Your Money

Medicare is changing again in 2026, and the updates are worth noting now while open enrollment is still underway. The biggest shift will be higher income thresholds for surcharges, modest premium adjustments, and expanded coverage for some preventive services. A new out-of-pocket cap for prescription drugs will also take effect, a welcome relief for retirees managing costly medications.

If you’re reviewing your Medicare choices this season, take a few minutes to understand how these changes could affect you next year. Consider confirming your Part B premium, evaluating your drug coverage under the new cap, and making sure your providers remain in-network. Small details can make a real difference in next year’s budget and care quality.

7 Changes Coming to Medicare in 2026
source: AARP

Your Life

Even a short dose of nature can reset your mind. A recent global study found that just fifteen minutes in an urban green space measurably reduces anxiety and lifts mood—sometimes even more than active exercise does. If you live in a city, this is an easy, science-backed way to recharge your day.

For city dwellers, even 15 minutes in nature can improve mental health
by Elana Kimbrell

Complexity Simplified

Online reviews can be surprisingly unreliable. Recent investigations show that many five-star ratings come from fake accounts or paid placements. A quick way to separate signal from noise:

• Ignore the extremes—look at the three- and four-star reviews instead.
• Sort by “most recent” to catch trends.
• Scan for consistent comments about quality or durability.

A little skepticism and pattern-spotting can help you shop smarter without losing trust in the process.

How To Evaluate Online Reviews
source: Federal Trade Commission

Trivia