Your Boss Will Think You’re an Ecom Genius You’re optimizing for growth. You need ecom tactics that actually work. Not mushy strategies. Go-to-Millions is the ecommerce growth newsletter from Ari Murray, packed with tactical insights, smart creative, and marketing that drives revenue. Every issue is built for operators: clear, punchy, and grounded in what’s working, from product strategy to paid media to conversion lifts. | Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Wednesday newsletter is here! | Today we’re sharing smart tips on Understanding Data Plans: Don't Pay More Than You Need, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more! |
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| | | | What We’re Reading | Get these e-book deals before they're gone. | | Failsafe (The Failsafe Series Book 1) | By: Mich Solo | "A smart, edgy, and crisply paced cyberthriller that effortlessly blends its big themes with explosive action." — Kirkus Reviews Nathan Carter has a steady career, a marriage of twenty years, and a run of good luck he's never thought to question. When a work AI refuses a simple command and a stranger tells him his life has been managed, the surface cracks. What's underneath is impossible to unsee, and Nathan has a choice to make: accept the life he was handed, or risk everything to live a life of his own. "Emotional depth of this sort isn't always a part of dystopian fiction... | $3.99 — Get it for just $0.99 today! |
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| Dear Joanne | Your questions, her wisdom — Joanne’s here with thoughtful advice, warm humor, and a listening ear for whatever’s on your mind. | | Remember the old flip phones? Mine was my favorite. Cobalt blue with keys you could feel when you touch them. I cried when I broke mine – seriously huge tears running down my face. | Someone from Verizon handed me a smartphone. “Congratulations!” they said. “Now you can do everything from your phone.” Everything. That was twelve years ago. | Now, apparently, everything requires an app. Want to order a pizza? App. Want to see your bank balance? App. Want to check the weather before you walk the dog? There’s an app for that. At this point, I’m pretty sure there’s an app for opening another app. | Evidently, while I was busy learning how to use my VCR, the rest of civilization was quietly creating an app for every conceivable human activity. There are apps for shopping, banking, driving, exercising, traveling, cooking, watching television, listening to music, tracking your sleep, tracking your steps, tracking your heart rate and, presumably, tracking how long you’ve been sitting on the couch wondering why you downloaded the app in the first place. | And every app wants something. “Allow notifications?” No. “Allow location?” Absolutely not. “Allow access to your contacts?” Why? Are my contacts going to help you find my missing sock? “Would you like to create an account?” No, I would not. “Please create a password.” Fine, but this one always puts me on the spot. Who can think of a password off the top of your head? “Password must contain eight characters, one capital letter, one lowercase letter, one number, one symbol, the maiden name of your first-grade teacher and the name of your childhood goldfish.” Too much pressure. | Passwords are now one of my retirement hobbies. I finally create one I can remember, and six months later the app announces: “For your security, you must change your password.” Wonderful. I try to change it. New message: “Your new password cannot be the same as any of your previous 17 passwords.” | Seventeen? I barely remember what I had for breakfast. | And then comes the verification code. “Check your email for a six-digit code.” [SIGH] I then leave the app, open my email, find the code, memorize it (or take a screenshot because I’ve learned my lesson) and return to the original app. Except now the app has timed out, telling me, “Your session has expired.” Of course it has. | Apparently, I am expected to complete an Olympic-level cybersecurity exercise in 30 seconds. And heaven help me if I accidentally hit the wrong button. I am then suddenly being asked whether I want to subscribe to something, upgrade something, enable something, sync something or “enhance your experience.” | I don’t want an enhanced experience. I want the experience I originally signed up for. | But in the long run, I will continue downloading apps. I will create passwords. I will hunt for verification codes. I will accidentally turn on notifications and spend the next hour figuring out how to turn them off again. | Worse case, I call one of my sons (or better yet, grandchildren) for technical support. They will answer with the patience of a saint and say the four words that every retiree has come to dread: “Just tap the button.” Which button? “The blue one.” I then go silent and there is a long pause. There are three blue buttons. I am grateful to hear my son say “Never mind… I’ll be right over.” | And that, dear retirees, is the real purpose of all these apps – having an excuse to call our children for help in the hopes they will come over, and I can give them a hug and maybe some food. | I just counted the apps on my phone – grand total of 98, only seven which I use regularly. Who said retirement was going to be boring? | What is your favorite app? Email me at [email protected] and let me know. I will secretly share my favorite app with you if you promise not to tell! | Have a great week! | Joanne | |
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| | | On this day in 1846, the planet Neptune was observed for the very first time by Johann Gottfried Galle, following predictions by mathematicians who had calculated where it should appear in the sky. This discovery was a triumph of theory meeting observation, and it added a new neighbor to our solar family. |
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| Understanding Data Plans: Don’t Pay More Than You Need | In today’s connected world, mobile data is nearly as essential as electricity. Whether you’re scrolling through photos of the grandkids, checking your health app, or streaming your favorite oldies playlist, having a data plan that fits your needs—without breaking the bank—is key. But with so many choices and confusing fine print, it’s easy to overpay for data you don’t even use. | Know What You Use | The first step is knowing how much data you actually use each month. If you mostly stick to Wi-Fi at home or in public places, your mobile data usage may be very low. Most smartphones can track data usage in their settings. Look at your monthly average over the past three to six months to get a sense of your actual needs. If you’re using less than 3GB a month, for instance, you likely don’t need an unlimited plan. | Unlimited Isn’t Always a Deal | Unlimited data plans sound generous, but they often come with limits—like reduced speeds after a certain amount of use or higher monthly fees. If you’re not a heavy user, you could be paying a premium for peace of mind you don’t actually need. Instead, consider a flexible or tiered plan that charges based on how much data you use. Some carriers even offer data rollover or shared family plans, which can be more cost-effective. | Compare Providers and Discounts | Senior discounts, military offers, and AARP-affiliated plans can bring prices down significantly. Don’t assume your current provider is the best deal—shop around at least once a year. MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) like Consumer Cellular, Mint Mobile, or Tello often offer lower prices while using the same towers as the big providers. These are especially ideal for low-data users. | Watch for Hidden Fees | Be mindful of activation fees, taxes, overage charges, and early termination fees. Even “unlimited” plans can have restrictions or deprioritization clauses in small print. Ask for a full cost breakdown before switching, and consider asking your current provider if they can match a better offer elsewhere. |
A little homework can go a long way in cutting your phone bill. Understanding your actual data usage, choosing the right kind of plan, and staying alert to discounts and fine print will ensure you’re getting what you need—without overpaying for what you don’t.
