Crime Dramas Worth Your Time

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Today we’re sharing fun tips on crime dramas worth your time, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!

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On this day in 1962, the Telstar 1 communications satellite transmitted the first live transatlantic television signal—bringing a news broadcast from the United States to viewers in Europe and shrinking the world in a new, astonishing way.

Dear Joanne

Your questions, her wisdom—Joanne’s here with thoughtful advice, warm humor, and a listening ear for whatever’s on your mind.

In today’s column, I am going to discuss a situation which I fear for everyone reading this column, and everyone you know. This is an actual situation that happened this week to one of my cousins. Please beware and always be mindful of similar situations.

Let me preface by saying that my cousin is a retired, well-rounded individual, a good person, and someone you could count on who would quickly respond to any call or text. She worked in the social work environment for many years, raised two boys almost solely on her own, and is now enjoying the fruits of her labor.

My cousin received a call from someone identifying themselves as the officer in charge of the E-Station of our police department. He told my cousin that she was under investigation for money laundering and the conversation that ensued led her to believe that she was in serious trouble, although she was unaware of ever doing anything wrong. After a lengthy conversation (which I am sure she divulged a lot of personal information), they informed her that they would work with her to try to settle the matter discreetly. She was instructed not to discuss this situation with anyone because she would not know who was behind this fraud and she should not give anyone a heads-up as to the corrective actions she was taking.

They asked her to fill out numerous forms. They also asked her to forward them a copy of her driver’s license along with the completed forms, which she did via text message. She did exactly what they asked her to do.

They then asked her to fill out a form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. They said her Social Security Number was compromised and in jeopardy. She completed that form and sent that along to them as well.

After five days of bonding with these “police officers,” she could not take the fear any longer. She contacted us and asked to meet with us in person. She was afraid to talk on the cell phone. She met my husband at a coffee shop and described to my husband how fearful she was of being arrested, and that she did not know what she could have possibly done to be under investigation as someone who had money laundered. My husband immediately told her to stop (1) and explained to her that he believed she had been scammed. He informed her of immediate steps she needed to take, and that she should not communicate with them any longer.

She did everything my husband instructed her to do. She contacted her banks, and she froze all of her accounts until she could get to the banks and change account numbers. She called her credit cards and shut them down, getting new numbers and cards. She changed all of her passwords. She would ultimately file a report on the FBI website dedicated to these types of scammers. She also went to the police department that she “thought” she was talking to – the person who was identified on the phone was an actual officer at that police branch but certainly was not the person on the phone. The scammers had the name of a real officer, trying to identify themselves as him.

But the story did not end there. On the following business day, these scammers contacted her again. They told her she needed to go to her three different banks and take out $20,000 from each of her accounts. Then, once she had the cash, they would contact her again to tell her where to send the money for her safekeeping. Luckily she was onto them, and she did nothing. If they had given her those instructions one day sooner, she may have lost her life savings.

The moral of the story is that times have significantly changed, and we need to be aware every second of every day. There is a list of rules we should abide by whether or not we believe this could ever happen to us:

1. Change your passwords and pin numbers regularly.

2. Keep a freeze on your credit report and unfreeze only when you are applying for your own credit in your own name (you can contact credit bureaus to accomplish this easily and effectively).

3. When you can freeze your credit cards online unless you are using them, do it!

4. Never say “yes” on the phone to questions that are being asked of you from someone you did not initiate the call with. These scammers are most likely recording your voice and when they have you saying “yes,” they could use that as an affirmative answer to any questions they edit into the conversation.

5. If you want to verify the person calling you is valid, tell them you will hang up and call them back. Never call them back on the number they call you from or the number they provide to you. Use the number on the back of your actual credit card or bank statement.

6. Trust your instinct. If you think something might not be right, you are most likely onto something.

7. If you are nervous about a phone call you receive, just hang up. You can always get in your car and drive to a bank branch or local police department to sort out any questions or concerns.

8. An actual bank or government agency would never take offense if you wanted to verify the call in a more orthodox method. Valid agencies and financial institutions want you to be more aware and would welcome your diligence.

Most importantly, find someone you really trust (children, family, close friends) and let them know what is happening to. These people will have a much more levelheaded and know what to do in such a situation.

All of us have worked hard for whatever we have at this point in our lives. Do not give someone the opportunity to take this away.

Have you ever been involved in such a situation? Email me with any helpful hints you can share with this group. If we all stick together and watch out for each other, we will all be better for it! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Until next time, where every goodbye is just a promise of a new hello,
Joanne

Crime Dramas Worth Your Time

Twists, Tension, and Timeless Characters

There’s something irresistible about a well-done crime drama. Whether it’s a slow-burn mystery, a courtroom showdown, or a cat-and-mouse chase, crime shows have a way of pulling you in and not letting go. And in recent years, the genre has evolved—moving beyond just who did it, and exploring why they did it, how they got away with it (or didn’t), and what happens to everyone left in the aftermath.

