People Are Sharing The Money-Saving "Cheat Codes" They Wish They'd Figured Out Sooner, And I'm Taking Notes

Title: People Are Sharing The Money-Saving "Cheat Codes" They Wish They'd Figured Out Sooner, And I'm Taking Notes

Article Snip: "... 5. "Switch insurance every year. I usually save $300, where if I stayed, I would be paying $300 more. ...14. "I finally retired last year, but when I was working, every time I got a raise, I pretended" ...20. "Contribute to your sa..."

Reference: www.buzzfeed.com
Money Saving Tips,

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Warren Buffett's Latest Advice on Debt, Parenting, Picking a Job

Title: Warren Buffett's Latest Advice on Debt, Parenting, Picking a Job

Article Snip: "...The famed investor, 95, also offered timeless advice about parenting, moving on from mistakes, choosing a job, and living a full life during the two-hour CNBC special titled: "Warren Buffett: A Life and Legacy."

Many people "love spending beyond their income" by racking up credit-card debt, but that's a path to ruin, ..."

Reference: www.businessinsider.com

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Requirements to maximize the $6,000 tax credit for Social Security retirees

Title: Requirements to maximize the $6,000 tax credit for Social Security retirees

Article Snip: "...The new federal deduction for older taxpayers represents one of the most targeted tax relief measures for retirees in recent years. Unlike broad stimulus checks or across-the-board rate cuts, this benefit is narrowly designed to reduce taxable income for people aged 65 and older between 2025 and 2028. Its timing is not accidental. It arrives in an environment defined by persistent inflation, higher living costs for seniors, and growing pressure on fixed retirement incomes.

The deduction functions as a tax shield rather than a refundable credit. That distinction matters. By lowering adjusted taxable income, it reduces federal income tax liability dollar for dollar at the retiree’s marginal rate. Economically, this encourages consumption..."

Reference: www.msn.com

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Can the flu shot actually give you influenza?

Title: Can the flu shot actually give you influenza?

Article Snip: "...Some surveys have shown that nearly 30% of people believe getting a flu shot can actually cause influenza.

This belief is likely due to..."

Reference: www.foxnews.com

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I was told to stop squatting because of bad knees—here’s how I still get an effective leg workout

Title: I was told to stop squatting because of bad knees—here’s how I still get an effective leg workout

Article Snip: "...Rather than stop training my legs altogether, I found ways to work around my pain..."

Reference: www.fitandwell.com
Health Watch,Knee Health,Single-leg press and step-up,Exercise,

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Seniors 65+ | What is the IRS 1040-SR? 2025 U.S. Income Tax Return Form for Seniors

Title: Seniors 65+ | What is the IRS 1040-SR? 2025 U.S. Income Tax Return Form for Seniors

Article Snip: "...Form 1040-SR is available as a large print optional alternative to using Form 1040 for taxpayers who are age 65 or older. Form 1040-SR uses the same schedules and instructions as Form 1040 does. ..."

Reference: IRS.gov
1040-SR 2025, 2025 Taxes, Federal Seniors Tax Form,

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View the DRAFT of Publication 554 Tax Guide for Seniors For use in preparing 2025 Returns

Title: View the DRAFT of Publication 554 Tax Guide for Seniors For use in preparing 2025 Returns

Article Snip: "...This is an early release draft of an IRS tax form, instructions, or publication, which the IRS is providing for your information. Do not file draft forms. We incorporate all significant changes to forms posted with this coversheet. However, unexpected issues occasionally arise, or legislation is passed—in this case, we will post a new draft of the form to alert users that changes were made to the previously posted draft..."

Reference: www.irs.gov
Publication 554 Tax Guide for Seniors For use in preparing 2025 Returns, Seniors Tax Filing Information for 2025 Tax Returns,2025 Taxes,

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IRS.gov | E-file: Do your taxes for free

Title: IRS.gov | E-file: Do your taxes for free

Article Snip: "...Choose an IRS Free File Option: Guided tax software

For $89,000 adjusted gross income (AGI) or less

Let the software do the work

You choose from IRS partner tax software companies
Simple questions to guide you
Accurate math calculations guaranteed
Some free state tax preparation and filing..."

Reference: www.irs.gov
IRS.gov | E-file: Do your taxes for free, Taxes, Free Federal Tax Filing, E-File,

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New Food Pyramid

Title: RFK Jr.'s New Healthy Food Pyramid

Article Snip: "...Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced new dietary guidelines for Americans focused on promoting whole foods, proteins and healthy fats.

At a press conference Wednesday, the administration unveiled a new food pyramid with red meat, cheese, vegetables and fruits pictured at the top.

Kennedy described the guidelines as the most significant reset on nutrition policy in history..."

