. Also, before agreeing to meet, do some sleuthing. Look for the person on Google and Facebook to find some corroborating information. Talking on webcam or a video chat program like Skype provides some solid reassurances too. 

2. Don't give out financial information like a credit card number or personal information like a social security number. It sounds obvious, but 55+ individuals are commonly targeted for identity theft and plain old regular theft, and it can be easy to let your guard down over time when you're full of hope and the situation seems full of promise. 

3. Always meet in a public place, and never at your home, your date's home, or anywhere that may be deserted (like perhaps for a romantic after-dark stroll in a park or at the beach). Also, refrain from giving out your address until you've met and developed a reasonable degree of trust in the person. 

4. Tell someone where you're going and when you're coming back. A nearby family member, friend, or well-known neighbor should know your plans and check in to make sure you get home OK. Of course, a great date may lead to some spontaneity and overtime; send a quick text message to keep your contact apprised of any changes. 

5. Drive yourself (or find your own transportation) to the date, rather than agreeing to be picked up by the other person. You need the ability to leave at will without being dependent on your date, and it's best to not put yourself in the situation of being a passenger in a stranger's vehicle. 

6. Don't get drunk. Sure, alcohol is a wonderful social lubricant and often part of a good time, but it's crucial that you remain alert, sensible, and in control for a first meeting with an internet date. If you can handle a drink or two without any adverse effects that could compromise your safety, and you know without a doubt that you have the self-control to stop there, then that's OK. Otherwise, skip the alcoholic beverages. 

7. Trust your gut if something doesn't seem right. Even if you can't quite put your finger on the problem. We're built with intuition for a reason—it helps keep us safe—and especially for those of us who've been around the block a few times, it's surprisingly reliable.

As active 55+ adults, we're always conscious about staying fit and healthy enough to maintain our activities and independence. Even if we're not quite conquering the same mountains—figuratively or literally—as we were 30 years ago, we still don't want to slow down too much. Not when there's so much fun to be had, so many beautiful and exciting places to explore, and so many interests to pursue. 

A regular exercise regimen is important to continuing our active and independent lifestyle, as well as to keeping mentally sharp and in good spirits. It helps control blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, plus it helps prevent or manage heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer and autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and other conditions. 

Because there's a lot about your overall health and risk factors to take into account, get personalized advice from your primary care doctor about exercising safely. 

Here's some good general advice about exercising safely in your senior years. Just remember that what your doctor says always comes first. 

Incorporate 4 Types of Exercise into Your Regimen 

There are four primary classes of exercise, and doing some of each type helps maximize the benefits you get from your regimen: 

• Aerobic exercises increase your heart and respiration rate and are good for burning calories, strengthening your heart, boosting endurance, and lots more
• Strength training builds muscle and reduces body fat, and is good for becoming stronger
• Flexibility training make you more limber and is good for improving joint condition
• Balance exercises help you stay steady and are good for preventing falls and being able to keep up the other three types 

Perform Low-Impact Exercises 

As we age, our joints lose some of the compounds that protect them and our bones density decreases. That's why arthritis and fractures are a much bigger concern for the 55+ crowd than for younger folks. High-impact exercises like running can aggravate bone and joint problems, as well as cause foot, back, and neck pain. 

Instead, favor low-impact exercises. This is most relevant to the aerobic exercise category. Brisk walking, swimming, water aerobics (many 55+ community lifestyle programs offer these classes), bicycling, and ellipticals are good examples of low-impact workouts. Take advantage of the fitness center equipment, pool, fitness classes, and walking trails at your active-adult community. 

For some specific exercise ideas and how-tos, check out 11 Easy Exercises You Can Do Today from Everyday Health's Senior Health section. 

