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The Rise of Cozy Mysteries on TV and in Books
Trivia: What is the largest species of shark currently living?
RetireHub
January 07, 2026
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Wednesday newsletter is here!
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 | By: Sheridan Sayers Welcome to the quaint, beautiful beach township of Champagne Waters. Romance, friendship, and family ties are never far away. "A New Life in Champagne Waters" is the first title in a series of five sweet romance books. Lovable characters, cute beachfront stores, delicious baking, and exciting life changes keep the pages turning. |
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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.
It is so nice to be back here with all of my friends and readers after a wonderful and hectic holiday season. I am finishing up my holiday travel but wanted to get back to you quickly because I miss everyone! Your emails to me were so kind, thoughtful and inspirational! I truly hope everyone’s 2026 is the best ever.
As we move into 2026, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to take a closer look at everyday expenses. As we all know and experience, small, thoughtful adjustments in our everyday life can lead to meaningful savings. The good news is that cost control does not require drastic lifestyle changes. In fact, the most effective savings often come from reviewing routine spending and taking advantage of benefits that are already available. We all get in the habit of saying “oh, that doesn’t cost that much”. If we add all of those little things together, they add up to one big expense!
As I am sure all of you have experienced one way or another, Healthcare is still one of the largest expenses in retirement, making it a logical place to start. You should have reviewed your Medicare coverage during open enrollment back in November and December, and compared your Part D prescription plan. You should place this on your calendar to review annually. If you are unsure, please ask your physicians about generic alternatives which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Many retirees also overlook preventive care benefits, which are typically covered and can help avoid larger medical expenses later.
Also, I believe I have the best pharmacist on the face of the planet! Pharmacist Mike reviews all prescriptions and finds coupons and alternative billing methods to reduce our deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. If you just ask your pharmacist, I think you will be surprised as to what discounts are available and what magic they can provide for you!
Housing and utilities are another major opportunity for some savings. You can take simple steps such as renegotiating cable and internet packages (or cutting cable altogether), installing energy- efficient lighting, or reassessing homeowners or renters’ insurance. This can add up over the course of a year. It took me a long time to be brave enough to cut our cable out of our every day lives, but when I finally cut the cord, it was a huge savings for me. I used to spend over $200 per month on cable. I certainly feel the relief of not paying that bill every month! I selected two of my favorite streaming services and only use those now. I don’t miss cable at all!
For those who no longer need as much living space, downsizing or moving to a lower-cost area may provide both financial relief and lifestyle benefits. I know this is a huge change and not everyone can act on this immediately, but you can start to think about what the future may bring. Planning and timing are everything!
Everyday spending deserves attention as well. Loyalty programs, senior discounts, and subscription reviews can uncover “silent” expenses that creep into our monthly budgets. Many retirees find that cancelling unused streaming services or negotiating cell phone plans results in immediate savings. In addition, shopping with a list, buying store brands, and timing purchases around sales are still simple but effective habits. Also, there are many local senior centers that have groups and clubs around entertainment and needs, providing discounts and ideas that help everyone who takes part.
Finally, 2026 is an excellent time to revisit financial planning. Reviewing withdrawal strategies, required minimum distributions, and tax-efficient giving options with a financial advisor can help retirees minimize tax savings while supporting long-term goals. Even modest planning adjustments can improve cash flow and provide greater peace of mind. In addition, make sure your wills and health care proxies are up-to-date and stored somewhere safe and where loved one can find them should they need to.
Retirement is about enjoying the time you worked so hard to earn. By being intentional with expenses and staying informed, retirees in 2026 can protect their savings, reduce financial stress, and focus more energy on what truly matters—family, health, and the freedom to enjoy each day.
Let’s share our ideas and help each other! Please email me at [email protected] with any thoughts you would like to share with fellow readers!
Have a great week, great month and great 2026!
Joanne
In 2026, I will: |
On this day in 1610, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei made the first recorded observation of Jupiter’s four largest moons — Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto — a discovery that fundamentally changed our understanding of the solar system.
The Rise of Cozy Mysteries on TV and in Books
Cozy mysteries have quietly become one of the most beloved genres on both television and in books, capturing the hearts of audiences who crave engaging stories without excessive violence or graphic content. Defined by their lighthearted tone, quirky characters, and often picturesque settings, cozy mysteries offer a comforting escape while still delivering clever puzzles and suspense. Whether you’re curled up with a novel on a rainy afternoon or binge-watching a series on a quiet weekend, cozy mysteries provide a blend of intrigue and charm that’s hard to resist.
