Energy Efficiency on a Fixed Income, Chronic Pain Management, and Wealth Strategies for High-Net-Worth Retirees

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Improving energy efficiency doesn’t require major renovations or expensive upgrades. Small adjustments can lower monthly utility bills, make your home more comfortable, and help your budget stretch further. The key is focusing on changes that deliver the biggest impact for the lowest cost.

Start with sealing air leaks — one of the cheapest and most effective ways to cut heating and cooling costs. Use weatherstripping around doors, caulk around window frames, and draft stoppers along the floor to keep conditioned air inside. Replace old lightbulbs with LEDs, which use far less electricity and last for years. Adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees, using ceiling fans to circulate air, and closing curtains during the hottest or coldest parts of the day can also make a noticeable difference. If you have older appliances, unplug items you rarely use and look for energy-saving settings on your washer, dryer, and refrigerator. Many utilities also offer free home energy audits, which can help identify specific problem areas.

If your budget allows, consider small upgrades that pay for themselves quickly. Installing a programmable thermostat helps reduce energy use when you’re asleep or away. Adding insulation in attics or crawl spaces can significantly cut heating and cooling costs, and many states offer rebates to reduce the upfront expense. Look into federal and state assistance programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and local weatherization programs, which may provide free or low-cost improvements for eligible households. Even simple add-ons like low-flow showerheads, insulated outlet covers, and window film can offer long-term savings without stretching your budget.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend. Practical, affordable changes can make every home more comfortable and cost-effective.

“The Night of the Lantern Storm”
From the life overview of George T., 86, Portsmouth, NH. Shared with permission.

I still remember the night the power went out in 1954. My father hauled an old kerosene lantern from the basement—one he insisted was “perfectly good,” even though it rattled when he carried it. A nor’easter was pounding against the siding, and the wind was howling like it had bones to pick with every house on our street. My mother lit the lantern with a shaky match, and the little flame bloomed into a warm, steady glow that made the whole living room feel smaller and closer, almost secret. I remember sitting cross-legged on the rug, breathing in the smell of kerosene mixing with wet wool as our coats dried near the door.

With the radio dead and the storm too loud for sleep, my father suggested we tell stories—not the usual bedtime fables or tales of heroic explorers. He asked each of us to share something we’d never said out loud before. My sister admitted she’d stolen a peppermint from the general store and felt guilty every day since. My mother confessed that she hated the wallpaper she’d chosen for the kitchen. When it was my turn, I said I wished the four of us had spent more evenings together, just like this one, without distractions, schedules, or the feeling that everyone had someplace else to be.

My father nodded, the light from his lantern catching the thoughtful crease in his forehead. “Storms make us notice what we forget on sunny days,” he said. The wind raged on, but inside, everything felt—however briefly—beautifully still.

***

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The Fortepan Historic Photo Archive
A community-supported archive of everyday photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries, all contributed by individuals rather than institutions. The images are unpolished and real—portraits, street scenes, family gatherings—offering a clear look at ordinary life across decades. Browsing is simple and steady, with no commentary beyond the basic facts.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum: Time-Based Media Study Center
A digital collection focused on artworks that involve sound, light, or motion. The selection is small, well-organized, and accompanied by clear explanations of how each piece was created and preserved. It’s an accessible introduction to a branch of art that can otherwise feel abstract.

Open Culture’s Free Language Courses
A compilation of free audio and text-based lessons for dozens of languages, assembled from universities and public broadcasters. The layout is straightforward, with no sign-ins or apps required. It’s a low-pressure way to explore a new language through short, manageable pieces rather than full programs.

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A Wi-Fi mesh system can solve one of the most common home-technology frustrations: weak or inconsistent internet in certain rooms. Instead of relying on a single router, a mesh system uses two or more small devices (“nodes”) placed around your home to create one strong, seamless Wi-Fi network. If you’ve ever had trouble connecting in a back bedroom or on the porch, this is often the easiest fix.

Choose an easy, well-supported mesh system such as the Google Nest Wifi or Amazon eero 6+. These systems arrive as a kit with a main router and one or two additional nodes.

If you’re comfortable with settings, you can optimize even further:

A mesh system is one of the simplest ways to improve your internet reliability without changing your plan. Once it’s set up, you should enjoy smoother video calls, more dependable streaming, and far fewer “Why won’t this load?” moments.

Cruise deal of the day: 3 Nights Mexico Cruise - departing January 13, from $169

Unmissable American gem: Delray Beach, Florida is a popular destination for seniors thanks to its gentle oceanfront, walkable downtown, and lively arts scene that’s easy to enjoy at any pace.

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: Platformer where a plumber jumps on Goombas.

PRSEU ORMAI RSOB

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