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Creating a Retirement Budget That Actually Works
Trivia: What animal is known to have the longest migration of any mammal?
RetireHub
May 12, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Monday newsletter is here!
Today, we’re sharing smart insights on creating a retirement budget that actually works, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
🪷 $205 OFF – Bifanuo Indoor/Outdoor Wicker Egg Swing Chair (350 lb Capacity)
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🏖️ $9 OFF – Livhil Oversized Mesh Beach Tote with 9 Pockets (Black)
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What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Annabelle McCormack Elle and Quinn have upheld a yearly tradition of meeting as close friends, bound by clear rules and no deeper commitment. Despite living vastly different lives—Elle rooted in Tennessee and Quinn destined for England—their connection grows stronger with each passing year. As emotions deepen, they must decide whether to risk their carefully balanced bond for something more lasting and meaningful. |
On this day in 1937, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were crowned at Westminster Abbey in London. The ceremony was originally planned for his brother, Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson. This event marked the beginning of a new era for the British monarchy and was the first coronation to be broadcast live on BBC Television, reaching audiences across the United Kingdom.
Creating a Retirement Budget That Actually Works
Retirement is a major life transition, and creating a realistic budget is key to enjoying financial peace of mind during your golden years. While many people imagine retirement as a time to relax and explore new interests, it’s also a period when income often becomes fixed. Without a steady paycheck, it’s essential to understand where your money is going—and how to make it last. Fortunately, with a thoughtful approach, you can build a retirement budget that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
Start by calculating your essential monthly expenses. This includes housing (rent or mortgage), utilities, food, insurance premiums, transportation, and healthcare costs. These are the non-negotiables—the bills that keep your life running. Be as accurate as possible, and don’t forget to account for things like property taxes or annual insurance renewals that may sneak up on you. Knowing your baseline expenses provides a clear picture of the income you’ll need to cover your basic needs.
Next, consider your sources of income. Most retirees rely on a combination of Social Security, pensions, retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs, and personal savings. Estimate how much you can safely withdraw from your savings each year (many experts suggest the 4% rule as a starting point). It's also a good idea to understand your tax obligations on withdrawals so you’re not caught off guard.
With your essentials covered, you can now allocate funds for discretionary spending. This is the fun stuff—travel, dining out, hobbies, and gifts. While these expenses are flexible, they’re important for maintaining a joyful and fulfilling retirement. Prioritize the experiences that matter most to you and adjust your budget to reflect your values.
It’s also wise to build in a cushion for the unexpected. Medical costs, home repairs, or helping out a family member can add up quickly. An emergency fund, even in retirement, offers added security.
Finally, revisit and revise your budget regularly. Retirement isn’t static—your spending habits, health, and goals may shift over time. By checking in with your budget at least once a year (or after any major life change), you’ll ensure it continues to serve you well.
A successful retirement budget isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about creating a plan that supports the life you want to live. With clarity, flexibility, and regular check-ins, you can enjoy financial confidence and freedom in this exciting new chapter.
💰 What's your biggest challenge when it comes to budgeting for retirement? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: What’s your go-to video chat platform for connecting with loved ones?
FaceTime takes the top spot as the go-to video chat pick, with over half of you choosing it to stay close to loved ones—simple, seamless, and just a tap away. Zoom holds its own as a trusty standby, while a few of you are still clicking into Google Meet or Teams. Interestingly, nearly a quarter say they don’t video chat at all (yet!), proving that sometimes, a good old-fashioned phone call still does the trick. Whether you’re FaceTiming across time zones or just figuring it all out, there’s no wrong way to connect. 💻💬💞
TOP COMMENTS
“My wife does this, I don't know what she uses. She occasionally gets me involved. Before I retired, I had to use Microsoft Teams for meetings.”
“I don't know what it's called. The kids call and it appears on my computer. We then have a nice chat, and I get to see my grandkids.”
“Too much. I will stay with the old fashioned telephone or in-person chats.”
Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Concerns, and Recovery Strategies for Older Adults
Dizziness is a prevalent issue among older adults, encompassing sensations like lightheadedness, faintness, or unsteadiness. Common causes include inner ear disorders such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and ear infections, as well as factors like low blood pressure, anxiety, and certain medications. While often not indicative of serious illness, dizziness can lead to reduced activity levels and increased fall risk. Recovery strategies focus on balance retraining exercises to help the brain adapt, emphasizing the importance of staying active and consulting healthcare providers for persistent symptoms.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Talk To the Hand
Meaning: Rather than saying, you’ve heard enough, you can throw this fun little 90s phrase into your vocabulary. However, don’t forget to put your hand up when you do it. Can’t get more 90s than that. ✋
In a sentence: “When Jake kept offering excuses for being late again, Maria just rolled her eyes and said, ‘Talk to the hand—I’m done listening.’”
Good News of the Day
A Mother's Grief Transforms into Life-Saving Gift for Son's Best Friend's Mom
In Columbia, Maryland, two longtime friends, Anjie Lynchard and Mary Ann Carroll, were brought back together by tragedy and compassion. Their sons, Jared and Phillip, had been inseparable during childhood. After Jared's unexpected death at 23, Mary Ann visited Anjie to offer condolences and noticed Anjie's health had declined. Upon learning that Anjie was in need of a liver transplant, Mary Ann underwent testing and discovered she was a match. She chose to donate a portion of her liver, turning her personal loss into a life-saving act for her son's best friend's mother. This profound gesture highlights the enduring bonds of friendship and the transformative power of generosity.
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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 country is home to the only official upside-down flag? |
What is the name of the rarest blood type in the world? |
Which animal is known to have the longest migration of any mammal? |
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