Introduction
(Edition 6)
Dear Friends,
I hope you had a good Thanksgiving — even if the turkey was a little dry or the family debates got louder than the football game. The important part is you made it through another holiday with a full heart… and hopefully a full plate.
Now we’re heading into that funny weekend where everyone’s asking the same question: “Do I really need anything from these Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals… or am I just clicking for sport?”
No judgment! I’ve filled plenty of online carts I had no business filling. But this week, I’m going to help you spend smart, not stressed.
And since we’re at the tail end of the month, here’s your friendly reminder: this is a good time to refill your prescriptions, check your pantry, and look ahead at what December might bring. For many of us, December means birthdays, gatherings, and a few extra expenses sneaking up like uninvited guests. Planning now can save you a whole lot of headaches later.
Inside, you’ll find guidance that helps you stretch what you have without feeling stretched thin yourself. My goal this week is to help you keep more of your money, lower your stress, and still enjoy the little joys that make this season special.
With gratitude and a whole lot of hope,
Mike Bridges
Founder, The O55 Report
The heart of The O55 Report is all about helping people — providing ideas, tips, and hacks on how to be financially smarter.
Practical money-saving hacks
Smart catch-up strategies after 55
Creative income and career reinventions
Motivation, health, and lifestyle tips
Plus one new tip each week that saves you money, guaranteed
Featured Articles
Staying on top of bills gets easier when everything is laid out in front of you. A budget calendar will help you create a simple guide for your month on what needs to be paid, what can wait, and where you might have a little extra.
Create a clear monthly layout that keeps your bills organized, avoids surprises, and makes your money feel more manageable.
Thanksgiving weekend has become one of the biggest money-saving moments of the year. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday rolling in, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the information. A simple guide like this helps you cut through the clutter so you know which deals are actually worth it — and which ones are just hype.
A straightforward list of the best discounts for older adults so you can stretch your budget and get real value without overspending.
The cost of groceries seems to climb every time we walk into the store. Many of us don’t realize there are programs designed to help, programs that can lower monthly food expenses and bring real relief. This article will help you understand which food assistance programs exist, who qualifies, and how they can significantly ease your monthly grocery costs.
I remember standing at the pharmacy counter, feeling my jaw drop at a price I didn’t expect. If you’ve ever felt that sting, you’re in the right place. Here are practical, no-nonsense moves I use (and share with friends) to cut prescription costs without risking health.
Birthdays don’t have to mean big spending. In fact, some of the most memorable celebrations come from simple meals, a cozy table, and the people you care about. For many of us living on a fixed income, the thought of hosting a birthday dinner can feel like a stretch, but it doesn’t have to be.
Enjoy a special birthday meal for under $50, proving that meaningful celebrations don’t need a big price tag.
If you’ve been wanting a simple way to keep track of your money each month without complicated apps or confusing charts, this one’s for you. The Budget Buddy is an easy, step-by-step tracker designed to help you see exactly where your money goes, what you can adjust, and how to stay in control of your spending.
Many of us grew up using pen and paper, and this tool brings that same clarity… just organized in a friendlier format.
CRAZY EIGHTS OF THE WEEK
We want this newsletter to feel like it’s ours — not just ours to write, but ours to build together. What would you like us to talk about next?
