What is the metaverse?
The metaverse is in its infancy. Trying to predict exactly what the metaverse will become is a little like people in the 90’s trying to guess what the internet would become now. Everyone had different ideas about what would be possible with the internet, but no one knew exactly how it would evolve. Today the metaverse is a digital virtual reality inhabited by your avatar. You wear a headset that functions as window into a 3-D environment that you can interact with by means of motion-sensing controllers that you hold in your hands. 
 
This virtual world has many different portals, almost like different cities that you can explore. Probably the most well-known company to move into the metaverse is Facebook. In fact, they have even changed their name from Facebook to Meta.
 
Big Companies are rapidly moving into the metaverse
Companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Google, and, Meta, are building virtual worlds where you can socialize, buy goods, learn, and play games. Faster internet connections, more powerful virtual-reality headsets are creating brand new opportunities for business. Companies like Nike and Gucci are already making virtual apparel and other collectibles that are only available in the metaverse.
 
This new technology will be useful for a lot more than gaming. Product demos can be released worldwide instantly. Employees will be able to receive training in fully immersive 3-D environments. The hybrid home and office work structure will make interactions that happen in the metaverse even more relevant. Sotheby’s recently announced that it would open its own metaverse gallery consisting of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT’s) An NFT is a piece of digital artwork secured via a blockchain (a digital ledger). As time goes on more and more interactions will take place in this virtual world just like more and more interactions have moved onto the internet since the early 1990’s.
 
Older Adults in the Metaverse
Future applications for older adults may include telehealth medical visits in which a doctor located anywhere in the county could see your virtual 3-D body. By just putting on a headset you could be whisked away to the louvre in Paris or sitting front row at your favorite concert. Perhaps the biggest impact of the metaverse for older adults may lie in its ability to relieve social isolation and loneliness. 
 
Only time will tell what the metaverse will become. It is highly likely that what we think of it today will be drastically different from what it becomes in 20 years. At this moment we are watching the technology evolve before our eyes, but it is worth the challenge to keep up with what will become possible in the future.

Consumers have been paying more for food and gas for a while now, but the price increases have affected nearly every purchase a person makes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation rose by 7% in 2021, the largest increase since the 1980’s. Higher prices are weighing heavily on those who can least afford it, especially seniors on a fixed income. Here are 5 easy way you can fight inflation in your budget.
 
1. Senior Property Tax Exemption
If you own your home, see if you qualify for a senior property tax exemption. Property taxes can create a unique problem for retirees. As property values go up, property taxes increase as well, but incomes may not keep up with the pace of tax increases. Many states have responded to this issue by enacting tax relief policies for senior citizens. Unfortunately, the county assessor will not automatically let you know if you qualify for an exemption. It is up to you to review the eligibility requirements and then submit an application. Information on the requirements can usually be found on your county assessor’s website.
 
2. Cancel Subscriptions You No Longer Use
It’s easy to forget about a newspaper subscription or gym membership you set up on auto pay years ago and no longer use. By reviewing your last two months of bank statements and credit card statements you may catch a few recurring payments that you can easily do without.
 
3. Shop Around for Insurance
If you are like most people, you probably haven’t competitively shopped your homeowners or car insurance rates for many years. Call around to find out if you can get a better rate with another company. If you are insuring your home and car with different companies, you may also be able to save by moving both policies to the same company. Before changing companies be sure to thoroughly compare the coverage to make sure you are protected at the same level.
 
4. Utilize a Mail-order pharmacy
Many insurance companies offer a discount if you use their preferred mail-order pharmacy. In most cases you will have a single copayment for a 90 day supply of medication that is equal to what you pay for a 30 day supply when you go pick up medications yourself. For example, if you pay $25 per month for a medication, you will likely pay only $25 every 3 months with the mail-order option. When you multiply that savings by multiple medications the amount of money you keep in your pocket could be substantial. As an added bonus the medications are delivered directly to your door so you will save on gas by eliminating multiple trips to the pharmacy. Before making any changes be sure to verify coverage and notify your doctor.
 
5. Shop Online
Prices online are going up just like everywhere else, but they seem to be rising at a slower pace. According to Adobe’s digital price index, online prices are up just 3.6% from a year ago, compared with a 7.9 percent jump in the overall consumer price index. If you couple your online purchases with a rewards card, you may even get a little cash back each month. Just make sure you can pay the balance in full each month, because if you end up paying interest on a credit card it will quickly erode any potential savings.
 
Hopefully you will be able to utilize some of these ideas to help ease the worry many of us are feeling with inflation on the rise. Of course, there are several other bigger steps that can be made to free up cash such as downsizing, moving in with family, taking out a reverse mortgage, or selling an insurance policy however these types of life changes require very careful consideration and shouldn’t be jumped into hastily. Always consult a trusted financial advisor before making any major financial decisions.