Perform Movement-Based Exercise 

Movement-based activities like yoga and tai chi are excellent for keeping active adults active. They're particularly useful for providing balance and flexibility exercises. These types of activities don't just help you stay lithe and in good shape; they're also great at reducing stress, elevating your mood, and promoting better concentration. Many active-adult communities offer yoga and/or tai chi classes as part of their lifestyle program. Take advantage, because you definitely need experienced guidance to learn and perform these exercises correctly. 

Benefit from Active-Adult Community Amenities and Programs 

There are numerous fantastic age-restricted communities across Central Florida where it's easy for seniors to access the equipment, facilities, and instruction they need to keep up with a safe and sustainable exercise regimen. Fully equipped fitness centers, lap and full-size swimming pools, nature trails, a variety of sports courts, and fitness classes are found at many resort-style 55+ communities in the area. 

If you're interested in finding the perfect home in an active-adult community in Central Florida where you can readily access everything you need to focus on fitness, we're standing by to help.

While much of the country dreads going outside and spends 20 minutes bundling up against the frigid temperatures and icy wind, while they salt their stoops and sidewalks and have to dig their cars out of the snow, we here in Central Florida have much more agreeable weather through the holiday season. Sure,  it sometimes gets chilly in the mornings and at night (and sometimes even in the daytime), but for the most part, we can still enjoy going places-and the outdoors-for end-of-year fun and festivities.

It's Snowing!

In Florida, we found our own way to experience the snow, minus the freezing temps and sopping clothes. Around the holidays, lots of places make it "snow" by spewing lots of tiny soap suds over the crowd. It sounds a little weird-OK, maybe it is a little weird-but it looks magical, makes it feel like a White Christmas, and kids love it! Some places even come a little closer to the real thing by using shaved ice.

Celebration, FL has one of the grander soap-snow displays in Central Florida, making it snow every night through December right in the town center. There are also horse-and-buggy rides and other fun. CityWalk at Universal Orlando creates an impressive snow display every night in December up through Christmas too. Visit Donnelly Park in downtown Mount Dora on December 12 between 5 and 9 pm for "Christmas in the Park with Snow." Also, downtown Leesburg had a nice snowy event, the Leesburg Main Street Christmas Stroll, back on November 27; if you live in the area and missed it, keep it in mind for next year.

If you want to venture a little farther out for some serious snow and lots of amazing wintery fun for the grandkids, go to Sarasota Snow Fest in Sarasota from December 18 - 20; they'll have 70 tons of snow! Or, take a trip to Naples on December 5 for the city's Snowfest, which features more than 100 tons of snow!

Two Amazing Orlando-Area Holiday Productions

You don't have to be a kid-just young at heart-to be awestruck by two particular holiday events in Central Florida. We thought they deserve a special mention, especially since 2015 is your last chance to see one of them.

This is the last year Hollywood Studios is putting on its famous Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Its 20-year run comes to an end, which is a shame, because the millions of lights synced up to holiday music performed by the Trans Siberian Orchestra is absolutely amazing.

Also, 'tis the season for ICE! and Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee. An already stunning place is made even more so by over 2 million Christmas lights, 2 million pounds' worth of hand-carved ice sculptures (including the nativity scene), holiday decorations, and all sorts of other holiday fun. If you're feeling adventurous, try one of the 2-story ice slides. There's also a beautiful six-room display bringing to life the tale 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, as well as lots of other festive stuff. Definitely check it out, and consider a stay if you're looking for a luxurious way to treat yourself and loved ones for the holidays.

For those of you looking for dog friendly 55+ communities to retire or buy a second home in, Central Florida has a lot to offer. Most age-restricted active-adult communities in the region welcome dogs and maintain dog parks. The area in general also has a high number of pet-friendly parks and beaches, stores and restaurants (pooches can often be seen enjoying the beautiful weather and dining alongside their humans in outdoor seating sections), pet shops and services, and even some major pet resorts. 

Dogs in Central Florida 55+ Communities 

Almost every active-adult community in Central Florida permits dogs in single-family homes with very few restrictions. Occasionally, developments with attached homes like town homes or duplexes have some restrictions on the number, size, or breed of dogs allowed in these units as a courtesy to neighbors who share walls. These sorts of restrictions are most common in apartment-style condominium setups. 

