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Catching Up on Retirement Savings: It's Not Too Late
Trivia: What U.S. coin famously featured an image of wheat stalks on the reverse from 1909 to 1958?
RetireHub
August 18, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Monday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing smart tips on catching up on retirement savings: it’s not too late, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
"My RMD will be $100K and I don't need the income. Is there a way to reduce it — or skip it altogether?" This is a common question, and an important one. For many retirees with large IRAs or 401(k)s, their RMDs may be so big, they could even get dragged into a higher tax-bracket.
These IRS-approved moves can shrink your RMD while keeping more invested for growth for you and your family. If you don't have the time or desire to DIY, it's simple to get connected with a pre-screened financial advisor on your terms.
Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
🔋 40% OFF – Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station
Stay powered up during emergencies, camping trips, or outdoor adventures with this compact yet powerful portable generator. With multiple outlets and a long-lasting battery, it’s ideal for charging phones, CPAP machines, and small appliances—no noise, no fumes, just reliable backup power.
🛏 12% OFF – Vaunn Medical Leg Rest Pillow for Sleeping
Elevate comfort and circulation with this ergonomically designed leg rest pillow. Whether you're dealing with back pain, pregnancy discomfort, or just need a little extra support, its high-density foam and washable cover make it perfect for better sleep and relaxation.
🪑 10% OFF – Vaunn Medical Adjustable Overbed Table
Add convenience and flexibility to your home with this overbed rolling table—perfect for meals, reading, laptop use, or recovery needs. With height adjustability and smooth-glide wheels, it’s a must-have for anyone needing extra support or mobility-friendly furniture.
What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Barbara Ellen Brink When Blake and Shelby Gunner set out to renovate an old boathouse in Port Scuttlebutt, their peaceful plans are upended by the discovery of a body buried under a neighbor’s woodpile. As suspicion falls on local Pete Dugan, the Gunners suspect something deeper—especially as strange incidents begin to add up: a dead pet squirrel, a mysterious break-in, and some very suspicious returning ex-cons. Determined to uncover the truth, Blake and Shelby follow the quirky trail of clues through a twisty small-town mystery filled with fall foliage, secrets, and a dash of danger. |
On this day in 1962, the Beatles played their first gig with Ringo Starr as their drummer, officially completing the Fab Four lineup we know and love today. The performance took place at Hulme Hall in Birkenhead, England, and marked the beginning of a new era in music history. Just weeks later, they would record their first hit single, “Love Me Do”—and the rest, as they say, is Beatlemania!
Catching Up on Retirement Savings: It's Not Too Late
If you feel like you’ve fallen behind on retirement savings, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of time. Whether life circumstances, unexpected expenses, or simply procrastination have gotten in the way, the good news is that there are still smart, achievable ways to boost your retirement nest egg—no matter your age.
Start with a Snapshot
Before you can move forward, take stock of where you are. Make a list of all your retirement savings accounts, including 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and any other investments. This gives you a clear picture of your current assets and helps you identify areas for growth or consolidation.
Take Advantage of Catch-Up Contributions
One of the best perks for individuals age 50 and older is the ability to make catch-up contributions to retirement accounts. In 2025, you can contribute an additional $7,500 to your 401(k), on top of the standard limit of $23,000. For IRAs, you can contribute an extra $1,000 beyond the $7,000 limit. These catch-up options let you supercharge your savings in the final stretch.
Delay Social Security (If You Can)
Waiting to claim Social Security until age 70 can increase your monthly benefit significantly. For every year you delay past your full retirement age, your benefit increases by roughly 8%. If you're still working or have other income sources, this can be a powerful strategy for long-term financial health.
Reduce Expenses and Free Up Cash
Take a look at your monthly expenses. Downsizing your home, reducing subscriptions, or paying down debt can free up cash to funnel into savings. Even small changes—like eating out less or switching to a cheaper phone plan—can add up over time.
Consider Part-Time Work
If you're retired or semi-retired, part-time work can be a great way to supplement your income and delay tapping into your savings. Many older adults find fulfilling second-act careers or flexible gigs that also provide social engagement.
Stay Optimistic and Take Action
The most important step is simply to start. Even if your timeline is shorter, consistent savings and wise financial choices can significantly improve your retirement picture. It’s never too late to build a more secure, more comfortable future.
How Confident Do You Feel About Your Retirement Savings? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: How Do You Find Support Beyond Family?
While nearly 1 in 3 respondents say they mostly lean on longtime friends for support, many are branching out—through local events, casual outings, volunteering, and even online connections. A meaningful 17% are also seeking community but unsure where to begin, showing just how important it is to keep the conversation open and welcoming. Whether you're reconnecting or reaching out, there's no wrong way to find your people.
TOP COMMENTS
“My husband and I have made wonderful friends by learning and playing pickleball at our local YMCA. While we wait to have our turn to play we talk and laugh a lot. We've also gone to some events and dinner with 2 couples we made friends with. It really feels good to know you still can make friends as you age.”
“I have many great people on bicycle ride. Some are groups and others thru fund raising on our bikes.”
“I recently moved to a new area. I found a group on Nextdoor to play cards with. I love coffee. I went to a coffee shop and met people there. I also joined a Moose Lodge. I love my life!”
Refreshing Routines: How New Scenery Can Revitalize Your Mind
Feeling stuck in a mental rut? A simple change of scenery—like moving outdoors or exploring a new neighborhood—can shift your mindset more than you might expect. Even stepping away from familiar spaces into nature or a different local spot helps clear your head, spark fresh ideas, and invite clarity. It’s not about grand adventures; small environmental nudges—like a solo walk in a new park or trying a different café—can interrupt stale patterns and guide your thoughts toward what truly matters.
Swapping your regular setting for a new one gives your brain the gentle reset it often needs, and pairing that with reflective questions (like “What brings you joy?” or “What could you do differently tomorrow?”) can be surprisingly powerful. As the article beautifully notes: answers don’t always come from thinking harder—often, they emerge when we simply walk a different path or pause in a fresh place.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Re-sparkled
Meaning: Re-sparkled is a warm, uplifting slang term that describes the feeling of regaining your inner light, energy, or enthusiasm—especially after a period of feeling dimmed, worn out, or overlooked. It’s about rediscovering your sparkle, whether through laughter, purpose, self-care, or connection.
In a sentence: "After joining that new painting class at the community center, I feel completely re-sparkled—like a piece of me that had been quiet for years just woke up and started shining again."
Good News of the Day
Saving Tahoe’s Sparkle: Record Pollution Reductions Keep Its Iconic Clarity Alive
Thanks to a powerful collaboration between California and Nevada environmental agencies, Lake Tahoe’s famous crystal-clear waters are staying vibrant. A new report celebrates a big win: pollution control efforts prevented over 727,000 pounds of fine sediment from clouding the lake—enough to fill nearly 29 dump trucks! The impact on water clarity is clear, with 29% less sediment, 23% less phosphorus, and 17% less nitrogen entering the lake compared to the previous year. Through smart planning and teamwork, Tahoe’s future looks a little brighter—and her waters, a whole lot clearer.
Other Publications We Like
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
Which early computer, introduced in 1946, is often considered the world’s first general-purpose electronic digital computer? |
What U.S. coin famously featured an image of wheat stalks on the reverse from 1909 to 1958? |
What ancient library, destroyed around the 3rd century BCE, became a symbol of lost knowledge? |
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