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Financial resilience provides a safety net that you might rarely use — but when you need it, you’ll be glad you have it.
“A household is financially resilient if they are prepared to encounter unexpected financial shocks,” says Emerson Sprick, associate director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank in Washington, D.C.
Shocks could include costs like a surprise medical bill or home repairs or lost income from a layoff. They tend to be “unpredictable in their timing, but we generally know they will happen throughout our lives,” Sprick adds.
Lock down your cash flow
“Sometimes, we go out and spend without thinking,” says Troy Anthony Anderson, who develops financial education extension programs for the University of Maryland in Calvert County. That’s why he recommends writing down expenses to track exactly where money is going as a first step toward figuring out what to cut, such as going out to eat or to the movies.
Anderson suggests planning for the entire month so you don’t overspend each time you get paid. “Ask yourself, ‘Do I really need to eat like a king or queen when I get my paycheck?’ The direct deposit clears and you go to Texas Roadhouse or Outback, but then the following week [you] have no money and have to make peanut butter and jelly,” he says.
To stay on track, Anderson keeps a limited amount of cash in his wallet for discretionary expenses and writes down what it can be used for on a sticky note that stays with the cash.
Create a savings reserve
While building up the traditionally recommended three to six months’ worth of expenses is out of reach for many people, it’s worth striving for some savings, says Kate Bulger, vice president of business development for the nonprofit financial counseling and educational organization Money Management International.
“The more we can save the better, and having that savings gives people the runway they need” to get through a difficult time, she says. Keeping those savings in a high-yield savings account can allow the money to grow over time while staying safe.
In addition, retirement savings can bolster long-term financial resilience, Sprick says. Many workers can leverage employer matches and tax-advantaged accounts such as 401(k)s to help build savings for retirement. Contributing even a small amount each pay period can lead to significant savings over years of working, especially when the money is compounding.
Defend your credit
Keeping credit card balances as low as possible can leave those credit lines available for emergencies, Bulger says. “Credit cards are a great tool to use for short-lasting hard times. Having room on your credit cards lets you use them that way,” she says. Then, paying off the balance as soon as you can helps keep interest to a minimum.
Otherwise, Sprick warns that it’s easy to get caught up in “a pernicious cycle of debt and poverty.” For example, if you have to put a $300 car repair bill on a credit card that charges 20% interest, you’ll be charged about $5 in interest per billing cycle until you pay it down.
“Especially right now, with interest rates as high as they are, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of debt where you never get out,” Sprick says.
Talk through your financial priorities
Discussing with family members how you would handle a financial shock before one actually happens can help you prepare for that moment, Bulger says. She suggests the following prompts:
What are the most important things in our financial life?
What are we saving for?
What expenses will we cut out first if we need to?
“If you have that conversation ahead of time, it’s easier to make the adjustments,” Bulger says.
At the same time, talking through financial challenges with family and friends can help you feel emotionally supported. “Financial hardships can be incredibly lonely even though we know many people are going through financial strain,” Bulger adds.
Lean on your community
Communities often have food banks, government programs and school-based aid that can help people going through a difficult period, Bulger says. She also suggests turning to other resources, such as a nonprofit financial counselor or online budgeting how-to videos to help support you through changes in your saving and spending habits.
However you seek support, try not to dwell on setbacks. Daniel Milan, managing partner at Cornerstone Financial Services in Southfield, Michigan, suggests that just like with the stock market, it can help to focus on down the road instead of what’s right in front of you.
“We can’t control the day to day, but if you have a plan over the long term, history has shown us that your average over time will work out,” he says.
Sometimes, you just have to get over the dip.
This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.
Inside: Understanding the meaning of 4 figures of money can help you to evaluate your yearly income and expenses as well as potential jobs or side hustles.
The term “four figures” often pops up in financial discussions, but it can be a source of confusion for those not well-versed in financial jargon.
Grasping the concept of what four figures entail is significant for a variety of reasons. It can influence budgeting decisions, salary negotiations, and long-term financial planning.
Whether considering the affordability of an expense, the significance of a salary, or the value of savings, understanding the range of four figures helps set realistic expectations and enables better financial management.
Quick Answer
“Four figures” simply refers to a numerical amount that falls within the range of 1,000 to 9,999—representing a sum that has four numeric digits.
How Much is 4 Figures
In essence, when discussing finances, whether planning a budget, evaluating jobs, or making investments, the term “figures” frequently enters the conversation, referring to the number of digits in a sum of money.
Specifically, “four figures” denotes dollar amounts that range from $1,000 to $9,999. This is a classification that falls between three figures (in the hundreds) and five figures (in the tens of thousands).
Low 4 Figures
A low 4-figure income represents the bottom third of the four-figure income bracket, ranging from $1,000 to $3,333.
Many of our popular mini savings challenges fall into this range.
Mid 4 Figures
A mid four-figure income, falling within the middle one-third of the range, would typically be defined as between approximately $3,334 – 6,666.
For most people paid a monthly salary, this is the range of the paycheck when earning $60000 a year.
High 4 Figures
A high four-figure income is in the higher one-third of its range, which falls between approximately $6,667 and 9,999.
Earning within this bracket places an individual or household near the upper limit of what’s considered a high four-figure income, before transitioning into six figure salaries.
Why Striving for a Four Figure Salary Matters
A 4-figure salary refers to an income that is in the range of $1,000 to $9,999. At first glance, this might not seem like a substantial amount, especially when compared to the more commonly sought-after 5 or 6-figure salaries.
Yet, it’s important to recognize that a 4-figure income can play a significant role in various economic scenarios and for different groups of people.
Next, we are going to discuss how often you earn a 4 figure salary, which will make the difference overall.
How Much Is 4 Figures a Year?
When we talk about a 4-figure salary in the context of annual income, we’re referring to an amount ranging from $1,000 to $9,999 per year. This level of yearly income is generally considered quite low, particularly in developed countries like the US or UK, where living expenses can be high.
For single-person households, this sort of income falls below the poverty guideline set by the US federal government, which was $14,580 for the year 2023. 1
Using the context of four figures in a year is better for discussing expenses like the cost of vacation, taxes, or maybe groceries.
How Much Is 4 Figures a Month?
A monthly income that falls into the 4-figure category would amount to anywhere between $1,000 and $9,999. This span covers a broad spectrum of possible earning scenarios, from just reaching minimum wage to approaching an upper-middle-class income bracket in many locations.
Someone earning $1,000 per month is at the very bottom end of this range. In countries with higher living costs, such as the United States, this income level would likely be insufficient to live on without additional support, savings, or aid.
As we move toward the middle of the range, an individual making, say, $5000 per month would have a substantial increase in their standard of living. However, you need an annual sum of closer to $75,000 a year to be near the median household income level in the U.S.2
Towards the upper end, a monthly four-figure income of $9,999 translates to nearly $120,000 a year. This would be considered a strong income in most parts of the U.S. and could afford a very comfortable lifestyle with potential for savings, investments, and discretionary spending.
When you look at fixed expenses, only a mortgage should be costing you four figures a month.
How Much Is 4 Figures a Week?
Discussing a 4-figure income on a weekly basis means earning between $1,000 and $9,999 each week. Within this context, such a salary is fairly impressive, placing the individual well above the median wage for most workers.
The lower limit of this range is $1,000 weekly, which annually equates to $52000 a year.
At the midpoint of the 4-figure scale, an individual bringing home $5,000 weekly would earn $260,000 annually.
Once you crest into the higher part of the 4-figure range, for instance, earning $9,999 weekly, the annual income becomes quite substantial – approaching half a million dollars or $519,948 to be exact.
How Much Is 4 Figures a Day?
Earning a 4-figure sum daily ranges from $1,000 up to $9,999. This daily earning rate translates to a notably high income, typically found in the echelons of top industry professionals, successful entrepreneurs, stock traders, high-caliber consultants, and individuals with profitable investments or ownership in thriving businesses.
At the lower end, earning $1000 a day without breaks would accrue to an annual income of approximately $365,000. While this may not be the norm for most individuals, it is achievable for those with high-paying specialized careers and in-demand expertise.