Communities and HOAs do usually have rules and regulations regarding canine companions in public areas. Typically, dogs must be kept on leashes when outside their fenced-in yard or a designated dog park. Owners are of course expected to pick up after pets relieve themselves. And dogs aren't usually allowed in clubhouses, pools, or at many other community facilities and amenities. 

Do the Florida State Parks with Your Dog! 

Florida's famous for its amazing state parks system, which is a huge draw for outdoors enthusiasts who love camping, RVing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, springs, lakes, beaches, birdwatching, and other nature-based relaxation or adventure. And you don't have to leave your four-legged friend behind! 

All Florida state parks allow dogs in their day-use areas, provided they're kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and they remain on good behavior. They're also allowed at campgrounds, though not in park cabins. Parks all have dog-restricted areas too, though, including beaches, playgrounds, park buildings, and others. Always heed the signage indicating whether or not your dog is permitted in specific areas. 

Looking for a Dog-Friendly 55+ Community in Central Florida? 

You've come to the right place. We're the area's leading experts in active-adult living, and we have listings for beautiful homes at amazing prices in numerous dog-friendly Central Florida active-adult developments (and we happen to be a pack of avid dog lovers ourselves). 

For example, The Villages and On Top of the World are two large age-restricted communities that love dogs and offer multiple well-manicured dog parks; Heritage Hills in Clermont and Sullivan Ranch in Mount Dora also spring to mind as particularly dog-friendly communities with fantastic dog parks. 

But that's just a few of many options. Whatever you're looking for, and wherever in Central Florida you'd like to buy a new or second home for you and your furry friend, we can help find the perfect home in the perfect location. Just get in touch!

Central Florida is well stocked with 55+ communities of all shapes and sizes and personalities. And then there's The Villages. It's not just the biggest active-adult community in the state of Florida... it's the largest one in the world. Situated across 20,000 acres and three counties, with its own town squares and everything you need and want immediately at hand, and still going and growing strong, it's more a 55+ city than a master-planned development. 

It's amazing, intriguing, convenient, exciting, and possibly a touch overwhelming at first. To help put it all in perspective, here are just some highlights among the many great things to experience in The Villages, FL. 

Town Squares in The Villages 

Community life in The Villages centers around three quaint town squares, all of which offer plenty of dining, shopping, free entertainment from 5:00 to 9:00 pm every night of the year, and more: 

• Brownwood Paddock Square captures the feel of an old Florida cattle town
• Lake Sumter Landing Market Square is reminiscent of a quiet waterfront village
• Spanish Springs Town Square has a distinctly southwestern style 

Movie Theaters in The Villages 

Each town square has its own multi-cinema movie theater showing a fun and interesting mix of films. They're perfect for some air-conditioned entertainment during a hot day, a date, or for amusing the grandkids when they come for a visit. There's: 

• The Barnstorm Theater at Brownwood Paddock Square
• The Old Mill Playhouse at Lake Sumter Landing
• The Rialto Theater at Spanish Springs 

Culture and Entertainment in The Villages 

All around this huge 55+ community, residents enjoy all sorts of diverse cultural and entertainment options. Here are some ways to have a blast and engage with your friends and neighbors: 

• Katie Belle's is a two-story dining, music, dancing, and live entertainment venue styled after an old Western opera house
• The Savannah Center is a southern-style performance hall that hosts orchestras, arts and crafts festivals, shows, comedians, speakers, celebrities, and plenty more
• Attend festivals, fairs, parades, presentations by famous personalities, and other special events year-round 

Dining, Food, and Drink in The Villages 

Living it up as an active adult must include lots of great meals out with friends and family. More than 60 eateries of all different cuisines, styles, and price points are right outside your door in The Villages. There are far too many to list, but make sure you don't miss eating or drinking at: 