Reference: www.npr.org
New Food Pyramid, U.S. Department of Agriculture/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

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Bye-Bye, Snowbirds: Wealthy Americans Are Relocating Permanently for Retirement

Title: Bye-Bye, Snowbirds: Wealthy Americans Are Relocating Permanently for Retirement — and This Financial Adviser Can't Fault Their Logic

Article Snip: "...Why head south for the winter and pay for two properties when you can have a better lifestyle year-round in a less expensive state? Permanent relocation is a much savvier retirement strategy, as this financial adviser explains. ..Texas and Florida, have become wealth magnets, while states including California and New York are losing billions from outbound migration.."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Southern Migration, Sanctuary City Exodus, Expensive Crime Infested States See a Migration South, Intelligent Migration of Americans, Retirement Strategy of the Wealthy, Commonsense Living, Outbound Migration,

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Amazon | J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2026: For Preparing Your 2025 Tax Return

Title: J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2026: For Preparing Your 2025 Tax Return

The most up-to-date entry in America’s #1 all-time best-selling personal tax guide

J.K. Lasser’sYour Income Tax 2026: For Preparing Your 2025 Tax Return delivers practical and hands-on guidance for everyday people preparing to file their taxes for the 2025 calendar year. You’ll find timely and up-to-date info about the latest changes to the US tax code, as well as worksheets and forms you can use to make filing your taxes easier. You’ll get the most current insight on how to maximize your credits and deductions, keeping more money in your pocket.

In the latest edition of this celebrated and best-selling series, you’ll find:

Special features that walk you through the most recent Tax Court decisions and IRS rulings that determine how your deductions and credits will work
Simple tips and tricks on how to properly file your taxes, as well as tax planning strategies that save you and your family money Full updates on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it could impact your tax
A revised and expanded section on cryptocurrency.

Trusted by hundreds of thousands of Americans for over 80 years, J.K. Lasser’s Your Income Tax 2026 is the perfect resource for everyone looking for the latest and most up-to-date personal tax information to make filing their next tax return a breeze.

Reference: Amazon

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When Can I Expect My Annual 1099-R Tax Statement From OPM?

Title: When Can I Expect My Annual 1099-R Tax Statement From OPM?

Article Snip: "...If your 1099-R delivery preference is set to Postal mail, we will mail your 1099-R in the last week of January, using the address we have on file for you as of the second week of December. If you have not received your 1099-R by the first week of February, we may not have your current address. Sign in to Retirement Services Online or call us at 1-888-767-6738 to update your mailing address. Your 1099-R will be available online on Retirement Services Online by January 31. ..."

Reference: www.opm.gov
Tax Time,1099-R, 1099R,

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5 Hidden Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage Plans

Title: 5 Hidden Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage Plans

Article Snip: "...Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, also known as Medicare Part C, have gained popularity due to their advertised low premiums and extra benefits, such as dental and vision coverage. Private insurance companies administer these plans as an alternative to Original Medicare, often bundling services into one plan. While these plans may seem attractive, they have significant drawbacks..."

Reference: www.medicare.org
Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), High Out-of-Pocket Costs, Restricted Provider Networks, Plans Change Every Year, Prior Authorization & Claim Denials,Limited Coverage for Travelers,

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Understanding Medicare Part D and Prescription Drug Coverage

Title: Understanding Medicare Part D and Prescription Drug Coverage

Article Snip: "...The Medicare prescription drug benefit (Medicare Part D) is offered through private insurance companies and covers most outpatient prescription drugs. It is available as a stand-alone plan to be added to Original Medicare coverage or included in the benefits of most Medicare Advantage plans. Those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage (this includes some private fee-for-service plans and Medical Savings Account plans) can also enroll in stand-alone Part D plans. ..."

Reference: www.medicarerights.org
Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D,

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Medicare Advantage Can No Longer Cover These Items in 2026

Title: Medicare Advantage Can No Longer Cover These Items in 2026

Article Snip: "...What is Medicare Advantage no longer allowed to cover?

The specific listed services Medicare Advantage is no longer allowed to cover under the new CMS rule include: Alcohol, Tobacco products, ..."

Reference: www.fool.com
Medicare Advantage

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How to Use Your Health Savings Account in Retirement

Title: How to Use Your Health Savings Account in Retirement

Article Snip: "...A Health Savings Account (HSA) is often viewed as a tool for current medical expenses, but its "triple-tax advantage" makes it one of the most powerful and flexible retirement savings vehicles available. By strategically saving and investing your HSA funds during your working years, you can unlock the full potential of these accounts to cover health care costs and even supplement your income in retirement.

After age 65, the account can even serve as a supplemental income source. At that point, the 20% penalty for non-qualified medical withdrawals disappears, leaving the funds subject only to standard income tax ..."

Reference: www.kiplinger.com
Health Savings Account (HSA),Retirement Tips,Health Watch,

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Medicare mistakes seniors wish they’d known sooner

Title: Medicare mistakes seniors wish they’d known sooner

Article Snip: "... the most serious costs tied to those choices often surface years later. By the time health declines and medical needs increase, options may already be narrowed or gone.

Medicare decisions made quickly or without guidance can carry permanent consequences. Late-enrollment penalties, coverage restrictions, and lost flexibility are frequently irreversible, making Medicare a core retirement planning decision, not a box to be checked.

