Advancing into that mystical category of “senior citizen” brings with it certain perks. Simultaneously becoming a senior citizen, retiring, and joining the ranks of Social Security recipients is a financial trifecta.

I retired in 2003, and when I made that phone call to add my name to the millions who are enrolled in Social Security, I was transferred to a knowledgeable, personable, courteous lady in Alabama who quickly and efficiently led me through the whole process. Like clockwork, my Social Security disbursement is deposited to our checking account the fourth Wednesday of every month. As an added perk, there have been two increases in benefits without my having to endure a performance review, another advantage of being a retired senior citizen.

Having made the transition from workplace to leisure pace, my next task was signing up for Medicare. This was more of a hurdle, because my special Social Security representative in Alabama couldn’t help me.

The Medicare registration process is not for the faint of heart. One needs a team of physicians, pharmacists, and legal beagles to assist in the navigation. It’s similar to a take-home exam, except most of the answers aren’t in the book.

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