• City Fire American Oven & Bar
• Lighthouse Point Bar & Grille
• Margarita Republic Caribbean Grill & Bar
• McCall's Tavern
• Peterbrooke Chocolatier
• Ricciardi's Italian Table
• J. Gator's Florida Sea Grill & Bar
• Scooples Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant
• Thai Ruby 

Shopping in The Villages 

There are hundreds of chain and independent shops and boutiques around this entire active-adult community. Grocery stores, big box stores, pharmacies, clothing and accessories, arts and crafts, home décor, specialty stores, hobbies and toys, souvenirs and mementos... whatever you're looking to buy, you never have to go far. And as with everything else in The Villages, residents can conveniently access it all in their golf carts. 

Sports, Health, and Wellness in The Villages 

There's a strong emphasis on healthcare and fitness services in The Villages, which is striving to be known as “America's Healthiest Hometown.” Take advantage of a wide range of health, fitness, and sports facilities, initiatives, clubs, and teams in this truly active active-adults development. There are also many free golf courses and access to professional golf instruction. 

Residents also enjoy access to a full range of healthcare providers, including The Villages Regional Hospital, The Villages Healthcare Centers, Moffitt Cancer Center, a VA outpatient clinic, various senior living facilities, and a long-term acute care hospital. 

Religious Centers in The Villages 

A number of churches serve residents of various Christian denominations, while Temple Shalom serves as the house of worship for Jewish residents. The churches and synagogue are thriving community centers where neighbors gather together around their shared faith.

If you're a bird lover and active birdwatcher scouting locations for a retirement or second home in a 55+ community, put Central Florida at the top of your shortlist. Florida is home to 516 native and established exotic bird species, according to the current list maintained by the Florida Ornithological Society (see the full list here). 

From waterfowl and wading birds to songbirds to hawks, vultures, and majestic bald eagles, there's an astounding variety of bird life in Central Florida. Plus we have great weather year-round and extensive networks of nature trails, wildlife preserves, and state parks to see them in. 

Below is just a small sampling of prime birdwatching opportunities in Central Florida. Any active-adult development in the area puts you close to plenty of places to spot a great variety of amazing avian life. 

The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail 

The GFBWT, a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is one of the state's natural treasures. This 2,000-mile long trail connects 515 birdwatching and wildlife viewing stations across the state. Find more 180 trail locations in East Central and Eastern Florida here, and another 120 in West Central and Western Florida here. Another fantastic feature on the GFBWT website is its list of 40 highly sought-after Florida bird species with links to information about them and the best places to see them. 

A Few Central Florida Birdwatching Hotspots 

All across Central Florida, you'll find resort-style active-adult communities surrounded by thriving Florida wilderness and wildlife. The area's many undeveloped expanses, freshwater lakes, springs, and marsh and wetland habitats mean many exciting viewing opportunities for birding enthusiasts.  

Emerald Marsh Conservation Area, Lake County 

With more than 1,000 lakes and other diverse habitats, Lake County is home to about 200 species of birds. This conservation area is a hidden gem with walking and driving trails that put you right in the middle of a thriving Central Florida wetland habitat, making it a treasured spot for local birders. 

Joe Overstreet Road and Landing, Osceola County 

Head here on your own or with one of the many organized birding tours and you're in the heart of the area with the highest concentration of nesting bald eagles in the 48 contiguous states. Various cranes, egrets, herons, vultures, and crested caracaras are also abundant here. Visit nearby Lake Kissimmee State Park for more birdwatching, too. 

Lake Hollingsworth, Polk County 

The three miles of paved path around this lake in the city of Lakeland is a beautifully scenic place to stroll and spot a variety of winged wildlife. The path also carries you past a number of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright on the campus of Florida Southern College (which boasts the largest single-site collection of buildings designed by the famed architect). 

