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Image Source: Shutterstock My company sends out regular phishing emails to keep us guarded. I’ve prided myself on never falling for one of their test phishing emails… until recently. You might think that you are safe because you don’t click on sketchy links or that you can identify obvious scams. But cybersecurity experts are saying that isn’t enough. Scammers are using AI to scan inboxes for sensitive data, like your bank statements, password reset links, […]
7 Household Appliances You Should Always Unplug—But Probably Never Do <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-34978 size-medium" title="7 Household Appliances You Should Always Unplug—But Probably Never Do" src="https://www.ourdebtfreefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pexels-curtis-adams-1694007-10827196-1024×683.jpg" alt=" We’ve all been there: you finish a meal, turn off the toaster, or hit the “off” button on your microwave and think, “That’s done.” It’s easy to assume that just turning things off is enough, but here’s the truth—many of the appliances and electronics in our homes […]
Image source: shutterstock.com Your bank statement lands in your inbox, you skim past the usual charges, and then your eyes lock onto it: a small star sitting next to a transaction or account detail. It looks harmless, even decorative, but that tiny symbol is doing some serious behind-the-scenes work. In 2026, banks are quietly relying on symbols like this to balance convenience, security, and transparency in a world drowning in data. That star is not […]
Image Source: Shutterstock Opening your mailbox and seeing that distinctive “Internal Revenue Service” return address is enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat. But here’s the thing: in 2026, getting a letter from the IRS isn’t always bad news—sometimes they’re just checking in to make sure you get your full refund. However, with the brand-new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and the IRS MATH Act going into effect, the way the government communicates […]
Looking for some unique date night ideas that aren’t your usual dates? These unique date night ideas will give you and your spouse or partner something interesting and fun to do together. Indoor Rock Climbing Challenge yourselves by trying indoor rock climbing together, a unique and adventurous date idea. Ghost Tour Embark on a spooky ghost tour in your city to explore haunted locations and learn about local legends and paranormal activity. Trampoline Park Release your inner child and have a blast bouncing on trampolines together at a trampoline park. Escape Room Test your problem-solving skills and teamwork by attempting to escape from a themed escape room within a time limit. Attend a Live Cooking Demonstration Look for local culinary schools or restaurants that offer live cooking demonstrations or chef’s table experiences. Visit a Virtual Reality Arcade Immerse yourselves in a virtual-reality world, trying out different games and experiences at a virtual-reality arcade. Attend a Murder Mystery Dinner Enjoy an interactive and thrilling evening by participating in a murder mystery dinner, where you become part of the investigation. Take a Scenic Helicopter Tour Experience breathtaking aerial views of your city or a picturesque landscape during a helicopter tour. Go Geocaching Engage in a modern-day treasure hunt using GPS coordinates to find hidden caches in your area. Attend a Silent Disco Dance the night away with wireless headphones at a silent disco event, where you can switch between different music channels. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise Witness a stunning sunrise from a hot air balloon for a truly magical, unforgettable experience. Visit a Themed Pop-up Bar or Restaurant Watch for temporary pop-up bars or restaurants that offer unique themes and immersive experiences. Plan a “Mystery Date” Surprise your partner by planning a date where they have no idea what’s in store, adding an element of excitement and surprise. Try a Sensory Deprivation Tank Experience deep relaxation and introspection by trying a sensory deprivation tank, also known as a float tank. Attend a Circus or Acrobatics Show Be amazed by the impressive acrobatic skills and thrilling performances of a circus or acrobatics show. Take a Glassblowing Class Learn the art of glassblowing together in a hands-on course and create your unique glass pieces. Visit a Local Observatory Explore the wonders of the night sky at a local observatory and stargaze through telescopes. Have a Themed Date Night at Home Pick a theme, such as a specific country or time period, and create a themed date night at home with decorations, food, and activities that align with it. Attend a Comedy Improv Show Enjoy an evening of spontaneous laughter and entertainment at a comedy improv show, where the performers create scenes on the spot based on audience suggestions. Take a Scenic Train or Boat Ride Embark on a scenic train journey through picturesque landscapes or enjoy a romantic boat ride on a nearby lake or river. Read More: 100 Fun and Affordable Things To Do When You’re Bored 56
Image Source: Shutterstock If you’re a homeowner over 65, you probably know that property taxes are one of the biggest “stealth” drains on a retirement budget. But here’s the news that’s catching many people off guard this week: in 2026, some of the biggest relief programs in states like New Jersey and Ohio have changed their rules, and the “auto-renew” feature you’ve relied on for years might be gone. In New Jersey, the launch of […]
10 Book Themes That Resonate with Baby Boomers <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-25194 size-full" title="10 Book Themes That Resonate with Baby Boomers" src="https://www.ourdebtfreefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pexels-ivan-samkov-7394793.jpg" alt=" As Baby Boomers continue to influence modern culture, literature reflects their unique experiences and values. Many readers from this generation find themselves drawn to stories that resonate with their journeys, reflecting the complexities of aging, nostalgia, and social change. Whether reminiscing about the past or contemplating the future, these book themes […]
Image Source: Shutterstock If you’re a Baby Boomer navigating the 2026 tax season, you might feel like you’re stuck in no-man’s-land. You don’t have the high-flying income of your working years, but you aren’t quite at the level where you qualify for “low-income” assistance. This is the “Middle Zone”—the space where your income is high enough to be taxed, but just low enough that you’re overlooked by most federal aid. The good news? The One […]
Image source: shutterstock.com Your smartphone storage is precious real estate. Every retailer, from the gas station to the pharmacy, is begging you to download their proprietary app, promising exclusive deals and rewards. In reality, most of these applications are little more than data vampires that drain your battery and clutter your home screen while offering pennies in return. In 2026, app fatigue is real, and the average shopper has deleted more savings tools than they […]
Image source: shutterstock.com January gets all the blame for post-holiday money stress, but for a lot of couples, the real pinch shows up later. You finally feel like you’re back to “normal,” and then February arrives with a credit card balance that won’t quit, surprise renewals, and a calendar full of plans you forgot you agreed to. That’s the spending hangover in its truest form, the fun is over, but the costs keep showing up. […]
Image source: shutterstock.com In the current economic climate of 2026, the idea of feeding a single person for thirty dollars a week sounds like a math error. With the average grocery bill hovering near triple digits, most shoppers assume that a budget this tight requires a diet of instant ramen and peanut butter sandwiches. However, this assumption is false. By leveraging the aggressive digital coupon ecosystem and targeting the specific proteins that are currently in […]
Image source: shutterstock.com In the quest for financial freedom, frugality is often hailed as the ultimate virtue. We are taught to clip every coupon, hunt for the lowest price tag, and squeeze every cent out of a dollar. However, there is a fine line between being frugal and being cheap, and crossing it can have disastrous consequences for your bank account. Economists call this a false economy, where an initial saving leads to a greater […]
Image source: shutterstock.com The holidays can make even well-organized couples feel a little off-balance. Travel, gifts, hosting, and “we deserve it” spending stack up fast, and then January shows up with bills and a reality check. For DINK couples, the stress can feel extra confusing because, on paper, two incomes should make everything easier. But the most common friction isn’t really about the total spent, it’s about what the spending meant and who felt in […]