| 📱 How would you describe your current data plan situation? | |
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| From the RetireHub Archives: What’s your current approach to bonds or fixed income investing? |
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| | When it comes to bonds and steady-income strategies, there's no one-size-fits-all approach—and our poll proves it! A solid 24% of readers are playing it safe with high-yield savings or CDs, while another 22% are already mixing it up with Treasuries, municipal, or corporate bonds. | Curiosity is alive and well: 21% say they’re interested in bonds but haven’t taken the plunge yet. And interestingly, 22% prefer to steer clear entirely, favoring stocks or other assets instead. Only 5% are using bond ladders—though those in the know swear by their steady payout structure. | Wherever you land, there’s no wrong answer—just options to explore at your own pace! | OUR FAVORITE COMMENTS | “For our cash, we have a mix of bonds, high yield CDs, high yield savings and normal savings account (for emergencies). This works well for us.” “Actually, we just met with our financial advisor. We do ladder our investments, and since this was our annual review, we actually have done quite well over the last 12 months. We are quite happy to leave it in his very capable hands.” “I leave it up to my financial advisor.”
| | Staying Close Across Screens: How Grandparents Are Embracing Tech to Bridge the Distance | As families spread out and visitations grow less frequent, grandparents are finding ways to connect with little ones through technology—video calls, apps, shared online projects, and virtual story times. These tools aren’t just convenient; they fill something deeper, helping maintain emotional connections, share everyday moments, and keep the bonds strong even when miles—or health—keep loved ones apart. | Learning to use tech isn’t always easy, but embracing small digital steps—like sending photos, learning how to video chat, or exploring apps that let grandparents “read” or play with grandchildren remotely—can make all the difference. It becomes less about mastering every device or platform, and more about being willing to try, laugh at mistakes, and meet grandchildren in their world. | The result? A richer grandparent‑grandchild relationship that adapts with the times. Technology becomes a tool that supports love, presence, and participation. And in those shared digital moments, grandparents find that distance matters less than commitment. | READ MORE | |
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| Follow us on Social Media! | Join an online community thriving in retirement! Find us on: | | 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! | |
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| Slang Phrase of the Day | Phrase: Chatter Box Seat | Meaning: A chatter box seat is a playful or affectionate term for the spot in a room, vehicle, or gathering where the most talkative person tends to sit—or where lively conversation naturally happens. It’s often used to describe a chair or place that seems to attract (or encourage) cheerful banter, storytelling, or social energy. The phrase can carry a sense of warmth and community, especially among seniors who cherish connection and conversation. | In a sentence: “Every Thursday afternoon at the community center, Ruth makes a beeline for the chatter box seat near the coffee pot—she says that’s where the best gossip and giggles always happen.” | |
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| Good News of the Day | Exceptional Detection Rates of Bladder Cancer Recorded in Study of Simple, Yet State-of-the-Art Test | An observational study in the UK has just produced substantially positive results for a new, non-invasive, genetic urine test for bladder cancer. Demonstrating extremely high accuracy for negatively diagnosing bladder cancer, it also correctly identified bladder cancer-associated genes in 71 of 77 patients who went on to develop a malignancy. The study authors acknowledged several […] | READ MORE | |
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| | The soundtrack to your morning coffee | Every song you grew up with, ad-free and on demand. Amazon Music Unlimited has a free trial — build a playlist of your favorites and cancel anytime if it's not for you. | | |
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| Other Publications We Like | Check out these other email newsletters we think you’ll enjoy! | | |
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| | 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: | |
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| The Blue Nile has its primary source at which lake? | | On which ship did Charles Darwin make his famous voyage that informed his theory of evolution? | |
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| Which U.S. Supreme Court case (1966) requires police to inform suspects of their rights (“You have the right to remain silent…”)? | | A QUICK ASK: First off, thank you for reading RetireHub every day. It fills our cup that so many thousands of people get joy from our little publication. | As you know, good content costs money. In order to continue supporting ourselves and to continue delivering the content you enjoy every day, we need to pay our writers. If you can, we ask you to subscribe to our paid account (for $5/month - less than a cup of coffee!) below. | If you choose to purchase a paid subscription, please know you’re supporting not only our publication, but tens of thousands of other 50+ year old Americans that get joy, entertainment, financial tips, and more from RetireHub every single day. | If you don’t join the paid plan (or can’t), no worries at all. We know times are tough. Thank you for being a part of our tiny, joyful part of the Internet. | - Jay | → Support Our Writing ← |
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| **RetireHub may receive affiliate compensation for links clicked within this newsletter. | ***RetireHub may share poll results with advertisers. |
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| 🏆 Best Poll Reply of the Week | After you vote in today’s poll, tell us why in the comment box. Every week our editors pick the best written reply, and the winner gets a $25 Amazon gift card. We’ll email the winner directly and may share the winning reply (first name and last initial only) in a future issue. | No purchase necessary. US residents 18+. Official rules. | |
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