Look at the numbers. Then go do something else. Both steps count.
My bank account is fasting: A spiritual journey for your checking account.
Ask about your money questions
Use Grok or ChatGPT for quick ideas on debt, budgets, benefits, or everyday money decisions. This is not financial, legal, or tax advice. It can offer guidance so you know what to look up, what to ask a real person, and what to ignore.
Free accounts, with usage limits. The first visit takes a minute. After that you can ask right away. Double-check anything that sounds official before you act on it.
Cost of living, without the TED Talk
Review insurance once a year. Time the big purchases. Split gas. Use the discounts you actually remember exist. Then sit by the pool like a person who has done enough for one Tuesday.
Scam awareness
If a caller is urgent about your benefits, hang up. Call the number you already know. Scams love responsible people in a hurry. Being slightly rude on the phone is a skill. Practice it.
Today’s scam watch
Five current stories hitting people 55 and up. Each link opens in a new tab. We swap in newer ones when they land, and we always keep five.
Updated September 7, 2026
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No, the ARC does not charge a “review fee”
Real Architectural Review Committee applications cost nothing to submit or review. Fake texts and emails still demand payment or personal info. Delete. Don’t click. Report it. Community Standards: 352-751-3912 or DeedCompliance@DistrictGov.org.
DistrictGov advisory · Weekly Bulletin Vol. 35 DistrictGov · September 8, 2026
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Medicare Open Enrollment calls are already a flood
Callers and texts push “confirm your Medicare number,” a “new gold/plastic card,” or free equipment. Medicare will not call, text, or email asking you to confirm your Medicare number. Hang up. Report: 1-800-MEDICARE or AARP Fraud Watch 877-908-3360.
Read the story · Medicare.gov WMAR · Medicare.gov · September 2026
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$34.8M fake orthotic-brace Medicare scheme
South Florida DME owners shipped braces people never ordered, paid kickbacks for fake doctors’ orders, and billed Medicare. DOJ just sentenced them. If an unsolicited brace shows up, don’t “activate” anything. Call 1-800-MEDICARE.
DOJ press release DOJ · September 4, 2026
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Villages Health settles $541.5M Medicare Advantage case
TVH settled False Claims Act allegations for unsupported diagnoses that inflated Medicare Advantage payments (2020–2024). Self-disclosed; bankruptcy court approved. Practical tip: review the diagnoses on your chart at wellness visits. This is context, not a phone pitch.
DOJ settlement · CF Public DOJ · CF Public · August–September 2026
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There is no IRS Form 1098-SR
AI videos claim a federal property-tax freeze for seniors if you file “Form 1098-SR” or a “Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request.” Neither exists. The pitch wants your SSN, bank info, or a filing fee. Homestead and Amendment 3 are real Florida fights. That form is not.
Read the Wisconsin DOR warning · LA County Assessor Wisconsin DOR · LA County · September 3, 2026
Debt, in small print
Small, boring steps beat companies that promise a miracle for a fee. List what you owe. Pick a method. Tell one trusted person so it does not live only in your head.
Free downloads
What Counts as Earnings and Resources — what Social Security counts, and what it does not.
Social Security Earnings Limit Cheat Sheet (2026) — quick-reference numbers for 2026.
Useful links
7-Eleven Fuel Rewards — pump discounts if you already stop there.
BenefitsCheckUp — programs you may qualify for.
Medicare.gov — official plan info.
AARP — discounts, if you use them more than you pay for them.
Official earnings limits live at the Social Security Administration. We are the conversation after you close that tab.