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Volusia County 

This area in De Leon Springs became a dedicated migratory bird refuge in 1964. About 200 bird species can be spotted on the more than 19,500-acre refuge, including 21 species of duck in the fall and winter. Nearby De Leon Springs State Park is another point of interest for birders as well. 

Orlando Wetlands Park, Orange County 

Since being established in 1987, this park, maintained by the City of Orlando, has been a big draw for birdwatchers. It's an especially good locale if you're interested in waterfowl and wading birds, but with more than 150 avian species found here, there's lots more to see. 

Central Florida Is for Birders! 

Birdwatching is a great way to stay physically active, mentally stimulated, and thoroughly de-stressed in the 55+ years. Enjoy the natural scenery, stunning and diverse bird population and other wildlife, and notable lack of cold weather in Central Florida any time of year. A retirement or vacation home in one of the area's industry-leading, resort-style active-adult communities is the perfect base from which to take advantage of the many amazing birding opportunities in the heart of The Sunshine State.

Mechanics often get cast as a shifty bunch out to make easy extra money by preying on unsuspecting, uninformed customers. It's unfortunate for the many skilled, hardworking, honest mechanics out there who do important work to keep us all safe on the roads. 

But the stereotypes and cautionary tales exist for a reason; as with any industry, there are some unscrupulous people out there who take advantage of easy marks and cash in on fraud and scams. And auto repair fraud happens to be the leading type of consumer fraud complaints. 

Sooner or later we all need to have our vehicles serviced. And if you don't know much—or anything—about cars, you're at a major disadvantage at the auto repair shop. Also, plenty of dishonest folks out there consider seniors to be prime targets. 

A little information, preparation, and self-advocacy go a long way in preventing you from getting ripped off, and even from driving around in a potentially dangerous vehicle. 

Common Types of Auto Repair Scams 

Most of the fraud committed by mechanics falls into a few categories: 

• Padded bills – Extra charges, extra labor time, or higher charges than cited in the initial estimate may appear on bills
• Fake repairs – Mechanics may charge for “fixing” something that was never broken; sometimes, victims are lured in by “great deals” on basic maintenance like oil changes, brake inspections, or checkups
• Cheap parts – The shop may install low-quality, used, or counterfeit parts and bill you for new, more expensive ones
• Cutting corners – Mechanics may perform quick, shoddy, or even no work while charging for more than was done 

It's worth noting that the latter two aren't just about the money—they can put you, your passengers, and other motorists and pedestrians in real danger. 

Protect Yourself 

In its September 2015 newsletter, the AARP Foundation ElderWatch urged seniors to take steps to safeguard against getting scammed. The organization issued some of the following advice, and we've included some additional tips. 

Research First 

Never blindly choose a mechanic. Get recommendations from people you know and trust. Then, research the places they refer you to online. Check their standings with the Better Business Bureau and read some customer reviews. 

Follow Your Nose 

Check out the auto repair shop when you get there. Is the customer service area clean? Are employees friendly, professional, and helpful? Do the tools and equipment look modern and well cared for? Is there another customer waving a bill around and yelling at a mechanic about being ripped off? 

Get It in Writing 

It's a classic piece of advice that holds true in so many situations. Get the estimate for parts and labor charges in writing. If they say certain things are covered under your warranty, get it in writing (and review your warranty). If they tell you they provide free towing or cars on loan, get it in writing. Whatever it is, get it in writing, and get it before you authorize anything. 

Ask Questions 

Be assertive when talking to mechanics; they are the experts and you are paying them. If you don't understand something, ask about it. If they tell you something needs to be rushed or otherwise done at a higher-than-standard rate, get a good explanation for why it's necessary. And whenever possible, find out whether unplanned repairs can wait so you don't have to make decisions on the spot. 

Waiving/Recovering the Deductible Is a Red Flag 

If the mechanic talks about this, go elsewhere. The shop may, for example, suggest installing a used part and billing your insurance carrier for a new part, passing considerable savings on to you. This is insurance fraud. It's illegal and a good indication that this is a generally unscrupulous place of business. 