The remedy, advisers say, is prevention through planning. ...Medicare.gov offers this example: If you wait two full years, or 24 months, to enroll in Part B and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you owe a 20% penalty, reflecting two missed 12-month periods.

For 2026, that would work out as follows:
• Standard Part B premium: $202.90
• Late enrollment penalty (20%): $40.58"

Reference: www.thestreet.com
Medicare Mistakes, Medicare part B, Late-enrollment penalties,

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6 super simple ways to have a younger brain into your 60s — and beyond

Title: 6 super simple ways to have a younger brain into your 60s — and beyond

Article Snip: "...Building brain health with movement and mental curiosity helps keep your mind’s wiring strong and resilient over time. ...Nuts, in particular, are packed with heart-healthy unsaturated fats, plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. The Mediterranean diet also."

Reference: nypost.com
Health Watch,Brain Health,Mediterranean Diet,Walking, Aerobic Activity,REM Sleep,Sleep Quality,

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Oprah Winfrey Reveals Health Challenges From Weight Loss Drugs

Title: Oprah Winfrey Reveals Health Challenges From Weight Loss Drugs

Article Snip: "...While reflecting on her weight-loss journey, Winfrey shared some surprising side effects she’s experienced while taking a GLP-1 medication.

Jastreboff stated that the most common symptoms for people taking weight-loss medication include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.

“I never had nausea or diarrhea, but I did have the third one,” Winfrey stated. “I finally figured out, for me, what the right combination of magnesium and water is. I have to drink a lot of water. ..."

Reference: www.aol.com

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Cybersecurity Tips | 10 simple cybersecurity resolutions for a safer 2026

Title: 10 simple cybersecurity resolutions for a safer 2026

Article Snip: "...The good news is that cybersecurity need not feel overwhelming. You do not need advanced skills or expensive tools. With a few smart habits, you can lower your risk and protect your digital life throughout 2026. To help you start the year strong, here are 10 simple cybersecurity resolutions that actually work. ..."

Reference: www.aol.com
Cybersecurity Tips,

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Federal Employee Retirement | What to expect while you’re expecting (your retirement benefit, that is)

Title: What to expect while you’re expecting (your retirement benefit, that is)

Article Snip: "...The OPM director uses his weekly updates to detail efforts to replace paper applications, guide employees through the Online Retirement Application system, and address delays and data issues in retirement processing. ...Most agencies are required to use the system, though a few, including the U.S. Postal Service, are not yet required to participate.

The Postal Service has a 90% accuracy rate when submitting completed retirement packages to OPM. They use a streamlined process called the “Blue Book,” which instructs employees to contact the Human Resources Shared Service Center immediately to schedule retirement counseling."

Reference: www.govexec.com
Federal Employee Retirement, Online Retirement Application system vs. Manual Processing,OPM retirement backlog,

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My mom, 80, needs special care, but Medicare won't pay. Now the home wants to take her Social Security. Is this legal?

Title: My mom, 80, needs special care, but Medicare won't pay. Now the home wants to take her Social Security. Is this legal?

Article Snip: "...Can the nursing home take that money, even though your mother has bills to pay, debts she took on before getting sick and a home she wants to maintain after she gets out of the care facility?

Here's what you need to know. ...Medicare does not ever cover routine nursing care (called custodial care) for those who can't do basic life tasks. Medicare does cover skilled nursing care for up to 100 days, but only under limited circumstances, such as when you've just left the hospital.

Since your mother just left the hospital, you may want to appeal the denial of the skilled nursing care. "

Reference: finance.yahoo.com
Long-term care crisis in America, Robbing Our Elders of a Penny, Disgusting Treatment of Seniors in America,

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Just 4 simple behaviors can improve your sleep consistency — they’re good for your heart and nervous system, too

Title: Just 4 simple behaviors can improve your sleep consistency — they’re good for your heart and nervous system, too

Article Snip: "...A new study reveals that the foundation of solid sleep may rest on four core habits.

Over 31 days, roughly 39,000 healthy adults participated in what a team of international researchers dubbed the “Core Four Challenge.”

The objective of the study was to determine the combined impact of four circadian-aligning behaviors on sleep quality and overall health. ..."

Reference: nypost.com
Health Watch, Circadian-aligning behaviors, Sleep Quality,

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Retirement life is very short if you retire at 65 and live to 85. And your ‘go-go’ years of full health, wealth are even shorter. Maximize them ASAP

Title: Retirement life is very short if you retire at 65 and live to 85. And your ‘go-go’ years of full health, wealth are even shorter. Maximize them ASAP

Article Snip: "...Several studies have demonstrated that spending on experiences is likely to be much more satisfying than acquiring material possessions. (2) The pleasure of buying your dream car or luxury clothes could be short-lived, but spending time with your grandkids on a beach in Europe can live in your memories forever.

By front-loading your budget for vacations, family gatherings and fun experiences, you can make the most of your most physically and mentally active years. ..."

Reference: moneywise.com

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