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Digital Footprint: Understanding What You Share Online
Trivia: What is the scientific name for the common sunflower?
RetireHub
July 22, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Tuesday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing smart tips on digital footprint: understanding what you share online, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
Top Deals From Around The Web
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Stay cool hands-free with this quiet, bladeless neck fan that’s perfect for walks, chores, or summer travel. With adjustable speeds, USB charging, and a lightweight design, it offers a breezy, stylish way to beat the heat wherever you go.
What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Bruce Hammack From a Texas construction site to a Caribbean resort to a private island, blind PI Steve Smiley uses his heightened senses and razor-sharp intuition to expose the truth and stop the killers. Join mystery lovers’ favorite private investigators, Smiley and McBlythe, as they solve this trio of page-turning mysteries. |
On this day in 1933, aviator Wiley Post completed the first solo flight around the world when he landed his Lockheed Vega—Winnie Mae—at Floyd Bennett Field in New York City after a remarkable journey that took 7 days, 18 hours, and 49 minutes. This milestone broke ground not just in aviation history, but in what humans could dream and achieve in the skies.
Digital Footprint: Understanding What You Share Online
In today’s connected world, nearly everything we do online leaves a trace. Whether you’re posting photos, shopping, emailing, or just searching the web, you’re creating what’s known as a digital footprint—a trail of data that can tell others quite a bit about you. Understanding your digital footprint is the first step toward protecting your privacy, reputation, and even your finances.
There are two main types of digital footprints: active and passive. An active digital footprint includes anything you deliberately share—like social media posts, comments, online reviews, or uploaded photos. A passive footprint is created without you even realizing it. For example, websites track your visits, search engines store your queries, and cookies follow your clicks to show you targeted ads.
While much of this seems harmless, digital footprints can have lasting consequences. Employers, schools, insurance companies, and even potential scammers can access surprising amounts of personal information just by doing a bit of online digging. That’s why it’s important to regularly check what’s out there about you—and take steps to manage it.
Here are a few simple tips to keep your digital footprint in check:
Google yourself occasionally to see what information appears. If anything looks concerning, see if it can be removed or updated.
Adjust your privacy settings on social media and other platforms to limit what others can see.
Be mindful of what you post. Even if you delete something later, screenshots and archives can live on.
Clear your browser history and cookies regularly, and consider using private browsing modes when needed.
Think before clicking “agree.” Many websites and apps request access to your data—read the fine print before giving it away.
You don’t need to disappear from the internet to stay safe. But being aware of your online presence—and making thoughtful decisions about what you share—can go a long way in protecting your identity and peace of mind.
Remember: everything you do online paints a picture. Make sure it’s one you’re comfortable sharing.
How aware are you of your digital footprint? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: How prepared do you feel for healthcare costs in retirement?
Nearly half of all respondents (46.9%) are already retired and actively managing their healthcare expenses, which suggests this topic isn’t just theoretical—it’s a real and ongoing concern for many. Another 27.9% said they’ve already built healthcare costs into their retirement plans and feel confident about their preparation.
Meanwhile, 14% have started thinking about it but still have more planning to do, showing there’s a good deal of awareness, even if the details haven’t been fully sorted yet. Interestingly, 6.7% of voters admitted they had no idea healthcare in retirement could be so expensive, and 4.5% haven’t taken any steps yet, even though they recognize the importance.
Altogether, these results show a mix of lived experience, forward thinking, and a little eye-opening surprise. It’s clear that healthcare planning is on many people’s minds—whether they’re already retired or trying to prepare for what’s ahead.
TOP COMMENTS
“I thought I was prepared for healthcare costs, but now the government wants to severely cut Medicaid...”
“We are doing the best we can, hoping we don't go bankrupt. Still have a slight hope that Medicare-for-all will become a reality.”
“Just trying to stay healthy as long as I can.”
Creative Summer Fun: 6 Easy Crafts to Brighten Your Days
During warm summer afternoons, crafting outdoors can be a delightful way to relax, spark your creativity, and even share meaningful moments with grandchildren. From making terrariums to decorating flip flops, these six engaging projects are reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen table—but with a fresh, sunny twist:
DIY Terrarium – Create a miniature greenery world in a jar. Using pebbles, activated charcoal, soil, and small plants like succulents or air plants, this indoor garden requires minimal care and brings a touch of nature inside.
Pressed Flower Art – Preserve flowers by pressing them in books or the microwave. Use them to decorate cards, bookmarks, or even fairy wings made with clear contact paper.
Painted Rocks – Turn smooth garden stones into charming art—with ladybugs, mandalas, or uplifting messages. Seal them for durability, then display them indoors or scatter them around your neighborhood.
Seashell Wind Chime – Repurpose collected seashells into a gentle garden chime. Drill tiny holes and string them on driftwood to create a breezy summer melody.
Decorated Flip Flops – Breathe new life into plain flip flops by wrapping straps with colorful fabric and adding beads—perfect footwear for warm-weather strolls.
Flower-Stamped Tote Bag – Press spring blooms directly onto a blank canvas tote using a clear plastic sheet and a hammer. The result is a beautiful, wearable keepsake that captures summer’s essence.
All of these crafts are easy to set up on a patio, porch, or garden space—just add a cold drink, some light music, and perhaps a grandchild or two for great conversation and shared creativity. Whether you’re crafting something to display or give as a thoughtful gift, these activities offer simple joy, mindful relaxation, and a little summer magic to brighten your days.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Petfluencer
Meaning: A playful blend of pet and influencer, this term refers to a pet—usually a dog, cat, or other adorable animal—who has a social media presence with lots of followers. Their human usually posts cute, funny, or stylish photos and videos, and in many cases, the pet even “promotes” products like treats, toys, or outfits.
In a sentence: “My granddog Winston has more Instagram followers than I have friends in my address book—he’s officially a petfluencer now, and I’m just his unpaid manager with a treat pouch.”
Good News of the Day
Cat Commutes to School Every Day — A Feline Community Hero
A sweet and sociable cat named Kiki from Glasgow, Scotland, has captured hearts by walking her 10-year-old human, Sonny, to and from school every single day. She’s become such a regular part of the routine that the head teacher even joked she has a “100% attendance record.” Kiki doesn’t just stop at the school gates—she often waits outside or even wanders into classrooms, making her a true part of the school family.
Kiki’s presence has done more than just amuse—it’s helped bring the community closer together. Children look forward to seeing her, parents appreciate the extra comfort she brings, and teachers have even used her as a way to talk about kindness and empathy. Her calm, loyal nature has made her something of a local celebrity.
Because of her impact, Kiki is now a finalist in the UK’s National Cat Awards in the “Connected Cats” category, which honors cats who help strengthen community bonds. Her gentle spirit and daily dedication have made her more than a pet—she’s a furry ambassador of connection and care.
With her paws on the pavement and her heart in the right place, Kiki reminds us that sometimes, the smallest companions leave the biggest footprints.
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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:
What is the scientific name for the common sunflower? |
Which author wrote “Invisible Man”, a landmark novel addressing African American identity and social issues? |
The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of which Australian state? |
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