If you’re in the mood to settle in with something suspenseful and smart, here are a few crime dramas worth your time:

1. Broadchurch
Set in a quiet seaside town in England, Broadchurch begins with a tragedy: the murder of a young boy. What unfolds is a layered exploration of grief, guilt, and the secrets people hide even from their closest neighbors. With outstanding performances from Olivia Colman and David Tennant, this one is gripping, heartfelt, and haunting.

2. Unforgotten
Another British gem, Unforgotten follows two detectives who solve decades-old cold cases. It’s less about flashy action and more about unraveling deep emotional truths. Each season tells a new story, but the steady, thoughtful pacing and strong character work make this a standout.

3. Mindhunter
Based on real events, this Netflix drama dives into the early days of FBI criminal profiling. Set in the late 1970s, it’s methodical and intense—less about solving specific crimes and more about understanding how criminal minds work. If you like psychological thrillers and don’t mind a slower pace, this is a fascinating ride.

4. Happy Valley
Don’t let the name fool you—this one’s a dark, gripping series about a police sergeant in a Yorkshire town navigating family tragedy while taking on violent criminals. Sarah Lancashire gives a powerhouse performance in a show that balances action with deep emotional weight.

5. Mare of Easttown
Starring Kate Winslet, this limited series was a massive hit for good reason. It weaves together small-town dynamics, a gripping murder mystery, and one woman’s personal unraveling. Equal parts whodunit and character study, it's the kind of show you’ll think about long after it ends.

From gritty realism to emotional depth, these crime dramas offer more than just suspense—they deliver memorable characters, moral complexity, and some truly jaw-dropping twists. Perfect for fans of layered storytelling and late-night binge sessions.

Yesterday’s Poll Results: How aware are you of your digital footprint?

Building a New Life Abroad: What to Know Before Taking the Leap

More and more retirees are choosing to leave the U.S. behind for greener pastures—attracted by lower living costs, milder climates, and a fresh start among welcoming expat communities. Studies show that while many report emotional contentment, especially those who move with a partner, a notable number experience social loneliness due to reduced contact with lifelong friends and family. Overcoming this requires planning: building neighborhood connections, learning the local language, embracing community hobbies, and maintaining ties back home.

Financially, retiring abroad can offer real advantages—some retirees save up to 40% of their pension by settling in countries where housing and daily expenses are significantly lower. But it's not without complexity: careful consideration is needed around residency visas, healthcare access, taxation, and how to handle Medicare coverage from afar.

Experts and seasoned expats often recommend starting with a trial stay—spending a few weeks or months in your destination of choice before making a permanent move. This allows you to test out daily life, explore cultural dynamics, and assess whether the location truly fits your personal needs. Renting initially can offer flexibility while you get settled, and many emphasize the value of forming real community connections early on.

Language learning, even at a basic level, can make a big difference in feeling connected and confident abroad. And choosing a location with an existing expat or retiree community can help ease the transition while still offering the chance to explore something new.

In short, moving abroad in retirement can bring joy, financial freedom, and adventure—if it’s approached thoughtfully. Taking your time, staying open to local culture, and planning ahead for both emotional and logistical needs can help turn a long-held dream into a deeply fulfilling new chapter.

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Every day we post retirement tips, highlights from our newsletter so you can comment and discuss in the community, and some fun retirement-themed motivation!

Slang Phrase of the Day

Phrase: Skrrt

Meaning: “Skrrt” is a fun slang word that mimics the sound of tires screeching when a car suddenly speeds away or turns sharply. People use it to mean “let’s go,” “move fast,” or sometimes just to show excitement or surprise.

In a sentence: “When the family surprised me with a trip to the beach, I said, ‘Skrrt! Let’s get going before the traffic starts!’”

Good News of the Day

Step Up for Health: How Walking Slightly Faster Can Boost Seniors' Well-Being

A recent study from the University of Chicago Medicine reveals that seniors can significantly enhance their health by increasing their walking speed by just 14 steps per minute. This modest adjustment—raising the pace from approximately 80 to 100 steps per minute—can lead to meaningful improvements in physical function, particularly among those at risk of frailty. The research highlights that this small change can reduce symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty with daily tasks, thereby promoting greater independence and quality of life. To assist in monitoring this change, researchers have developed a smartphone app designed to accurately measure walking pace, making it easier for seniors to track and maintain this beneficial practice.

READ MORE

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