How to Become a Millionaire for $20 a Day
And how to know if your brain is special
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Today is Friday, May 3rd, 2024, which is also…
National Biomechanics Day
National Film Score Day
National Chocolate Mousse Day
HEALTH
Super-agers Unite!
Ever feel like you've got the memory of an elephant? You might just be a 'super-ager'! These spry octogenarians aren't just aging gracefully—they're barely aging at all, at least upstairs in the old noggin. While many of us might forget why we walked into the room, these folks are remembering the fine details like champs.
Researchers have been studying these rare gems for over a decade, finding that their brains resemble those of people decades younger. A recent study highlighted that these sharp seniors have brains with less atrophy and stronger connectivity in key areas linked to cognition.
So, what’s their secret? Well, it's not all about diet or exercise—though staying active and connected seems to help. It turns out, super-agers might just have hit the genetic jackpot, boasting some brainy resilience that keeps them keen.
While we all can’t be super-agers, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and strong social ties can keep our gray matter in better shape. Now, if only we could remember where we put those keys...
Blowing out one more candle today…
79: Jeffrey C. Hall, American geneticist and Nobel Prize winner
77: Doug Henning, Canadian magician
70: Peter Duncan, British actor
68: Akio Toyoda, Japanese president of Toyota
66: Kevin Kilner, American actor
LIVING
The Silver Surfers' Guide to Aging in Place
Ah, the golden years! And what could be more golden than staying in your own comfy castle as the years roll by? More and more of us silver-haired folks are choosing to age in place—because really, who wants the hassle and expense of moving? But living independently as we age comes with its own set of challenges.
Enter smart-home devices—those clever little gadgets that can control lights, secure doors, and even remind you if you've left the stove on. From smart doorbells that tell you who’s knocking to automated thermostats that adjust themselves to keep you cozy, these gizmos aren’t just for the tech-savvy youngsters.
So, if you’re planning to stick to your home sweet home, consider decking it out with some of these handy helpers. They’re like having a bit of futuristic fairy dust sprinkled over your household, making daily tasks a little easier and keeping you safe while you’re at it. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
On this day in your history…
1951: Royal Festival Hall opens in London
1960: The Anne Frank House opens in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
1970: World premiere of The Beatles' Let it Be documentary film
1978: First unsolicited bulk commercial Email ("spam") is sent by a digital equipment corporation marketing representative
1982: President Reagan begins 5 minute weekly radio broadcasts
MONEY
How $20 a Day Can Bulk Up Your Retirement Fund
Thinking about stashing away a cool million for retirement? Sounds like a mountain of money, doesn’t it? But don’t fret, my friends, because building up that nest egg might be easier than you think.
Anne Lester, a wise owl in the world of retirement planning and the author of the upcoming book, “Your Best Financial Life: Save Smart Now for the Future You Want,” offers some down-to-earth advice: Start simple and start now. Forget hunting for the perfect plan—just avoiding the worst plan (which is not saving at all) puts you ahead of the game.
Here’s a thought: What if you saved just $20 a day during the workweek? Pop that into a retirement account with a modest 7% return, and voila, you’re looking at over a million bucks by the time you hit 65. That’s just $100 a week, or $400 a month, which sure beats trying to find a large lump sum at the end of each year.
And here’s the kicker: starting early gives your money more time to grow, thanks to our good old pal, compound interest. Start at 25, and you’re a millionaire by 65. Kick things off at 30, and you’ll have around $726,000. Wait until 35? You’re still sitting pretty with about $500,000.
So, whether you’re trimming a few unnecessary luxuries or just redirecting some funds more mindfully, every little bit counts. And remember, it’s never too late to start—just step on the gas a bit harder if you’re getting a later start. After all, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the second-best time is now. So grab that $20 and let’s get saving!
Enjoy your weekend!
Matt from Seniorish
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