Page 18 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 5, 2022 Say nr Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Cheap Basic Cell Phone Plans for Penny Pinching Seniors Dear Savvy Senior, A few months ago, I read a column you wrote on extremely cheap smartphone plans for budget-conscious seniors. Can you do a similar column for those of us who still use basic fl ip phones? My old 3G fl ip phone is about to become obsolete, so I’m looking for the cheapest possible replacement. I only need a simple cell phone (no data) for emergency calls when I’m away from home. Penny Pincher Dear Penny, For many seniors, like yourself, who only want a simple basic cell phone for emergency purposes and occasional calls, there are a number of super cheap plans available from small wireless providers you may have never heard of. Here are some of the best deals available right now. Cheapest Basic Plans For extremely light cell phone users, the cheapest wireless plan available is through US Mobile (USMobile. com), which has a “build your own plan” that starts at only $2 per month for 75 minutes of talk time. If you want text messaging capabilities, an extra $1.50/month will buy you 50 texts per month. US Mobile runs on Verizon’s and T-Mobile’s networks and gives you the option to bring your existing phone (if compatible or unlocked) or purchase a new device, while keeping your same phone number if you wish. If your fl ip phone is becoming obsolete, as you mentioned in your question, you’ll need to buy a new device, which you can do through US Mobile if you choose their plan. They off er the “NUU F4L” fl ip phone for $39 for new customers. Or you can purchase an unlocked phone through retail stores like Walmart or Best Buy, or online. One of the best value fl ip phones right now is the (unlocked) “Alcatel GO FLIP 4044 4G LTE,” available at Amazon.com for $80. Some other super cheap wireless plans worth a look are Ultra Mobile’s “PayGo” plan (UltraMobile.com/PayGo), which provides 100 talk minutes, 100 texts for only $3 per month. And Tello’s (Tello. com) “build your own plan” that starts at $5 per month for 100 talk minutes and unlimited texting. Both Ultra Mobile PayGo and Tello also run on T-Mobile’s network and will let you use your existing phone (if compatible or unlocked) or buy a new one. Senior Targeted Providers In addition to these super cheap plans, there are several other wireless companies that cater to older customers and off er low-cost basic plans and simple fl ip phones. One of the least expensive is through TracFone (Tracfone. com), which off ers a 60-minute talk, text and web plan for $20 that lasts for 90 days. That averages out to $6.66 per month. Three other providers that are popular among seniors are Snapfon (Snapfon.com), which off ers a 100 minutes and unlimited texting plan for $10. Consumer Cellular (ConsumerCellular.com), which provides an unlimited talk plan or $15 per month. They also give 5 percent discounts to AARP members. And Lively (Lively.com), maker of the popular Jitterbug Flip2 senior-friendly fl ip phone. Their cheapest monthly plan is 300 minutes of talk and text for $15. Subsidized Plans You also need to know that if you’re on a government program such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income or food stamps/SNAP. Or, if your annual household income is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines – $18,347 for one person, or $24,719 for two – you might also qualify for free or subsidized wireless plans from various carriers via the federal Lifeline program. To fi nd out if you’re eligibility or apply, visit LifelineSupport.org. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Section 4 Dwelling District line 2-Dimensional requirements line (2) Lot Area: b. Two Family Dwelling------7000 Square Feet Section 17 Off-Street Parking lines M, J and K which states the following: (M) No parking stall shall be located within eight (8) feet of any window of habitable rooms in the basement or first story level of any building. (J) Parking facilities shall be designed so that each motor vehicle may proceed to and from the parking space provided for it without requiring the moving of any other motor vehicle. The Board of Appeals, however, may by special permit modify this requirement and the dimensional requirements of paragraph (I) of this section, where a parking facility is under full-time attendant supervision (K) Parking facilities shall be designed so that no vehicles shall be parked nearer to any street lines than the minimum specified building setback for the Zoning District in which the parking facility is located. BOARD OF APPEALS FOR THE CITY OF EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS Mary Gerace - Chairman Robert Suppa - Clerk July 29, August 5, 2022 nior ior BUSINESS | FROM PAGE 4 Recent ways scammers are using QR codes Parking meter payment. Fraudulent QR codes are often placed on the back of parking meters, leading victims to assume that they can pay for parking through the QR code if they do not have change. Con artists can easily create a QR code for free online, which they then print on stickers and either cover up an actual QR code or place where it makes logical sense. After paying for the spot through the QR code, some victims return to fi nd their vehicle has been towed or received a parking ticket for nonpayment, multiplying the amount of money lost. Cryptocurrency wallets and romance scams. The rise of cryptocurrencies has altered traditional thinking about investments, and the confusion surrounding these transactions makes it a ripe ground for scammers to take their toll. The trading of cryptocurrencies is conducted online, and the easiest way for both legitimate and fraudulent traders to direct investors to their digital wallets is through a QR code. Recently, BBB has become aware of scammers who spend months of their time building a romantic relationship with their victim, which ultimately results in them asking for fi nancial assistance through a cryptocurrency exchange or “advising” the victim on cryptocurrency investment. Believing that the scammer is in dire need or has their best interest in mind, the victim folBUSINESS | SEE PAGE 19 CITY OF EVERETT - LEGAL NOTICE - ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS 484 BROADWAY ROOM 24 EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS 02149 To Whom It May Concern:: This notice is to inform you that a public hearing will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 6:00 PM, Everett City Hall, 3rd Floor George Keverian Hearing Room. All interested parties may attend and opinions will be heard regarding the following petition. Whereas a petition has been presented by: Property Address: 1 Magnolia Ct. Map/Lot: M0-02-000103 Person Requesting: Bold Vision Real Estate 1 Magnolia Ct. Everett, MA 02149 PROPOSAL: To convert the existing single family into a two-family residential dwelling also construct a new stairway into the basement in the rear yard Reason for Denial: • The lot is only 2994 square feet in area. • Proposed parking is shown to be in the side yard setback (corner side) • Parking is shown to be within eight feet of windows on the first floor • The proposed stairway into the basement is shown to be in the rear yard setback. • The existing building is a non-conforming structure in that it does not have the required rear yard. Zoning: Section 3 General Requirements Paragraph 3 which states the following: (3) Existing non-conforming structure or uses may be extended or altered, provided that such extension, alteration or change of use shall be permitted only upon the grant of a Special Permit by the zoning board of appeals after a public hearing and a finding by the board that such extension, alteration or change of use shall not be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood than the existing non-conforming use or structure. (Ord. of 4-29-91)
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