One reason for the genre’s surge in popularity is its accessibility. Unlike hard-boiled crime dramas that can feature intense action and dark themes, cozies keep things friendly and inviting. The detectives are usually relatable amateurs—librarians, bakers, bookshop owners, or retired teachers—whose sleuthing instincts lead them into fascinating situations. Readers and viewers enjoy watching ordinary people solve mysteries with intelligence and resourcefulness, proving that you don’t need to be a gritty detective to crack a case.
Television has played a huge role in bringing cozy mysteries into mainstream entertainment. Series like Magnum P.I. spinoffs, British imports like Midsomer Murders, and streaming hits such as Ginny & Georgia have infused cozy elements into their storytelling, making them appealing to wide audiences. Meanwhile, adaptations of popular book series—think Agatha Raisin or Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries—have introduced viewers to vibrant characters and settings that feel like old friends. The light tone and episodic nature make these shows easy to enjoy anytime without emotional heaviness.
In the publishing world, cozy mysteries continue to thrive. Authors such as Louise Penny, Alexander McCall Smith, and Joanne Fluke have developed devoted followings with series that mix clever plotting with warmth and wit. Many readers appreciate the familiar communities and recurring characters, often returning to the same fictional towns book after book. Whether the mystery revolves around a small-town bakery, a knitting circle, or an antique shop, these stories satisfy the desire for suspense without sacrificing comfort.
Part of the charm of cozy mysteries is the sense of community they build among fans. Book clubs often choose cozies for their discussion value, and social media groups abound with recommendations and fan theories. The genre’s rise is a testament to our love for storytelling that’s both soothing and stimulating—mysteries that tease the brain while comforting the heart.
What Do You Love Most About Cozy Mysteries? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: Which Type of YouTube Channel Do You Enjoy Most?
The results show that our readers love feeding their curiosity—educational and learning channels led the way, showing a strong appetite for exploring new ideas and understanding the world. Cooking and travel channels were close behind, revealing a taste for delicious recipes and armchair adventures. Comedy and entertainment held steady, while the “Other” category highlights that viewers are always seeking fresh, unexpected content. Overall, it’s clear that audiences enjoy a mix of brain-boosting, inspiring, and fun content to keep both minds and hearts engaged.
TOP COMMENTS
“They all sound very interesting so I will be giving all of them a try! Thank you for recommending them.”
“We also like yoga and rosary channels”
“I like watching thrifting and family videos”
“I use YouTube mostly to listen to music and watch videos. I also really like ‘how to’ videos. They make it so much easier than trying to follow directions on paper!”
“I don't know if ‘enjoy’ is the correct word. I enjoy watching comedy and entertaining videos, but watching how-to videos isn't something I enjoy, because it usually means something needs fixed.”
“I knit, crochet and sew. I love youtube tutorials covering any of those things. For example, I recently purchased a hoodie but hated the neck. I decided to add a zipper but only a short one. Tada, YouTube talked me through it.”
“DIY projects especially repairing household items.”
“I love the exercises they have, along with dance videos!”
10 Insightful Questions to Help You Shape a Meaningful Retirement
Retirement isn’t just about finances—it’s a major life transition that raises emotional and practical questions as well as monetary ones. This article offers ten thoughtful questions to help you reflect on how you want your days to feel, where your sense of purpose and connection will come from, and how to structure your life with intention once work is no longer shaping your schedule. By examining topics like energy, contribution, pride, and how to truly check in with yourself, the piece encourages retirees and soon‑to‑be retirees to create a fulfilling and personalized next chapter rather than just drifting into it.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Swell time
Meaning: Swell time is a surfing term that refers to the period between waves in a swell—the interval that determines how often good surfable waves arrive. More broadly, it can be used figuratively to mean a period of pause or waiting between events.
In a sentence: "We sat on the porch enjoying our tea, savoring the swell time between the grandchildren’s visits to catch our breath and relax."
Good News of the Day
Indigenous‑Led Prefab Homes Offer Faster, Local Solution to Canada’s Housing Needs
A First Nation in northern British Columbia has developed an innovative prefabricated housing system using locally sourced wood to build homes more quickly and affordably for northern communities. The Nak’azdli Whuten Development Corporation teamed up with researchers and a local lumber company to turn low‑grade timber into mass timber panels that can be assembled into houses in as little as 10 days, providing economic opportunity and quality housing. This Indigenous‑led project not only addresses housing shortages but also supports local jobs, sustainable forestry, and community resilience.
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What is the largest species of shark currently living? |
Which city is famous for a large clock tower called Big Ben? |
What is the tallest mountain in Africa? |
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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.
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- Jay
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