ANSWER: Sun Spots knows three local stores you can visit or call ahead to see if they have ear muffs in stock on the day you plan to visit the store: JC Penney, 550 Center St. in Auburn, 207-786-2936; Walmart, 100 Mount Auburn Ave. in Auburn, 207-784-0738; and Lumber Liquidators, 730 Center St. in Auburn, 207-692-2236. You could also try L.L.Bean in Freeport. None of the ear muffs I saw at these stores were the old-fashioned kind you mention in your letter. Maybe our readers can let you know if they have seen that kind in any local stores. You can also visit a Goodwill or Salvation Army store to see what they have in stock.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My washing machine has conked out on me and I can’t afford the cost of brand new. Is there anyone in the Auburn area that could maybe fix mine? — B.S., Auburn.

ANSWER: Sun Spots checked the Sun Journal’s newspaper ads to see what local companies may be able to solve your dilemma and found A1 LA Used Appliance, 170 Turner St. in Auburn repairs and sells used appliances and parts. Call Steve at 207-241-0270. Another suggestion is Agren Appliance which offers the most common appliance replacement parts, filters and related products, and service. Maybe Sun Spots readers can provide other appliance service suggestions.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My husband and I are considering a reverse mortgage. Is there any one place where we can get the information we need on the subject? What have readers’ experiences been like? We know we will need a lawyer. Is there legal help for senior citizens? Just not sure where to start. — No name, Lewiston.

ANSWER: For our readers who don’t know what a reverse mortgage is or what it can be used for, the Maine Senior Guide states: “A reverse mortgage is a special type of home loan for older Mainers that lets a homeowner convert a portion of the equity in their home into cash — with no repayment until the last surviving borrower dies, sells the home, or no longer lives in the home as a principal residence. Maine seniors can use reverse mortgages for extra income or to pay for home care or other support services.”

Legal Services for the Elderly in Augusta offers free legal help for Maine’s seniors. That organization’s advice: “Reverse mortgages are not right for everyone. If you are thinking about taking out a reverse mortgage, you should talk to an attorney first. REMEMBER: It is never a good idea to use the equity in your home to pay unsecured debts like credit cards or medical bills.” If you are 60 or older, call 1-800-750-5353 to talk to an attorney for free.

Sun Spots has been told that a reverse mortgage is very complicated and so one answer does not fit all situations. Make sure you understand what a reverse mortgage entails before you sign. Perhaps our readers can share some tips and resources.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com or tweeted @SJ_SunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots.

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