Midway through the 4-figure daily earning spectrum, a salary of around $5,000 per day would lead to an annual income surpassing $1.825 million.
At the top end of a 4-figure daily income, earning nearly $9,999, one would accumulate close to $3.65 million a year.
Many of my fellow traders and I work on earning $10000 a day. Even if we reach that goal only 20 times per year. We can net $200,000.
Start with learning how to invest $100 to make $1000 a day and see where your financial success happens.
Strategies to Reach a 4-Figure Salary
Upgrading Skills and Qualifications
Upgrading skills and qualifications is crucial in a rapidly evolving job market; it enables professionals to remain competitive and relevant. Moreover, with higher qualifications, individuals often gain access to better job opportunities and can command higher salaries.
Also, enhancing one’s financial literacy and investing knowledge can lead to making more informed decisions that potentially expand one’s wealth. This help help you to become financially stable.
For example, my own journey in improving my investing acumen has improved my overall net worth as well as providing extra income on a monthly basis.
Exploring Part-Time and Side Hustle Opportunities
Whether it’s through seasonal work, remote opportunities, or local part-time positions, the right side hustle can serve as a reliable financial bolster and even progress to a lucrative career over time.
Thankfully, there are so many ways to make money online that you have plenty of options.
The key is finding something that you enjoy and making money with your passion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earning a 4-figure salary signifies that an individual’s income ranges from $1,000 to $9,999—this could apply to weekly, monthly, or annual earnings. The term doesn’t pinpoint an exact number but instead establishes the income bracket.
A 4-figure salary is often considered a benchmark for part-time or entry-level jobs, temporary work, or side gigs. For some, this income might be supplementary, enhancing their overall household earnings. However, for others, this figure may represent the sole income, which is especially common in part-time roles or jobs in industries with lower average wages.
It’s also worth noting that while a 4-figure salary provides a broad view of one’s income, it doesn’t give insight into the specific living conditions or financial health of an individual. This is because the purchasing power of a 4-figure salary can vary widely depending upon geographical location, cost of living, personal debt, and individual lifestyle choices.
Furthermore, earning a 4-figure salary can have different implications based on frequency; for example, earning a 4-figure sum on a daily basis would indicate a high-earning individual, whereas annually, it could suggest that someone is earning below the poverty line in certain developed countries.
Living comfortably on a 4-figure salary depends heavily on several factors, including the specific amount within that range, how often you are paid, the location where one resides, individual financial obligations, and lifestyle choices.
Ultimately, while it’s possible to live on a 4-figure salary, it generally requires strict budgeting, financial discipline, and potentially additional sources of income for a more comfortable living standard.
Now, You know 4 Figures Meaning
What do you plan to do with this knowledge?
To enhance your financial situation, taking proactive and strategic measures is essential.
Start by negotiating a higher salary through meticulous research on industry standards and clear communication of your value to your employer, highlighting quantifiable successes and achievements.
Furthermore, diversify your income streams by exploring side hustles.
The choice is yours. You can walk away with this knowledge. Or start a side hustle that brings in over four figures consistently like me.
Source
HealthCare.gov. “Federal poverty level (FPL).” https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/federal-poverty-level-fpl/. Accessed February 1, 2024.
Census.gov. “Income in the United States: 2022.” https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2023/demo/p60-279.html#:~:text=Highlights,and%20Table%20A%2D1). Accessed February 1, 2024.
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More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
American family finances have weathered the fallout of the dot-com bubble, the Great Recession and a pandemic over the last 30 years. Despite these challenges and more, single-parent households as a whole have actually seen broad financial improvements during this time.
Some households are better insulated to emerge unscathed (and even improved) from economic turmoil. On the other hand, families with one earner and multiple mouths to feed are at a disadvantage compared with those with multiple incomes when there is a job loss, high inflation, unexpected medical expenses or trouble in financial markets, for example. Measuring the financial health of a single-income household against one with two incomes would uncover few surprises. However, examining how the financial well-being of single-parent households has changed, and how it’s changed relative to others over time, tells a story of certain improvements and remaining opportunities for growth.
I am the product of a single-parent household. From the time I was 3 years old in the early 1980s, my mom raised my older brothers and me solo. Later, as an adult, I was the head of a single-parent household, raising my daughter who was born in 2000. Much has changed during that time, both in how I experienced the world through finances personally and within the broader economy. Charting the household finances of single-parent households across decades underscores these changes. Income, net worth and homeownership rates among single-parent households have improved dramatically, but these households still lack insulation from financial shocks, according to data from the Federal Reserve.
Family finances through the decades
The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances is released every three years and is a trove of household financial data. I examined 30 years of the data, from 1992 to the recently released 2022 report, to see how my lived experiences aligned with the national picture and how the financial conditions of households like mine have changed.
Roughly 30 years ago, in 1992, I was 14 years old, living with my mother and one older brother, while my eldest brother was in college. During childhood, my mom received child support, but we still qualified for the free lunch program at school, a common proxy for household poverty. She had the good fortune of always having a steady job and put herself through college while raising us.
My experience as a parent — beginning in 2000 — was different in that I didn’t receive support payments from another parent but did qualify for broader public assistance. When my daughter was an infant, I received EBT benefits or “food stamps,” public housing and Aid to Dependent Children, commonly referred to as “welfare.” I, too, put myself through college and held down a job from the time she was born. Despite beginning my journey as a single mother at a deficit from where my mother began hers — quite a bit younger and with only one source of income — I was able to climb more quickly, perhaps because I only had one additional mouth to feed or because government and social supports of the era made it easier to do so.
Over the past 30 years, the median annual income of single-parent households has grown just over 45%, after adjusting for inflation, to $43,000, slightly faster than any other household type. Across all households, typical incomes grew about 27% during that period.
Note: The Survey of Consumer Finances defines single-parent households as those with children but not married or living with a partner.
A higher real income means a higher standard of living — your money can go further toward paying for the things you need. And my personal experience as a child and a parent aligns with this data — later in my daughter’s childhood, I was better able to afford things my mother would have considered luxuries when I was young.
I want to make it very clear that it’s little more than a neat coincidence that my personal life reflects the Federal Reserve data. Much is hidden in national aggregates, and many people have their own anecdotes that would run contrary to the data. In the case of “median income,” for example, we know that half of single-parent households earned less than $43,000 in 2022, and many likely earned much less. On the other hand, half earned more than that median amount. And though the national median grew during this 30-year period, some households surely experienced periods of declining income. Big aggregates allow us to examine broad trends, but they also sacrifice some details.
Net worth nearly triples; homes and retirement assets climb
Your net worth is the amount of your assets (the things you own of value) minus your liabilities, or debts. And single-parent households saw significant increases in net worth from 1992 to 2022. While households overall saw inflation-adjusted net worth climb 87% during this period, those headed by a single parent rose 189%.
A higher net worth represents greater insulation from financial difficulties. When you have more savings, equity in a home or lower debt, for example, you’re better able to accommodate unexpected expenses and better able to plan for long-term financial goals.
At least some of this growth in net worth is due to the rise of homeownership among single parents. The percentage of single-parent households who own their primary residence grew from 43% in 1992 to 50% in 2022, an increase of 17%, and the most dramatic increase among all family types during the period.
I was raised in rentals; my mother hasn’t owned a house since she had to sell the family home after my parents’ divorce. However, I purchased my first home when my daughter was 7 years old, thanks in part to the more accommodating standards of an FHA mortgage, down payment assistance and when I bought — it was 2007, and home loans were being passed out like candy.
Another important asset, retirement accounts, are now held by 37% of single-parent households, compared with 24% in 1992. While a marked improvement, there is still room for growth here. Among all households, 54% have retirement accounts.
