Q: Why do all airlines, cruises and hotels advertise just the basic price, such as bargain $99.99 per flight, and/or all-inclusive $199.99 a night at the Podunk Resort? With add-ons, the actual amount you pay is usually $50 higher or more. Bill K, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

A: You’re right, Bill, of course, but that’s the old snake-oil-salesman method to peddle today's products and services. Another example, you buy a car advertised as “$1,500 cash back with your purchase”. The receipt may show that amount as your savings, but actually it was already factored into the price.

Q: When I drive in retirement areas, I see many very elderly people at the wheel on roads and highways, and it makes me nervous. I’m 68, and beginning to have some eye troubles, and my on-road reaction times are slowing down, especially at night. My kids tell me I’m ready to give up driving. Should there be an age limit on seniors getting renewed driver’s licenses?  HGJ, Coral Gables FL

A: Hell, no! I'm 80 and still drive daily. Not as sharp as I was 60 years ago, but still responsible. There are drivers in their 90s I'd much rather share the road with than any drunk or druggie teen. Yes, I was once one of those wild kids, and lucky I didn't kill myself or anyone else by my stupid impaired driving.

Q: We love to visit Asia and Europe, but hate the sardine-can seats in tourist class. We’re getting too old for that kind of torture. What do we have to pay to get flights that offer at least seats that go back flat so we can sleep during those eight to 12 hours in the air? HLL, Corpus Christi TX

A: The cheapest way is if you have enough frequent flyer points. You may be able to use them to get upgraded from tourist to more snooze-friendly seats.

If you really need comfort, and are willing to spend some of your kids’ inheritance, you’ll have to be willing to put out the extra dough for comfy snooze seats. Sometimes lots of extra dough. For instance, for a recent ticket from New York to London, the economy price was from $850 to $1,140.

Reasonable, if you don’t mind being stuffed shoulder to shoulder for ten hours. If you want more comfy seats, open your wallet. Business class on the same flight was $4,300, and first class with champagne, gourmet meals and semi-private comfy sleeping was $6,700.

Q: My 81-year-old husband has been diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer’s. He’s otherwise physically healthy, but when jogging recently he’s become confused several times. The other day, he lost his way and kindly neighbors escorted him home.

We’re invited to spend a week in Palm Springs, California, with friends who have a two-bedroom condo. We’d both love the warm desert climate and scenery. However, if he insists on jogging there, he may get lost again. I can’t leave him home without someone with him 24-7. What can you suggest? PLB, Minneapolis MN

A: First, we believe you’d be troubled with guilt if you left your husband at home. Tell his primary care doctor what you plan to do. If he gives you a definite no, take his advice and don’t travel with your husband.