Daily | Thursday, August 13, 2026
Make more of what’s next.
The newsletter built for Americans 50 and older.
Good morning! The government just tipped its hand on next year's Social Security raise, and a text message making the rounds deserves to be deleted on sight. Both are below, along with a 10-second balance test you can try while the coffee brews.
Worth Knowing
1
Next year’s Social Security raise is coming into focus
July inflation data now puts the 2027 Social Security COLA somewhere around 3.2% to 3.6%. At the current average retirement benefit, that would mean at least another $67 a month. Two more months of inflation data will determine the final number, which arrives in October.
2
A new flu shot is coming specifically for adults 50+
The FDA just approved mFlusiva, the first mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50 and older. In a trial of more than 40,000 people, it prevented about 27% more flu cases than a standard-dose vaccine. It gives people another option when flu shots roll out this fall.
3
⚠ Scam Alert
The gold bar scam is spreading
Scammers are convincing older Americans that their bank accounts have been compromised, then telling them to withdraw their savings and convert the money into gold bars or coins for “safekeeping.” Couriers may even show up at the victim’s home to collect the gold. New York authorities warned this week that these schemes have stolen more than $100 million, mostly from older adults. Legitimate banks and government agencies will never ask you to move money into gold or hand valuables to a courier.
4
Medicare Advantage extras may get leaner in 2027
People with Medicare Advantage could see fewer extras next year, including dental, vision, hearing, gym and transportation benefits, as insurers try to control rising costs. That makes this fall's annual plan comparison especially important rather than simply letting an existing plan renew automatically.
5
Ages 60-63 get an unusually large 401(k) window this year
Workers who turn 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2026 can contribute an additional $11,250 to most 401(k), 403(b) and government 457 plans on top of the standard $24,500 limit. That's a potential $35,750 contribution for people making a final savings push before retirement.
Remember when?
The Apollo 11 astronauts came home as heroes
On August 13, 1969, just weeks after walking on the moon, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins rode through New York City in a ticker-tape parade watched by enormous crowds. That evening, President Nixon awarded all three the Presidential Medal of Freedom. For Americans who lived through it, the moon landing wasn’t just a TV event — it felt like the whole country had accomplished something together.
What things cost in 1976
Gallon of regular gas
$0.63 → $4.03
Gallon of milk
$2.22 → $4.31
A dozen eegs
$0.84 → $2.19
New car, average
$5,450 → $49,855
Median home
$44,200→ $409,000
Test yourself
Answers are near the bottom of today’s email. (no peeking!)
1 - Which TV family lived at 704 Hauser Street in Queens?
2 - Which singer was known as “The King of Rock and Roll”?
3 - What was the name of the first space shuttle to fly into space?
4 - Which U.S. state is home to Mount Rushmore?
5 - Which Great Lake is the only one located entirely within the United States?
Live better
Strength training matters more as you get older
Muscle mass and strength naturally decline with age, but resistance training can help preserve mobility and everyday function. The National Institute on Aging recommends muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week.
A consistent bedtime may matter more than you think
Adults 45 and older with more irregular sleep schedules have been linked with a higher risk of atherosclerosis, while inconsistent sleep duration has also been associated with high blood pressure. Most adults should aim for 7–9 hours per night.
Know your blood pressure numbers
High blood pressure can quietly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular activity, a balanced diet, managing weight and taking prescribed medication correctly are among the major ways to bring it under control.
Enjoy yourself
Worth streaming: The Chelsea Detective
If you like smart mysteries without the gore or chaos of darker crime shows, The Chelsea Detective is a good one to pick up. It follows an unconventional London detective solving cases around one of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, with a slower, character-driven British mystery feel. Season 4 is rolling out on Acorn TV this month.
Make this 30-minute Hawaiian chicken
This six-ingredient shoyu chicken uses chicken thighs, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and brown sugar for a savory-sweet skillet dinner that tastes far more involved than it is. It takes about 30 minutes and pairs easily with rice and a simple salad. Delish
Put a national park trip on the fall calendar
Late summer is a good time to start planning a September or October national park trip. And if you’re 62 or older, the National Park Service still offers one of the better travel bargains around: $20 for an annual Senior Pass or $80 for a lifetime pass, covering entrance fees at participating federal recreation sites.
The shortlist
Protect your identity before a scammer gets the chance. Aura monitors your credit, bank accounts, Social Security number, and personal information around the clock, and includes up to $1 million in identity theft insurance per adult. See plans and pricing
Hearing aids no longer have to cost several thousand dollars. Jabra’s over-the-counter hearing aids include Bluetooth, rechargeable batteries, remote professional support, and a 100-day trial, with pairs starting around $1,195. See hearing aid options
Your savings account may be paying you almost nothing. Some FDIC-insured high-yield savings accounts are paying 4%+ APY right now, making it worth comparing your current rate with what’s available elsewhere. Compare today’s top savings rates
Don’t let one medical issue ruin an expensive trip. Some travel-insurance plans can cover eligible pre-existing conditions if you buy coverage soon after making your first trip deposit. Compare travel insurance
Final items
Trivia answers
1 - The Bunkers, on All in the Family, 2 - Elvis Presley, 3 - Columbia, 4 - South Dakota, 5 - Lake Michigan
Today’s laugh
I told my doctor I broke my arm in two places. He told me to stop going to those places.