New Jersey’s Senior Wellness Pilot Program will award grants of up to $250,000 to organizations working to reduce social isolation among older adults and people with disabilities. PeopleImages/Shutterstock Loneliness and social isolation have become growing public health concerns, especially among older adults. Research from the National Institute on Aging has linked prolonged isolation to higher risks of depression, cognitive decline, heart disease, and reduced quality of life. Recognizing the problem, New Jersey has launched a […]

Researchers found that older adults who regularly use digital technology may have a lower risk of cognitive impairment, potentially benefiting from what experts call “technological reserve.” Geber86/Shutterstock Research shows that up to 1 in 4 seniors feel digitally discriminated against or face anxiety over tech adoption. While that is difficult to overcome, some use of digital technology may actually help protect the aging brain. A large meta-analysis led by researchers at the University of Texas at […]

When I first reviewed ProjectionLab in 2025, I gave it a five-star rating. At the time, I was impressed by the visual planning tools, retirement projections, and the ability to model different financial scenarios. It felt like a major upgrade from simpler retirement calculators and tools like Empower. Nearly two years later, my opinion has evolved. Not because ProjectionLab got worse. But because the retirement planning software market has become more competitive. Over the past […]

If you have money goals, there is a good chance you already understand the importance of knowing what you spend and knowing what you save. But managing your money, and all those spreadsheets, can get complicated fast. That is where Monarch Money comes in. In this Monarch Money review, I will share my real world experience after using the app with my wife for three years. I will walk through the best features, where it […]

Does “free money” really exist? If it does, you know you want some. While there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world, there are some clever ways to get paid for minimal effort. You just have to know where to look.  Many companies promote their brands and look for talents online, opening up many opportunities to earn. You don’t even have to get out of the house for most.  A gadget, an internet connection, and a little effort are all it takes to increase your income at home.  Let’s look at some legit and effective ways to get free money.  Easy Ways to Get Money  With 32% of Americans unable to cover a $400 emergency, people must know how to earn some quick money online.  One way is to look for side hustles that help you make extra money. This could involve taking on a part-time job, starting your own business, or blogging.  You can try to negotiate a higher salary at your full-time job or look for cashback opportunities when you make purchases. Cashback apps give you a percentage of your purchase price through cash rebates.  15 Ways to Get Free Money  1. Paid Surveys  One of the easiest and safest ways to make money is to fill out surveys. You can do this from anywhere in the world.  All you need to do is sign up for an online survey and earn extra cash or receive gift cards. Getting started on different online survey sites is pretty simple.  The compensation for survey sites can be as low as $2 per hour, but can go higher with premium platforms. Though this is no get-rich-quick scheme, it might land some extra money in your pocket.  2. Referring Friends  By sharing your referral link, you can make some extra cash by getting others to sign up for your favorite service. In addition, they also often receive a bonus payment.  It doesn’t cost anything to get started. Check your account for your favorite service to see if they offer a referral program and share your unique link with friends and family.  Some businesses pay as little as $10, while others offer higher bonuses, up to $50 or more.  3. Paid Walking Apps  Walking is easy and healthy, and you almost certainly already do it. So give yourself an extra (financial) incentive to walk the dog or reach your daily step count target.  These apps monitor your physical activity and compensate you for the total steps you take with virtual money. You can exchange this virtual money at well-known stores and restaurants, but most importantly, you can also use it to get free money.  Earning free money from these walking apps won’t make you a millionaire quickly. Still, it’s a way to make money through something you’re already doing.  4. Scan Receipts for Cash  Another great way to get free money is by scanning receipts for cash. Various receipt scanning apps pay you to submit copies of your receipts

What Gen X Physician Retirement Actually Looks Like Gen X did a lot of things “between” the big generations. We grew up between analog and digital, between pensions and 401(k)s, between house-poor boomers and minimalist millennials. Now we’re going to […]

There’s something undeniably satisfying about scoring something you want without spending a penny. Whether it’s a must‑have essential or a little luxury that brightens your routine, freebies tap into our love of saving money while still enjoying life’s perks. 1. Preparing and Paying Taxes Let’s get this straight. We’re already handing over 30% of our … Read more

This morning I was at a high school graduation and one of the speakers-head of the BOE-started her speech by relating a local news story about an elderly lady photographed in the rain pushing a shopping cart to where it belonged. The lady was questioned why do that in this terrible weather. Her quoted reply was, “I was taught to put things back where they belong, besides it’s the right thing to do.” The curmudgeon […]