How to Spot Hidden Investment Fees, Find the Right Doctor, and Build a Better Budget

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It’s easy to assume that if your investments are performing well enough, everything’s fine. But over time, even small, hidden fees can quietly erode your returns — sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars. The problem isn’t just the size of the fees, but how invisible they often are.

Common culprits include mutual fund expense ratios, account maintenance charges, and advisor commissions built into your portfolio. These don’t usually show up as line items on statements, which makes them hard to spot. A fund with a 1% annual fee might not sound like much, but on a $250,000 portfolio, that’s $2,500 every single year — and it compounds over time.

It helps to review each holding and identify what you’re actually paying for management. Compare your funds to similar low-cost alternatives, and don’t hesitate to ask your advisor for a full fee breakdown in writing. Many investors also discover overlapping funds or outdated products that no longer fit their goals. Regular audits — even once every couple of years — can reveal unnecessary costs and help keep more of your earnings where they belong: with you.

If you’d like a professional to review your portfolio and pinpoint where fees may be hiding, reply “portfolio audit” for a free audit by a licensed advisor — no obligation, just transparency.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend — a quick review could mean thousands of dollars back in long-term growth.

“The Corner Bookstore”
From the life overview of Judith F., 78, Providence, RI. Shared with permission.

The corner bookstore was my secret world long before I realized that it would become a refuge. The bell above the door jingled unevenly whenever it opened, and the air inside smelled of old paper, polished wood, and a faint trace of pipe smoke from the owner, Mr. Garrison. I would wander between the stacks, my fingers brushing the book spines as I discovered worlds that stretched far beyond the gray streets outside.

One rainy afternoon, I ducked inside the store, soaked and shivering. Mr. Garrison handed me a warm cup of tea—unsweetened, as I liked it—and a chair by the fogged window. My eyes followed the rain droplets as they raced down the glass, and for the first time, I realized that stories could be more than escape; they could be companions, acting as gentle witnesses to the quiet moments of life.

I spent hours in the store that day, reading passages aloud to myself and laughing softly at lines that I had forgotten from my youth. I could feel the warmth seep through my sleeves. Other patrons came and went, but for a few precious hours, the world was contained within those walls, and it was safe and magical.

Decades later, the bookstore remains, and I still walk past it, occasionally stopping to peek through the window. The smell, the light, and even the worn floors all carry memory like a living thing. I’ve learned that some places don’t just hold books; they hold pieces of your life, waiting patiently for you to return.

***

New York Philharmonic Digital Archives
Immerse yourself in more than a century of musical history with the New York Philharmonic Digital Archives. From hand-marked scores to concert programs and letters, this collection reveals the evolving art of performance and the stories behind America’s oldest orchestra.

The Public Domain Review: Curated Collections
Step into the forgotten corners of culture through The Public Domain Review’s curated collections, where art, science, and history meet whimsy. Each visual essay highlights a theme — from 18th-century optical illusions to early botanical drawings — offering a slow, satisfying wander through humanity’s creative past.

Google Arts & Culture: We Wear Culture
Fashion meets anthropology in We Wear Culture from Google Arts & Culture, a digital exhibition tracing 3,000 years of style across continents. Browse interactive galleries that reveal how textiles, traditions, and craftsmanship tell the story of humanity itself.

This daily section is brought to you by MemoirGhostwriting.com, experts in capturing life stories for loved ones and/or the public. We can meet any budget. (Does your story deserve to be told?)

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You don’t need to be in the same living room to enjoy a movie night with loved ones. With the right app, you can stream a film at the same time, chat, and even see each other’s reactions — no travel required. Here’s how to set it up, whether you prefer something quick and simple or a more interactive experience.

For an easy, no-fuss option, try Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party). It works with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max, syncing playback across devices and adding a built-in chat bar for real-time comments. Each person just installs the free Chrome extension and signs into their own streaming account.

Another simple choice is Zoom or FaceTime: one person shares their screen and sound while everyone else watches and reacts live. It’s not fancy, but it keeps things familiar, especially if you already use video calls. To make it smoother, ask everyone to hit play at the same time or mute if there’s a delay.

If you’d like something more immersive, Scener is a great choice. It lets you host a virtual movie theater where everyone can appear on camera, talk, or type as you watch together. It supports Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube, and gives the host full control of the playback. Another option, Kast, works with nearly any video file or site, letting you stream from your computer or browser — even home movies. For smoother viewing, have everyone use headphones, close other apps, and keep lighting soft to make the moment feel like a shared night in.

Once everything’s queued up, hit play — and enjoy a cozy movie night that bridges miles as easily as a click.

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Unmissable American gem: Discover the sun-drenched charm of Coronado, California — where pristine beaches, elegant historic resorts and gentle seaside strolls make it the perfect laid-back getaway for seasoned travelers seeking comfort, culture and calm.

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: Classic black-and-white sitcom featuring a bus driver’s bluster.

EHT HNOMONEYOSER

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