According to a recent Pew Internet study, 40 percent of 8-12 year-olds own cell phones and 93 percent of all youth are online users. Even though school kids love "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" (as do teachers), parents must, unfortunately, remain vigilant. AT&T's Cathy Lewandowski recently sent me several helpful pointers for out-of-school technology precautions and advises us to:

Q: You've probably addressed nursing homes before, but we're facing a personal tragedy with having to place our mother in one. We think we've exhausted all avenues and neither she nor my sister and I can afford assisted living.

Q: I’ve lost my job and my health insurance but I can’t afford COBRA. Last week’s column where you gave some advice about how to lower medical costs will help me, I’m sure, but is there any way I pick up some insurance in case it’s a long time before I get a new job? — Hurting Henry

Q: Sometimes I feel I’m just spinning my wheels with monthly finances. I pay bills like I’ve always done, but it seems like problems crop up all the time, and I end up paying out more in fees than I take in. Any advice? — Sara Spin

Q: My husband and I argue about handling money. I write the checks for bills, etc. but our account doesn’t always balance when he also writes checks. So I prefer to handle the whole account by myself. Any suggestions for a happier marriage? — Caroline Banker

For many women the arrival of swimsuit season is a cringe-worthy thought.

Q: One issue I don’t think you’ve discussed about the sour economy is if we can negotiate for health care. A good friend told me he actually asks for discounts from his doctors — and often gets them! I don’t know if I have enough nerve to bargain with such experts. Any hints? — Terry Timid

As promised last week, I’ll continue the work-at-home alert concerning pyramid schemes. The recession brings out all kinds of wolves in sheeps’ clothing who love to create pyramid schemes because of the ease in which victims are reeled in.

Q: I went back and reread your March 21 column about fraudulent schemers, but don’t see the scheme that my aunt-in-law just lost money investing in. Please explain the advance fee scam. — Ned Nephew

I’ve received inquiries concerning last month’s column about maintaining medical records online.

Because I’m over a “certain” age, I subscribe to a few AARP services. Additionally, as a consumer advocate, I’m always searching for updated relevant information that may prove beneficial to my readers.

Q: I’ve read almost all your columns but can’t find where you’ve addressed renters having trouble paying their monthly rent. None of the bailouts deal with home leases or rentals even though many of us also need a break. Any suggestions? — Tim Tenant

Q: I’ve been reading a lot about the importance of placing medical records online. While I can see some positives about doing this, don’t you feel it’s too risky for someone to hack into our personal information? — Fearful Frannie

Q: A colleague told me our group health insurance plan allows him a free fitness club membership. When I checked it out with my supervisor, she informed me the free memberships weren’t valid anymore. Can I do anything to “grandfather” this benefit? — Percy Puny

After reading Consumer Watch columns that emphasize money-making scams and the crudballs who victimize folks who are caught in the economic crisis, the advocacy organization National Consumer League’s Carol McKay updated me on the most current schemes.