So what can account for these improvements? It’s likely a combination of factors, starting with a “catch-up” period. Moms make up 80% of the heads of single-parent households, according to the U.S. Census, and women were afforded the right to apply for credit and loans such as mortgages only in 1974. The full implications of this change could certainly take decades to work their way into household personal finances and the economy at large. Further, the share of single mothers who work and the share of women going to college has increased over the past several decades, contributing to increased earning power. And finally, while a 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that the stigma of single motherhood is on the rise again, it’s likely still at a better place than 30 or 50 years ago, when legal protections against discrimination were lacking.
Where single-parent households can still gain ground
The share of single-parent households that save money actually fell over the 30-year period examined, from 45% to 41%. In fact, it fell across most household types during this period, though it fell the furthest for single parents. Without savings, you’re more likely to depend on debt when emergency expenses arise and less likely to be able to keep up with monthly bills.
Single-parent households are also the most common household type to revolve credit card debt, or carry it from one month to the next. More than half (52%) of these households carry a balance on their card from month to month, compared with 44% of all households, according to the data. Further, single-parent households saw the greatest change in this metric among all household types during the two-year period capturing the COVID-19 recession — from 2019 to 2022, that share rose 15%.
Carrying credit card debt increases monthly payment obligations, and household payment-to-income ratios reflect this. In any given month, roughly 11% of single-parent households have monthly debt payments exceeding 40% of their monthly income. This 40% threshold is considered a measure of financial vulnerability, and a greater share of single-parent households find themselves on the wrong side of this line than any other household type. Further, while the share of households over this 40% mark has decreased in the last 30 years, it’s fallen the least in single-parent homes.
Keys to continued improvements
Overall, typical household finances have improved over the last 30 years, and by some measures they’ve improved most dramatically for single-parent households. But going it alone as a parent, whether by choice or by chance, still presents some greater financial challenges. Namely, households like mine often lack the additional safety valves afforded households with two potential earners, making them more vulnerable and more likely to have to turn to debt in periods of financial stress.
For me, a single parent raised by a single parent, money decisions were always about caution and resourcefulness, being careful and conscientious about every dime spent and being a scrappy problem-solver when money was too tight to cover all of the expenses. Honestly, I was resentful of this as a child. But I was grateful for the foundation when I became a parent. Early in my daughter’s life, these lessons were crucial for keeping the lights on, quite literally. And now that I’m financially secure, these lessons still underpin how I think about money and how I talk about it in my work.
The average finances of single-parent households have improved over the years, but individual household finances can hit setbacks along the long-term climb. The path to financial security is rarely linear. Incrementally building an emergency fund, using debt strategically and knowing where to turn when things get tough can make it easier to rebound and get back on an upward track.
Where you live can play a major role in how enjoyable your retirement is. So, where do the happiest retirees reside? To determine which cities in the U.S. are the happiest places to retire, we studied the 200 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) using the latest U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, and consulted multiple sources, including the Sharecare Community Well-Being Index, Tax Foundation, Walk Score, Sperling’s Best Places, and County Health Rankings & Roadmaps.
By identifying key elements that contribute to happiness — social networks, financials, and health — and examining 13 pivotal rankings within them, such as community, cost of living, and healthcare access, we created the Happiest Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2024. Read on to learn about the 20 best places to retire in the U.S. to help you explore your options for where to live in retirement.
Key Findings on Retirees’ Favorite Cities
• Barnstable, MA is the happiest city to retire to, ranking #1 of all 200 cities we analyzed. It has the highest ranking overall for community well-being, and one of the highest percentages of residents who are 65-plus. The other cities at the top of the list: Naples, FL at #2, and Ann Arbor, MI at #3.
• Colorado has the highest number of happiest cities for retirees on our top 20 list, beating out Florida. Boulder, CO is the #5 happiest city for retirees, and Fort Collins and Denver also made the list.
• Colder climates are now attracting retirees. Three of our top 5 cities for retirement (Barnstable, MA; Ann Arbor, MI; and Boulder, CO) have average high winter temperatures in the 30s or 40s.
• Naples, FL residents live the longest. The city has the highest average life expectancy (86.1 years) of all 200 cities we analyzed.
• Ann Arbor, MI, has the lowest tax burden for retirees on our top 20 list, followed by Myrtle Beach and Charleston in South Carolina. Meanwhile, Akron, OH has the lowest cost of living of the top 20 cities for retirees, 80.8% of the U.S. average.
Top 20 Happiest Cities to Retire
Looking for information on the happiest places to live after retirement? Whether you dream of an ocean breeze or mountain views, you have plenty of cities to consider.
The top 20 happiest cities for retirees offer a broad range of activities, amenities, and resources. They’re also located all across the nation, as shown in this map of the top 10, so you can find a place in the part of the country you’d most like to live in.
1. Barnstable, MA
Coming in at the top of the happiest cities to retire in the U.S. list is Barnstable. Located on Cape Cod, its beachside beauty attracts retirees, making it one of the top three cities for residents 65 and up. While living here can be expensive (the median household income is $91,438) and there’s less access to healthcare than the other top contenders have, residents enjoy a high level of social interaction and plenty of entertainment and activities.
2. Naples, FL
Those who want to live by the water and enjoy warmer weather can head south to Naples. The cost of living in this city is fairly reasonable, and there’s no state personal income tax, which means your retirement savings can go a lot further. Naples also has the highest life expectancy (age 86.1) of all 200 cities we analyzed.
3. Ann Arbor, MI
Want to enjoy city life without the high prices? Ann Arbor, a college town, has plenty of big city amenities at an affordable price point. Another draw for retirees: Ann Arbor residents enjoy the highest level of healthcare access of the cities on our list, and ranks #1 for health overall.
4. Durham, NC
Friendship and social interaction are important in retirement. Durham, one of the top cities to retire in the U.S., offers a strong sense of community and social well-being, according to the data. Residents will find plentiful healthcare in Durham as well. It ranks #2 out of the top 20 for healthcare access.
5. Boulder, CO
If you like to hit the slopes, Boulder may be the ideal location for your retirement years. The city is #3 on the top 20 list for housing and transportation, so you should be able to find the right place to live and get around easily.
6. North Port, FL
North Port is the second Florida city to make the top 20 list of the happiest places to live in the U.S. Community and social connection is high here, and there’s a sizable population of those aged 65 and up, making it easier to meet new friends. It also has one of the lowest tax burdens among the top 20 cities.
7. Olympia, WA
Retirees who want to live affordably on the west coast can check out scenic Olympia, WA. It ranks as #1 in the financial category, which takes into account factors such as cost of living and household income. It’s also one of the best states to retire in for taxes, which can help retirees stretch their savings. Olympia has the lowest number of residents living below the poverty level of all 200 cities we analyzed.
8. San Jose, CA
Retirees in San Jose enjoy the second-highest average life expectancy (after Naples, FL) of the 200 cities we studied, making it one of the top places for a long and healthy retirement. But there’s a tradeoff: The cost of living in San Jose is extremely high: a whopping 231% of the U.S. average.
9. San Luis Obispo, CA
If being in a comfortable environment is one of your top retirement priorities, look no further than San Luis Obispo. Along with San Jose, the city scored the highest level of comfort for retirees on our top 20 cities list, thanks to its temperate weather.
10. Madison, WI
A low average cost of living plus a high median household income ($83,214) make Madison not only one of the happiest places to live in retirement, but also one of the most affordable. In this relatively walkable city, you can save on transportation costs and live a healthier lifestyle.
Recommended: Average Retirement Savings By State
11. Honolulu, HI
Honolulu combines great weather, pristine beaches, and big city living. It gets high scores for comfortable weather and transportation. And Honolulu has some of the highest scores for social factors and community. Retiring in paradise comes at a price, however — namely, the city’s high cost of living (171.5% of the U.S. average).
12. Salisbury, MD
Salisbury, in the Eastern Shore area of Maryland, is a popular place for retirees. More than a quarter of the population is 65 and over, which means you should have plenty of peers to socialize and do activities with.
13. Washington, DC
If you’re interested in history and culture, Washington D.C. might be a good fit. And many of the city’s major attractions are free of charge. The nation’s capital is also the most walkable city on our top 20 list of the happiest places to live after retirement, so you’ll save on transportation as you get your steps in.