Get a Walk-Through of the Repairs 

Have the mechanic show you exactly what was done, where new parts were installed, and even ask to see your original parts that were replaced. They should be willing and able to give you a thorough accounting of what was done and why, and point to visual evidence in many instances. 

Get an Explanation of Higher Charges 

Assuming you followed the advice above, you got an estimate in writing that included parts and labor. Make sure you get an invoice that details all charges, and if the final bill is higher than the estimate, insist on knowing why. The mechanic should have a thorough explanation for the all additional costs, as well as why they were necessary. 

Bring Someone with You 

Again, we seniors are frequently targeted by scammers, and women are more often targeted by dishonest auto repair shop employees operating under the stereotypical assumption that they don't know anything about cars. But whatever your gender, if you aren't mechanically inclined or knowledgeable about vehicles, it's so easy to be taken advantage of. If you have a friend or family member who knows more about such things, bribe them with lunch and bring them along.

We'd like to give special thanks to Bob Mager, AARP Foundation Colorado division, volunteer fraud fighter for providing us with the necessary insights to write this article.

The weather's perfect now for heading over to the annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. This year, it runs until November 15. If you've never gone, the event features tasty international cuisine and beverages from all over the globe set up at "Marketplaces" around the park's World Showcase. It's a unique experience, definitely one of the coolest things to do in Central Florida this time of year, and there's so much great stuff to try!

But as you might know, Epcot, like any theme park, is pretty big, tiring, and overwhelming if you're trying to cram too much in. And the Food and Wine Festival has way more than you can get to in one visit (go at least twice if you can!). So, wear comfy shoes and use these tips to help you get the most out of the foodie festivities.

Plan a Safe End to the Experience.

Yes, it's all about the fun... but in this case, that means safety first! There's lots of booze at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, so you need to know ahead of time how you'll safely get home. If you can round up a designated driver, great; otherwise, plan on an alternate form of transportation. Or, make a mini vacation out of it and stay at one of the Disney resorts or hotels, which means free transportation from the park to where you're staying.

Use the Event Map.

Go here for a printable map of the all the different Marketplaces. Figure out which ones you absolutely must get to, mark them down, and plan an efficient route. Fortunately, the World Showcase is a big circle, so it's easy to go along hitting all your desired stops. It also doesn't hurt to note a few stores or other indoor (read: air-conditioned) spots of interest to stop in along the way.

Plan and Pace.

Use your mapped-out plan to ensure you get to every Marketplace you want to sample. Take your time, as trying to rush and worrying about missing things takes a lot of the fun out of the experience. Use your map to note other places you see along the way that catch your eye. If there's time at the end, go back, or make these your first stops if you return for a second visit.

Reserve Your Seats.

Along with all the stuff to eat and drink, the festival includes all sorts of special events, from tastings to pairing seminars to celebrity chef appearances and more. Don't count on strolling up right before the event-tickets sell out fast. Go to the event website and book in advance for events you really want to do during your trip.

Pick Up a Disney Gift Card.

It works just like any other gift card or debit card, and it's good at all the Marketplaces and regular Epcot stores and restaurants. Load up ahead of time; it makes paying along the way simple and convenient, and you don't have to worry about using (or losing) your cash or credit card.

Food and Water Are Your Friends.

Remember: it's a food and wine festival. Eating helps keep the alcohol from hitting you too hard too fast. And it's important to stay hydrated (it's still pretty hot here during the day, and you'll be in direct sunlight part of the time). Drink plenty of water between other drinks to prevent dehydration and to minimize the misery in the morning.

Do It Family Style...As in sharing.

It's not cheap to get into Epcot, and while park admission is all you pay to access the International Food and Wine Festival, you then have to shell out for all the food and wine. If you bring along a few friends or family members, you can split food and drink costs and all take small tastes. This saves considerable money, and also considerable belly space so you can sample much more.