(Edition 3)

Dear Friends,

Life isn’t what it used to be.

As we get older, the paychecks slow down, the energy fades a bit, and the idea of working 40 hours a week feels heavier than it used to. The bills, however, don’t slow down, and they seem to grow; maintenance costs, insurance, medications, and the occasional “life happens” expense, the numbers add up faster than we’d like.

I reached a point where I had to face the reality; my money wasn’t stretching the way it used to. That’s when I started digging for something — anything — that could help me save a few hundred dollars a month.

Breaking old habits always is. I had to track my spending, cancel a few “forgotten” subscriptions, use more senior discounts, and get comfortable saying no to little extras that used to feel harmless.

But after a few weeks, I began noticing small wins - lower grocery bills, less waste, fewer surprise charges. I realized I was actually saving a big amount of money.

These new habits didn’t just save my wallet; they gave me peace of mind. It reminded me that even at this stage in life, it’s never too late to adjust, to learn, and to make changes that really matter.

That’s why I’m sharing tips, not because I figured it all out, but because I know how it feels to wonder if it’s too late to start over. It’s not. You can still make progress, one habit at a time.

Staying safe at home goes beyond locking doors — it’s about being prepared, alert, and equipped with the right tools before emergencies happen. Each year, thousands of older adults experience preventable injuries at home, often from simple oversights like poor lighting, misplaced cords, or medication mix-ups.

Keep this quick-access guide handy — it’s designed to help you stay safe, confident, and independent in your own home.

Emergency Numbers to Save:

Print these numbers and keep a copy near every phone in your home. Better yet, save them in your cellphone and label one contact as “ICE (In Case of Emergency)” — most emergency responders now check for that first.

Getting the most out of your benefits starts with understanding how the programs really work and what’s changed for 2025. Here’s what you should know before retirement.

The First Black Woman Elected to Congress

Shirley Chisholm made history as the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Her courage and confidence inspired an entire generation.

Memory Spark: Many of us remember watching that moment on TV — a reminder that one brave voice can change history.

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?