14. Portland, ME
In this city on the coast, you can enjoy all that the ocean has to offer plus metropolitan amenities. Portland ranks as one of the best cities to retire in when it comes to community, and it also has abundant options for art, recreation, and entertainment, which can help you stay happily busy in retirement.
15. Myrtle Beach, SC
Retirees settle down in this popular travel destination to take advantage of the reasonable cost of living and low tax burden. They also love the miles of beaches, plentiful golf courses, and comfortable weather. Myrtle Beach has the 4th highest population of people age 65-plus.
16. Harrisburg, PA
The capital city of Pennsylvania is an affordable place to retire. It has a low cost of living, which means the city’s average median income of $73,739 can go farther. Fewer people live below the poverty line here than in many other cities. Retirees can be active here as well: Harrisburg ranks as #2 of our top cities when it comes to walkability.
17. Fort Collins, CO
If you love the great outdoors, this city, located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, has a lot to offer. All those outside adventures come with some nice health perks: Fort Collins has one of the higher life expectancies of our 20 top cities for retirees.
18. Denver, CO
Where is the happiest place to retire? It might just be the state of Colorado. Denver is the third Colorado city to make the top 20 list of happy places for retirees to live. Denver has a high level of community and social well-being, which could make retirement a lot more fulfilling. It’s very walkable, too, coming in at #5 out of the top 20 in the walking category.
19. Akron, OH
With the lowest cost of living (80.8% of the U.S. average) of the 20 best cities, Akron offers retirees affordability plus many opportunities for social and community connection. That can make it easier to make new friends in retirement.
20. Charleston, SC
A vibrant cultural scene, great food, ocean access, and lovely architecture make Charleston one of the best places to retire in 2024. Charleston ranks #2 for art, recreation, and entertainment out of the 200 cities studied, following only Los Angeles, so you’ll find plenty to do here in your golden years. And the tax burden is one of the lowest on our 20 happiest cities list.
Best Places to Retire for a Happy Retirement
Want to consider some of the different places that could make for a very happy retirement? The map below shows the top five cities out of the 200 analyzed in each of the three key categories that contribute to happiness: social, financial, and health.
200 Cities Studied for Happiest Places to Retire
Reviewing the full list of 200 cities studied for the Happiest Places to Retire can reveal additional great options for retirement. For example, following Naples, FL, the next three cities with the highest life expectancy — San Jose, CA, San Francisco, CA, and New York, NY — are all bustling, well-populated cities that also rank highly for community and social factors. Take a look at what cities across the U.S. have to offer.
Overall Rank
City
Total Score
Social rank
Financial Rank
Health Rank
1
Barnstable, MA
62.05
1
6
120
2
Naples, FL
61.43
2
18
32
3
Ann Arbor, MI
61.40
64
14
1
4
Durham, NC
57.56
57
13
2
5
Boulder, CO
56.95
21
16
13
6
North Port, FL
56.77
4
37
129
7
Olympia, WA
56.46
32
1
88
8
San Jose, CA
55.52
5
113
7
9
San Luis Obispo, CA
55.18
9
11
41
10
Madison, WI
55.13
84
5
11
11
Honolulu, HI
54.82
7
71
12
12
Salisbury, MD
54.70
11
3
177
13
Washington DC
54.33
23
17
19
14
Portland, ME
53.86
17
35
22
15
Myrtle Beach, SC
53.66
8
20
181
16
Harrisburg, PA
52.39
50
24
24
17
Fort Collins, CO
52.11
34
19
80
18
Denver, CO
52.03
86
9
33
19
Akron, OH
51.64
55
10
69
20
Charleston, SC
51.62
37
55
30
21
Manchester, NH
51.49
47
22
58
22
Seattle, WA
51.44
19
101
15
23
Minneapolis, MN
51.22
48
26
28
24
Richmond, VA
50.56
24
46
40
25
Bridgeport, CT
50.52
25
83
8
26
Daphne, AL
50.50
31
12
171
27
Des Moines, IA
50.49
106
2
158
28
San Francisco, CA
50.42
6
172
4
29
Santa Rosa, CA
50.11
14
81
43
30
Raleigh, NC
50.08
45
42
56
31
Prescott Valley, AZ
49.92
3
118
193
32
Oxnard, CA
49.38
16
78
49
33
Asheville, NC
49.35
10
125
57
34
Bremerton, WA
49.22
22
52
108
35
Boston, MA
49.18
33
139
6
36
Colorado Springs, CO
49.18
95
7
141
37
Pittsburgh, PA
49.14
35
82
47
38
Portland, OR
49.03
58
96
14
39
Hartford, CT
49.02
62
36
16
40
Omaha, NE
49.00
87
25
37
41
St. Louis, MO
48.88
56
73
36
42
Lancaster, PA
48.80
46
48
74
43
Chattanooga, TN
48.79
43
53
122
44
Appleton, WI
48.78
41
30
128
45
Sioux Falls, SD
48.48
92
34
83
46
Salt Lake City, UT
48.42
125
23
25
47
Charlotte, NC
48.40
38
61
90
48
Allentown, PA
48.35
52
43
42
49
Crestview, FL
47.95
61
15
183
50
Cape Coral, FL
47.88
13
119
110
51
New Haven, CT
47.81
73
65
9
52
Austin, TX
47.76
123
40
48
53
San Diego, CA
47.73
27
103
29
54
Peoria, IL
47.60
66
27
91
55
Tucson, AZ
47.56
69
59
67
56
Green Bay, WI
47.33
80
33
92
57
Lexington, KY
47.28
94
79
31
58
Deltonah, FL
47.24
18
58
198
59
Reno, NV
47.08
44
67
117
60
Tyler, TX
47.07
127
28
99
61
Ogden, UT
47.07
101
8
160
62
Santa Cruz, CA
46.99
12
147
27
63
Atlanta, GA
46.97
54
100
60
64
York, PA
46.96
53
49
112
65
Palm Baye, FL
46.89
20
84
182
66
Boise City, ID
46.89
96
32
98
67
Grand Rapids, MI
46.89
140
39
55
68
Cincinnati, OH
46.77
71
74
63
69
Wilmington, NC
46.53
40
105
79
70
Canton, OH
46.52
100
29
131
71
Fargo, ND
46.49
154
21
71
72
Savannah, GA
46.37
107
63
59
73
Provo, UT
46.20
135
4
175
74
Norwich, CT
46.08
49
31
115
75
Roanoke, VA
46.05
28
123
46
76
Baltimore, MD
45.92
29
120
68
77
Philadelphia, PA
45.91
63
109
44
78
Nashville, TN
45.89
99
68
105
79
Anchorage, AK
45.87
136
87
86
80
Indianapolis, IN
45.73
119
44
95
81
Sacramento, CA
45.72
42
98
50
82
Trenton, NJ
45.67
70
110
18
83
Lincoln, NE
45.63
103
38
93
84
Port St. Lucie, FL
45.51
15
126
173
85
Albany, NY
45.48
60
62
38
86
Vallejo, CA
45.16
36
97
89
87
Louisville, KY
45.03
117
47
106
88
Worcester, MA
44.90
82
94
51
89
Virginia Beach, VA
44.90
83
70
64
90
Huntsville, AL
44.81
77
60
142
91
Chicago, IL
44.70
79
107
26
92
Kalamazoo, MI
44.57
149
64
70
93
Poughkeepsie, NY
44.47
90
54
45
94
Spokane, WA
44.35
113
51
111
95
Eugene, OR
44.29
68
108
81
96
Columbia, SC
44.22
105
91
104
97
Kansas City, MO
44.13
75
88
103
98
Phoenix, AZ
43.94
89
104
85
99
Jacksonville, FL
43.71
67
102
152
100
Salinas, CA
43.70
85
86
66
101
Little Rock, AR
43.63
144
80
61
102
Dallas, TX
43.55
130
90
97
103
Cleveland, OH
43.47
139
142
10
104
Greenville, SC
43.41
118
106
75
105
Lansing, MI
43.35
150
56
125
106
Rochester, NY
43.26
114
93
20
107
Cedar Rapids, IA
43.25
104
50
161
108
Winston, NC
43.23
91
116
73
109
Greeley, CO
43.15
141
41
162
110
Detroit, MI
43.15
72
122
116
111
Reading, PA
42.88
76
117
87
112
Fort Wayne, IN
42.52
152
45
168
113
Dayton, OH
42.43
111
95
127
114
Davenport, IA
42.37
110
77
139
115
Atlantic City, NJ
42.26
39
131
100
116
Fayetteville, AR
42.17
122
75
151
117
Santa Maria, CA
42.11
59
134
53
118
Evansville, IN
41.59
161
57
144
119
Knoxville, TN
41.58
74
138
149
120
Oklahoma City, OK
41.21
148
89
150
121
Milwaukee, WI
41.18
98
141
54
122
South Bend, IN
