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Book of the Day
Beloved
Toni Morrison
Set in the haunting aftermath of slavery, Beloved tells the story of Sethe, a woman whose desperate act to spare her child from bondage returns to stalk her life as a ghost named Beloved. With lyrical, fractured prose, Toni Morrison weaves memory, guilt, and maternal love into a narrative in which the past is never truly past—and redemption demands unflinching reckoning.
Find it here
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📈 Managing investments/auditing portfolios
🏥 Finding health insurance options, finding providers, or consolidating fragmented medical records
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🛠️ Remodeling, or modifying a home to age in place
🧹 Home maintenance (lawn care, handyman, etc.) beyond remodeling
👩⚕️ Establishing home health care
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10 Creative Hobbies to Try in Retirement
Retirement offers a rare opportunity: time to explore passions you may not have had room for before. Creative hobbies not only enrich daily life but also support brain health, dexterity, and emotional well-being. Here are ten hobbies to consider, with ideas for both beginners and those ready to dive deeper.
1. Painting and Drawing
Basic: Start with simple watercolor kits or adult coloring books to ease into creative expression.
Advanced: Take local art classes or join an online community to refine techniques and experiment with oil or acrylic painting.
2. Writing and Journaling
Basic: Keep a daily gratitude journal or record favorite memories.
Advanced: Explore memoir writing or join a writing group to share stories and receive feedback.
3. Gardening
Basic: Try growing herbs on a windowsill for fresh additions to meals.
Advanced: Build a raised-bed garden or explore native plants that attract pollinators.
4. Photography
Basic: Use your smartphone to capture nature walks or family events.
Advanced: Learn digital photography editing with free software like GIMP or invest in a DSLR camera.
5. Music
Basic: Learn simple tunes on a keyboard or ukulele, both beginner-friendly instruments.
Advanced: Join a community choir or take lessons to deepen your skills and connect socially.
6. Cooking and Baking
Basic: Experiment with new recipes using familiar ingredients.
Advanced: Explore international cuisines or try bread-making techniques like sourdough starters.
7. Knitting and Crochet
Basic: Begin with scarves or dishcloths using large needles and simple stitches.
Advanced: Create sweaters, blankets, or intricate lace projects, possibly joining a knitting circle for shared learning.
8. Birdwatching
Basic: Set up a feeder in your yard and keep a simple log of visiting species.
Advanced: Use binoculars and a guidebook to track migratory birds or join a local birding group.
9. Volunteering as a Craft Instructor
Basic: Share your knowledge casually with friends or family.
Advanced: Offer workshops at community centers or libraries, combining creativity with giving back.
10. Calligraphy
Basic: Start with inexpensive brush pens and practice basic letter forms.
Advanced: Explore advanced scripts, gilding techniques, or use your skills to make personalized cards.
Retirement is the perfect moment to embrace creativity. Whether you’re dipping your toes into something new or challenging yourself with advanced projects, the key is to stay curious and keep your hands and mind engaged.
💌 If you found these ideas inspiring, share them with a friend. Exploring new hobbies together can make the journey even more enjoyable.
On Health
Healthy recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Glazed Chicken with Vegetables
Helpful heath gadget: Sturdy Bed Rails
On Finances
Useful financial product: SmartAsset is a sleek, user-friendly platform that empowers you to make smarter financial decisions by offering free personalized tools and expert advisor matching — no hidden fees, no guesswork.
Quick Poll (vote to see the anonymized current results)
Have you moved closer to family in retirement?
Grandkids Corner
How to Choose the Perfect Birthday Gift for Your Grandkids
Finding the right birthday gift for a grandchild can feel tricky — you want something they’ll truly enjoy, but also something that’s safe, age-appropriate, and meaningful. Here are strategies to help.
Basic: Reliable Approaches
Match the Gift to Age and Interests
Ages 2–4: Simple toys like Melissa & Doug Wooden Puzzles or stuffed animals.
Ages 5–7: Beginner bikes, LEGO Classic Sets.
Ages 8–12: Science kits, art supplies, or board games.
Teens: Books, hobby gear, or a gift card to their favorite store.
Choose Experiences
Instead of toys, consider tickets to a zoo, museum, or local event. A shared outing creates memories they’ll remember long after the toy is gone.Practical but Fun
Gifts like backpacks, lunchboxes, or clothing can still feel special if decorated with favorite characters (e.g., Disney Store).
Advanced: Making the Gift Extra Special
Personalization: Add a name or photo to gifts. Websites like Shutterfly and Etsy let you design custom storybooks, blankets, or jewelry.
Subscription Boxes: Monthly deliveries keep the excitement going. Options include:
KiwiCo — STEM and craft projects.
Little Passports — geography and culture kits.
Educational Technology: For older kids, consider devices that mix fun with learning, such as the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet or Osmo Learning Kits.
Shared Projects: Give a gift that involves both of you — like a model-building kit, puzzle, or baking set. It turns the present into quality time.
Savings Gifts: For teens, opening a small savings account or contributing to a 529 college fund is a practical way to show support for their future.
On Tech for Seniors
How to Shop Online Safely Without Worry
Shopping online can save time, offer more choices, and even better prices — but safety is key. With a few precautions, you can enjoy the convenience without stress.
Basic: Essential Safety Tips
Look for HTTPS
The web address should start with https:// (the “s” means secure). Avoid entering payment information on sites without it.Use Credit, Not Debit
Credit cards generally offer better fraud protection than debit cards. If something goes wrong, it’s easier to dispute charges.Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Don’t shop or enter passwords on public Wi-Fi (like in coffee shops). Use your home Wi-Fi or a cellular connection instead.Watch for Red Flags
Be cautious of deals that look “too good to be true,” poor spelling on websites, or sellers that push for wire transfers or gift cards.
Advanced: Extra Protection for Tech-Comfortable Shoppers
Use a Virtual Credit Card: Some banks let you create a temporary card number for online purchases (for example, Citi Virtual Account Numbers). It keeps your real card number private.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Many retailers let you add a second step at login (like a text code). This makes it harder for someone to break in.
Password Managers: Services like 1Password or LastPass create and remember strong, unique passwords for each website.
Check Statements Regularly: Even with protections, review your credit card or bank statements monthly. The sooner you catch suspicious charges, the easier they are to fix.
Use a Digital Wallet: Options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal hide your card details from the seller, adding another layer of protection.
Fashion Over Fifty
Talbots – Stripe Fluid Knit Twist Dress (approx. $119)
Ann Taylor – Belted Midi Shirtdress (approx. $89.88)
Everlane – The Easy Workwear Dress (approx. $55)
Boden – Woven Frill Dress (approx. $39)
Marks & Spencer – Textured Embellished Button Front Cardigan (approx. $52)
Unscramble
Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.
Today’s clue: Retro diner machine where quarters chose the soundtrack.
BUOJXKE
Want to Earn in Retirement?
Help a life story get told, earn thousands: Refer someone to MemoirGhostwriting.com and earn 12% of what they spend. Find out more here
Disclaimer: Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, Seniors Magazine may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The content of the newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or health advice. We may also share polling responses with advertisers to help keep this newsletter free.