41.14
145
85
167
123
Hagerstown, MD
40.26
81
112
179
124
Columbus, OH
40.23
166
72
137
125
Ocala, FL
40.11
26
153
199
126
Birmingham, AL
39.94
65
159
107
127
Montgomery, AL
39.91
134
92
189
128
Rockford, IL
39.80
143
76
157
129
Pensacola, FL
39.44
133
121
153
130
New York, NY
39.32
51
184
5
131
Syracuse, NY
39.27
137
124
35
132
Killeen, TX
39.26
186
69
114
133
Lynchburg, VA
39.22
155
66
174
134
Buffalo, NY
38.98
128
128
39
135
Wichita, KS
38.67
97
135
163
136
Tallahassee, FL
38.65
147
132
134
137
Providence, RI
38.62
112
167
34
138
Los Angeles, CA
38.60
30
187
23
139
Kennewick, WA
38.45
151
127
123
140
Flint, MI
38.34
171
111
156
141
Orlando, FL
38.33
153
155
72
142
Tulsa, OK
38.31
174
99
169
143
Las Vegas, NV
38.31
121
146
135
144
Salem, OR
38.25
138
130
133
145
Duluth, MN
38.21
116
136
126
146
Erie, PA
37.91
126
137
154
147
Springfield, MA
37.88
115
162
62
148
Hickory, NC
37.71
93
140
194
149
Tampa, FL
37.66
102
174
77
150
Albuquerque, NM
37.59
146
157
65
151
Gainesville, FL
37.58
178
182
3
152
Huntington, WV
37.41
88
161
159
153
Toledo, OH
37.11
168
144
82
154
Scranton, PA
37.05
109
156
143
155
Jackson, MS
36.89
175
148
76
156
Amarillo, TX
36.78
142
149
176
157
Kingsport, TN
36.67
158
133
190
158
Springfield, MO
36.65
164
129
165
159
Youngstown, OH
36.63
78
158
188
160
Houston, TX
35.66
179
164
52
161
Binghamton, NY
35.66
162
114
124
162
Charleston, WV
34.97
132
168
138
163
San Antonio, TX
34.88
184
152
94
164
Waco, TX
34.80
176
143
170
165
Greensboro, NC
34.68
108
175
148
166
Augusta, GA
34.56
120
176
145
167
New Orleans, LA
34.48
172
181
21
168
Utica, NY
34.17
167
115
155
169
Memphis, TN
34.17
182
160
130
170
Lubbock, TX
33.95
183
166
84
171
Lakeland, FL
33.94
124
173
178
172
Stockton, CA
33.82
156
154
146
173
Riverside, CA
33.53
129
169
121
174
Macon, GA
33.03
163
180
101
175
Spartanburg, SC
32.77
131
177
185
176
Longview, TX
31.85
185
150
191
177
Miami, FL
31.74
157
192
17
178
Baton Rouge, LA
31.69
181
170
136
179
College Station, TX
30.49
193
165
96
180
Tuscaloosa, AL
30.35
165
179
180
181
Clarksville, TN
30.17
189
145
200
182
Mobile, AL
29.95
170
185
113
183
Shreveport, LA
29.22
177
191
78
184
Fayetteville, NC
28.42
187
171
184
185
Fort Smith, AR
27.72
159
186
196
186
Beaumont, TX
27.36
197
151
195
187
Gulfport, MS
27.33
173
183
197
188
Fresno, CA
26.58
188
178
119
189
Corpus Christi, TX
26.09
192
189
102
190
Modesto, CA
26.05
169
190
147
191
Visalia, CA
25.28
196
163
166
192
Columbus, GA
24.08
160
193
192
193
Lafayette, LA
23.64
180
196
109
194
Bakersfield, CA
21.84
190
188
186
195
Merced, CA
18.10
191
194
187
196
Yakima, WA
17.32
195
195
164
197
El Paso, TX
8.56
194
198
118
198
McAllen, TX
3.30
200
197
132
199
Brownsville, TX
2.10
198
199
140
200
Laredo, TX
-3.32
199
200
172
Tips for a Happy Retirement
You’ve worked hard, now it’s time to enjoy yourself! These smart strategies can help you find happiness in retirement.
• Create a budget. You may have fewer expenses when you’re retired, but you’ll still need a roadmap for managing them. This is where retirement planning and a budget come in handy. If you are already retired, create a budget that works well for your retirement income. If retirement is still in the future, map out a plan to see how much you’ll need to save to be properly prepared.
• Keep tabs on your retirement savings. Don’t forget to check on your retirement savings regularly to ensure that you’re on track financially. And, of course, make sure you have retirement savings accounts like a 401(k) or a traditional or Roth IRA to help you reach your goal.
Don’t yet have a retirement account? Learn how to set up your own retirement account.
• Prioritize health and wellness. To be at your best, strongest, and happiest in retirement, prioritize your physical and mental health with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and lots of social interaction.
• Pursue your passions. Don’t let retirement slow you down. You can pursue your favorite hobbies, work on fulfilling and meeting your top ambitions and challenges, and do the activities you’ve always wanted to try now that you have the time and freedom for them. When choosing among the best retirement cities, be sure to look for places that cater to your interests.
Methodology
To find the happiest cities for people to retire in the U.S., we looked at the 200 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 population estimates for 13 ranking factors across three categories (Social, Finance, and Health).
We graded each factor on a 100-point scale, where 100 was the highest possible score. Each factor was weighted differently.
Socioeconomic Score Factors
• Community well-being
• Social well-being
• Comfort index*
• Percentage of population age 65 and over
• Percentage of art, recreation, and entertainment businesses
Financial Score Factors
• Housing & transportation
• Cost of living index*
• Median household income
• Percentage of people aged 65 and over living below poverty level
• Tax burden**
Health Score Factors
• Healthcare access
• Life expectancy
• Walk Score*
*Data represents city proper data (excluding surrounding metro). **Data represents state level data.
Sources: U.S Census Bureau, Sharecare Community Well-Being Index, Walk Score, Tax Foundation, County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, Sperling’s Best Places.
The Takeaway
When you’re ready to retire, choosing where to settle down is a big and important decision. Exploring our list of top 20 happiest places is a great place to start. You can look for cities that offer affordability, good access to healthcare, entertainment and cultural activities, and opportunities for making social and community connections.
And to ensure that your retirement is as happy and stress-free as possible, you’ll want to have your retirement savings in order. Contributing to your 401(k) or IRA can help you build the retirement nest egg you’ll need.
Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).
Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
SoFi Invest® SoFi Invest refers to the two investment and trading platforms operated by Social Finance, Inc. and its affiliates (described below). Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of the platforms below.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above, including state licensure of SoFi Digital Assets, LLC, please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform. Information related to lending products contained herein should not be construed as an offer or pre-qualification for any loan product offered by SoFi Bank, N.A.
Want to know how to get free internet? The internet is used all the time, and most people use it every single day. As someone who works online, I completely understand how important the internet is – I use it for many hours every single day, usually. But, internet can be expensive, and many people…
Want to know how to get free internet?
The internet is used all the time, and most people use it every single day. As someone who works online, I completely understand how important the internet is – I use it for many hours every single day, usually.
But, internet can be expensive, and many people pay $50 to $100+ each month (and that’s almost $1,000 each year!). If you are looking to save some money, then finding ways to get free stuff can help you spend less money.
Key Takeaways
There are many ways to get free or low-cost internet in your home, on your laptop, and on your cell phone.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a government program to look into for free internet.
All the big internet companies like AT&T, Comcast, and Spectrum have free internet plans.
Public Wi-Fi is an option, but you will want to make sure you are safe when using free internet connections.
Who Can Get Free Internet Services?
Free internet access can be extremely helpful for people who are not able to afford internet.
After all, internet can be quite expensive, and you can easily spend around $1,000 a year just on internet. That would be tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime!
If you’re trying to find ways to cut back on your budget, then starting with a monthly recurring expense such as internet can be a great way to lower your monthly expenses for a long time.
Before you start looking into how to get free internet services, it’s important to know if you qualify. Here are some examples of who can get free Wi-Fi:
Government assistance programs – There are free government internet service programs that give discounted internet services to eligible households, typically those that use public assistance programs like SNAP, SSI, WIC, or Medicaid.
Nonprofit organizations – Some nonprofit organizations have free or low-cost internet options, such as for seniors or people with disabilities.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots – You can find free Wi-Fi in different public places like coffee shops, libraries, parks, and airports.
Recommended reading: 11 Ways To Get A Free Cell Phone And Plan
Why is there free internet?
So, you may be wondering why there are free government internet service programs and why certain places and companies give out free internet.
Some reasons include:
Everyone should be able to have internet. The internet is really important and many companies/groups know that and want to make sure everyone can have access to the internet.
The internet helps people to learn online. Getting to learn online is really important for students these days. They need the internet for research, assignments, and using online learning sites. Because of this, schools, nonprofit groups, and even some companies have free internet options.
The internet helps people find jobs. Having the internet can help a lot in making a place grow and get better economically, and the government knows this. Internet lets people look for jobs, start businesses, and be part of the economy. When companies and governments give out free or cheap internet, they give a chance for people to make their lives better and do good things in their communities.
Best Ways To Get Free Internet Access
Below are the best ways to get free internet access.
1. Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission government program that gives money to households that qualify, to help pay for broadband internet service.
This is the top government program for free internet that you will want to look into and start with.
If you can qualify for this program, you can get up to $30 each month for your internet bill, or $75 per month if you live in certain Tribal lands.
A household can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program if their income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if they meet another criteria such as participating in:
free or reduced-price school lunch program
school breakfast program
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Medicaid
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Tribal Head Start
Tribal TANF
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Federal Housing Assistance
Federal Pell Grant (from the current award year)
WIC
Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits, and more.
To check if you qualify and to sign up, go to the ACP website.
2. Lifeline
Lifeline is a government program that gives discounts on phone and internet services for households with low income.
Through this program, you can get up to $9.25 off your monthly internet bill, and that is up to $111 each year for signing up.
You’re eligible for Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which depends on your household size and the state that you live in. You can also qualify if you use SNAP, Medicaid, or other government programs.
So, it is a little easier to qualify for Lifeline than it is for ACP (although, the ACP program does give you more money), as the income level is different.
To check your eligibility and learn more about the program, visit the Lifeline website.
Internet Service Providers With Free Connections
Below are internet providers that have free or very affordable monthly internet plans.
3. FreedomPop
FreedomPop is a company that gives free basic internet plans for your phone because it participates in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program.
If you want mobile internet with a low amount of data, this could be a good choice. Their free plan gives you 10 GB of data every month for $0.00.
To sign up or learn more, visit the FreedomPop website.
4. NetZero
NetZero is a company that has free dial-up internet, but there are some limits. It’s not as fast as high-speed internet, but it could work if you just want basic internet without paying a monthly cost.
The free plan lets you use the internet for up to 10 hours each month.
You can learn more and sign up at the NetZero website.
5. AT&T
Yes, even big companies like AT&T have free internet options.
AT&T has a program called Access that gives low-cost internet to households with low income who qualify because they participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
If you can get it, you might get internet speeds up to 100 Mbps at a lower price. This is one of the faster speeds I found for free internet plans – so if you want something a little faster, then you may want to look into this plan through AT&T.
With this plan, there is no annual contract and installation is free.
You can learn more about AT&T’s Access program here.
6. Spectrum
Spectrum Internet Assist is a program for low-income households that qualify for specific assistance programs such as the ACP.
This free internet plan has internet speeds up to 30 Mbps at a significantly lower cost. Plus, you also get a free modem with no data limits.
You can learn more about Spectrum Internet Assist here.
7. Comcast and Xfinity
Comcast’s Internet Essentials program has cheap internet for families with low income, seniors, and people with disabilities.
They have monthly internet plans for just $9.95 per month, which includes equipment.
You can learn more about Comcast’s and Xfinity’s Internet Essentials program here.
Note: Comcast and Xfinity are the same company.
8. Verizon
Verizon has free and low-cost internet through the ACP program. There are also no equipment charges or hidden fees.
You can learn more about Verizon’s program here.
9. Juno
Juno is a company that gives a free internet plan, but there are limits. You can use it for up to 10 hours each month. This could work if you only need the internet now and then, and you don’t need it to be super fast.
You can learn more about Juno’s Free Dial-Up Internet Access here.
Ways To Get Free Public Wi-Fi
Below are different public places where you can connect to their Wi-Fi for free.
10. Coffee shops
Lots of coffee shops (such as Starbucks) give their customers free Wi-Fi so they can use the internet while drinking or eating. People use Wi-Fi at restaurants all the time (some people even work all day at coffee shops for the free Wi-Fi!), so this is completely normal.
Many other stores and companies have free Wi-Fi as well, such as McDonald’s, Barnes & Noble, Panera Bread, Taco Bell, Dunkin’ Donuts, and more.
11. Libraries
Public libraries usually have free Wi-Fi for anyone who comes in. You can do work, study, or just use the internet in a quiet place.
Public libraries also tend to have safer Wi-Fi connections that are monitored to make sure there are no hackers.
Sometimes, you might need a library card to get the Wi-Fi, but getting one is usually easy and free.
12. Gyms
Some gyms have free Wi-Fi for their members as an extra benefit. This means you can listen to music or watch videos while working out, or you can even just find a quiet place to get some work done.
13. City recreation centers
City recreation centers, like community centers or parks, usually have free Wi-Fi for the public. These places can be good choices for working outside your home or office, and you can also use the resources and do activities available there.
I know of many people who use city rec centers for free Wi-Fi, and they even drop their children off in the kids’ centers so that they can get work done (and their kid can socialize/have fun – it’s a win-win!).
14. Coworking spaces
While coworking spaces usually have a monthly fee, some might have a free trial period or days when you can use them for free.
To do this, you can look into local coworking spaces to see if they have any special offers.
How To Be Safe With Free Public Wi-Fi
When using free public Wi-Fi, you will want to be safe. I personally try to avoid public Wi-Fi whenever I can due to safety issues, but I do completely understand that sometimes you do need free public Wi-Fi.
Whenever I have to use public Wi-Fi (I still use it often!), I always follow these tips below:
Use a VPN
To stay safe when using public Wi-Fi, make sure to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN creates a safe connection between your device (such as your laptop or phone) and the public Wi-Fi you want to connect to, which makes it harder for hackers to get your online data.
When I have to use free public Wi-Fi, I always make sure to connect to my VPN first, as it’s always a good idea to be safe and protect my laptop as well as my personal information. I have a VPN on my phone as well as on my laptop!
Only use networks that are password protected
When using public Wi-Fi, you should always choose networks that have passwords. Password-protected networks encrypt your data, which makes it harder for criminals to get your information.
I know it can be tempting to look for open networks that have no password as that can seem so easy, but criminals tend to use this to their advantage because they know that you are vulnerable (and desperate for quick Wi-Fi!).
Make sure it’s a real network
Before using any public Wi-Fi, you will, of course, want to make sure it’s real. Unfortunately, there are people who sometimes make fake networks with names that seem like the real ones to trick people and hack their devices.
For example, a fake network might be called “Free Airport Wi-Fi” instead of the actual “Airport Wi-Fi.” To make sure that a free internet network is legit, you should ask the staff for the right name and password or check for signs with information about the Wi-Fi you should be connecting to.
I have personally seen fake Wi-Fi networks, and sometimes they are really close to the real ones. So, always be careful and double-check the name!
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Internet
Below are common questions about how to find free internet access.
Is there any way to get free internet?
Yes, there are ways to get free broadband internet services. Public libraries, cafes, and community centers usually have free Wi-Fi for public use. For home internet access, you can look for internet service providers such as FreedomPop, or check whether your current provider has any free internet plans.
When getting free internet, I do recommend monitoring your data usage. Sometimes, the amount of data you get each month may be on the low end. Or, it may be slow. These are two things to think about.
How to get free internet for students?
Students can get access to free internet while at their school or college campus. Also, some internet service providers and community organizations have programs for students from low-income families.
How to get free internet from the government?
If you want to learn how to get free internet from the government, then you do have some options, such as the Affordable Connectivity Program. This helps low-income households get internet at a lower cost, such as with a $30 monthly discount on your internet bill. While it may not technically be “free,” it does lower your monthly cost for internet by a lot.
How To Get Free Internet Access – Summary
As you can see, there are many different programs and options where you can get free or low-cost internet access from internet service providers (ISPs) like AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, and others.
But, keep in mind that free internet might not always be super fast. Still, if you know your choices and take care, you can stay connected without spending a lot of money.
If you need to know how to get free internet at home without paying, then I recommend looking at each internet company’s website to determine if you are eligible and to find the best option for your needs.
What do you recommend for someone who wants to learn how to get free internet at home without paying?
Are you downsizing, moving or doing a major decor change in your home but don’t know what to do with your old furniture? Well, you’re in luck because many local nonprofit organizations make moving easy by offering free furniture donation pick up.
Donating furniture to your favorite charities is a chance to get rid of extra furniture and household items for free while giving back to your community. Here is how to get started in the process.
Where to donate furniture
When looking for furniture donation pickup, there can be so many options it’s hard to know where to start. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered with our detailed list summarizing nonprofit organizations, who your donation will help, items they accept and how to schedule your pickup.
The best part is that every organization in our guide is completely free of charge for their furniture removal services and your donations go to a great cause.
1. Salvation Army
When people start thinking about donating furniture, The Salvation Army is usually one of the first places to come to mind. The Salvation Army is an international organization that operates in over 7,000 U.S. towns and cities and assists 23 million Americans annually.
Their services help provide disaster aid, support the LGBTQ+ community, fight food insecurity, combat addiction, assist those living in poverty and more. With the number of people Salvation Army helps each year, you can feel confident that you are doing good by donating to this organization.
Who your donation helps: Your items are either brought directly to those in need or sold at one of their Salvation Army stores. The proceeds from their stores are used to fund their Adult Rehabilitation Centers that provide housing, food, counseling, community and employment for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol dependency.
Items they accept: The Salvation Army will accept furniture, vehicles, clothing, household items, electronics, mattresses, books, exercise equipment and more.
How to schedule a pick-up: You can schedule an appointment for furniture pickup at The Salvation Army website or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK. Salvation Army pick-up hours can vary depending on your location, but they are typically 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They make the transition even easier by allowing you to leave items outside your home for them to pick up without you even needing to be home.
2. Goodwill
Goodwill is an organization that supports communities through job training and employment services. They also provide support services, language training, education assistance, access to transportation and child care to help people in their communities achieve success.
In 2020, Goodwill served nearly 22 million individuals worldwide and provided career support to 126,000 people. Items brought to one of Goodwill’s stores are sold at a discounted price and the money raised goes to their various programs and initiatives.
Who your donation helps: Donation funds go to their job training or community-based programs. Some of their community-based programs include classes for people with disabilities, senior resources and helping convicts reclaim their lives after prison.
Items they accept: Goodwill accepts furniture, toys, electronics, clothing, media items, electronics, vehicles, exercise equipment, dishware and tools. Something to note is that Goodwill will accept boats, cars, campers and RVs even if they aren’t in working condition.
How to schedule a pick-up: Goodwill stores provide a donation center to give easy drop-off access for donations you’re able to bring in yourself. Most stores also offer a free pick-up service for larger furniture items, making it perfect for those who are downsizing. You can schedule your free Goodwill pickup online on their website locator, but keep in mind that store hours will vary based on their location.
3. Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit that provides safe and affordable housing to families in need. Their initiative also assists older adults to improve their homes, puts efforts towards neighborhood revitalization projects, provides shelter during natural disasters and teaches classes focused on financial education. This organization has been in operation since 1976 and works in all 50 U.S. states as well as 70 countries.
Who your donation helps: Habitat for Humanity sells donated furniture, building supplies and appliances at their resale store called ReStores. Proceeds from sales go to home restoring and building projects for families in need of affordable housing.
Items they accept: Habitat for Humanity will accept furniture, building materials, appliances, vehicles and farm equipment.
How to schedule a pick-up: To schedule a free furniture donation pick up with Habitat for Humanity, visit their website and enter your ZIP code to see which stores are near you. Next, you can contact your closest store directly to schedule your appointment.
4. Green Drop
GreenDrop is a program on the East Coast that raises funds for popular charities by picking up used furniture, clothes and appliances to sell at thrift stores. Their proceeds go back to charities that help those in need. Some of the charities they support include the American Red Cross, Military Order of the Purple Heart and the National Federation of the Blind.
Who your donation helps: In 2018, GreenDrop raised $3.1 million for the charitable organizations listed above.
Items they accept: GreenDrop accepts various items, including furniture under 50 pounds, clothing, household items, electronics, tools and toys.
How to schedule a pick-up: Start by packing up all of your belongings in plastic boxes or bins. Next, decide if you want to make an in-person donation or if you can schedule a furniture pick-up online. After they receive a donation, they’ll provide you with a tax receipt.
5. The Arc
The Arc is the largest organization devoted to helping individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. It provides a wide variety of services, supports and advocacy for people with disabilities and their families. The organization has over 700 chapters and one of their key sources of fundraising comes from their thrift stores, which they stock with donated goods.
Who your donation helps: Their services vary based on each chapter and the unique needs of their community. Once your donation sells, it goes towards public policy advocacy, vocational programs, residential assistance, education services, financial planning and recreational activities for people with disabilities.
Items they accept: The Arc accepts furniture, clothing, electronics, toys, vehicles, books, decorations, kitchen items and more, depending on the chapter.
How to schedule a pick-up: You can also schedule via phone by calling The Arc at 1-800-283-2721. Another option is to head to their website to find your local chapter and schedule your pick-up.
6. AMVETS
AMVETS is an organization that represents the interests of 20 million veterans across the United States. This group helps veterans obtain their entitled benefits. They also work to improve the quality of life for veterans, their families and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and services.
Who your donation helps: AMVETS supports U.S. veterans, those who have been honorably discharged and active duty servicemen and women. They will sell your furniture in one of their thrift stores to raise money for their cause.
Items they accept: AMVETS accepts small furniture, clothing, toys, bedding, games, bikes, electronics, lamps, curtains, exercise equipment and kitchenware. AMVET requires donations to be 5-years old or less but is also open to accepting other items that are not on their list.
How to schedule a pick-up: Send an email through the AMVET site or call to schedule a furniture donation pick-up between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. It’s important to check with this organization ahead of time to see if their services are available near you. AMVETS has branches across the United States, but only has free furniture pick up available in certain states.
7. Donation Town
This site is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed trying to find charities that provide furniture pickup in their community. Donation Town works with local charities all over the country to help put individuals in touch with nonprofits that will provide this service for free. Simply enter your ZIP code and they’ll give you a list of charities to choose from.
Who your donation helps: Your donation will help the charity of your choice. They currently have over 400 charities of all sizes in their directory and are adding more all the time.
Items they accept: Items they accept depend on each charity’s guidelines.
How to schedule a pick-up: Visit Donation Town’s website to plan your pick-up with your selected charity.
8. Furniture Banks
If you donate your items to Furniture Banks, then you’ll be playing an important part in helping vulnerable families get back on their feet. The furniture donation pick up organization encourages people to donate gently used furniture and transfer the items to those struggling financially to furnish their own homes. Furniture Banks operates in 36 states, so check their website to see if they are in your area.
Who your donation helps: The families served by this organization include the previously homeless, unemployed, victims of crime, battered women and children in retreat, immigrants, individuals with disabilities and victims of natural disasters.
Items they accept: Furniture Banks accepts good condition furniture of all sizes. They also provide a towing service to pick up cars and recreational vehicles.
How to schedule a pick-up: To schedule a pick-up with this organization simply schedule an appointment on the Furniture Banks website.
9. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
The Vietnam Veterans of America are working to change negative beliefs towards Vietnam veterans and provides individual assistance in a variety of ways. This includes creating outreach programs for veterans experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, incarceration and more. The VVA furniture removal program operates through a program called Pickup Please.
Who your donation helps: The Vietnam Veterans of America promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans and work to change public perception of Vietnam veterans.
Items they accept: The Pickup Please program accepts small furniture items, sports equipment, toys, kitchenware, electronics and lightly used household goods. Pick Up Please says that they will pick up “almost anything” in good condition, but the piece of furniture must be light enough for one person to carry.
How to schedule a pick-up: VVA operates in most states and they make it super easy to schedule a donation pickup online. You can also get to VVA by way of their Pick Up Please site.
10. Out of the Closet thrift stores
The Out of the Closet thrift stores chain is owned and operated by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). This organization provides medical, preventive and educational resources for patients. AHF is the nation’s largest non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare, research, prevention and education provider. The proceeds from Out of the Closet thrift stores directly benefit the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Who your donation helps: Donations and financial contributions to this organization fund AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV/AIDS programs, free HIV testing and housing programs.
Items they accept: Out of the Closet Thrift Stores accept furniture, kitchenware, electronics, musical instruments, tools, books, vehicles, artwork and home decor.
How to schedule a pick-up: You can schedule your pickup by filling out your address and items in a form on their website. Something to note is that you must have at least two furniture items for them to complete a free pick-up. You can also deliver any pieces of furniture to their local stores.
11. PickUpMyDonation.com
PickUpMyDonation.com is an organization that works with independent non-profit thrift stores in their communities. They’re focused on making large item donations simple by getting your furniture request to a local charity in minutes. Although they are not a charity themselves, they put you in touch with smaller charitable chapters that support the area you live in.
Who your donation helps: Your donation will support the charitable cause of the thrift store you are put in contact with.
Items they accept: PickUpMyDonation.com accepts large furniture, large appliances, vehicles, tools, recyclable materials, outdoor recreation items and artwork.
How to schedule a pick-up: To schedule a pick-up, visit pickupmydonation.com to make a furniture removal request and fill out a form describing the items you want to donate. Next, they’ll put you in contact with the closest thrift store, and if they’re interested in your furniture, they will schedule a furniture removal pickup.
Tips for furniture donation pick up
Donating your furniture is a great way to get rid of furniture you don’t use anymore while also helping your community. Follow these tips for a seamless furniture pickup experience.
Schedule your donation pick-up in advance: Many charities’ free donation pickup spots fill up quickly, so it’s important not to wait until the last minute to make an appointment. Schedule as far in advance as possible to ensure you get the date and time that works for you.
Research different organizations: Instead of just picking the first charity on the list, make sure to do some research to make sure their values and methods align with your own. All of the charities listed do great things for their communities, but each has its own way of making an impact.
Prepare your furniture: Each charity will have individual guidelines for how they want your furniture packaged and prepared for pickup. Leave furniture uncovered to be inspected but make sure it is cleaned and houseware is boxed correctly.
Write off your furniture donation: Did you know you can write off your furniture donation on your taxes? Simply ask the charity picking up your furniture for a tax receipt or paperwork to file and you’ll be saving money this upcoming tax season.
Coordinate with neighbors: While many nonprofits allow you to simply leave furniture outside your home for them to retrieve, others might require you to be there. If this is the case, then it’s best to coordinate with a neighbor or friend to stop by when they’re scheduled to arrive.
If you follow these tips, you should have an easy transition and donation pickup day. Also, make sure to always check to see if the organization of your choice has any additional requirements.
Declutter with furniture donation pick up services
Finding a new apartment has never been easier with Rent.’s finder tool. Start your move off on the right foot by using a free furniture removal service to declutter your place and take care of any worries prior to moving into your new home.
Alex Heinz is a writer with experience in a variety of industries from tech to lifestyle. Her work has appeared in Business Insider, TechCo and PopSugar. She’s lived in a handful of large cities including New York and San Diego, giving her first-hand knowledge of the ins and outs of renting. In her spare time, you can find her exploring new hikes with her dog.
Veterans who are unable to work because of a service-related disability may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. They receive the same benefits as veterans with a 100% disability rating (even if they don’t have that rating)
.
To qualify for TDIU, you must be unable to work and have a minimum level of service-related disability rating.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reviews claims and provides benefits for TDIU.
How much is TDIU?
In 2024, TDIU benefits range from $3,737.85 to $4,433.39
. Monthly compensation might be higher for eligible veterans with multiple children.
Veterans who qualify for TDIU are eligible for the same benefits as someone who has a 100% disability rating with VA disability benefits. The VA adjusts the rates based on the SSA’s annual cost-of-living adjustment
.
Receiving TDIU comes with enhanced eligibility status for VA health care benefits. That isn’t a guarantee that you’ll receive them, but the VA says you are more likely to be approved for them if you receive TDIU.
.
How to qualify for TDIU
To qualify for TDIU, a veteran must:
Have a service-related disability rating of 60% or higher, or two service-related disabilities: one with a rating off 40% or higher, and a combined disability rating of at least 70%
.
Be unable to work in a job that supports them consistently because of the service-related disability.
🤓Nerdy Tip
If you have one service-related disability, it must have a rating of at least 60%.
If you have two service-related disabilities, at least one must be rated 40% or higher — but together, they must have a combined rating of at least 70%.
The VA assigns the percentage ratings for disabilities.
You meet the unemployed requirement if you are unable to earn enough to support yourself, also known as substantial gainful activity (SGA). Generally, this means you are unable to work consistently and pay for necessities such as food and shelter.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines the monthly income limit to qualify for TDIU. The substantial gainful activity limit for 2023 is $1,470 per month ($2,460 if you’re blind). In 2024, the limit is $1,550 per month ($2,590 if blind).If you earn more than the monthly income limit, you are unlikely to qualify for TDIU.
You don’t have to be unemployable in every field to qualify for TDIU
. You can still qualify for TDIU if you have marginal employment, which is a job that provides earnings below the current poverty threshold for an individual. Marginal employment can also include work in a “protected environment,” such as family business where you receive accommodations that other jobs cannot provide. In that case, you might still qualify for TDIU even if you earn more than the annual poverty threshold.
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TDIU qualification examples
Here are several examples of how people might qualify or not qualify for TDIU.
Single disability approved for TDIU
Haley has a service-related disability that affects her shoulder and is rated at 70%. She is a truck driver and struggles to drive for long periods of time. She has had to take more time off recently because of her disability, and it has dropped her income to $1,245 a month.
Haley is approved for TDIU because:
Her single disability is rated above 60%.
Her disability keeps her from earning more than the SGA limit.
Single disability not approved for TDIU
Manuel has a service-related disability that is rated 90% and affects his digestive system. He is a teacher. His disability requires him to use the restroom every hour or so and keeps him from sitting through long meetings or participating in outdoor activities where a restroom isn’t nearby. He currently earns $3,400 a month.
Even though Manuel’s single disability is higher than 60%, the VA doesn’t approve him for TDIU because he is still able to earn more than the monthly income limit. An alternative is for him to speak with his employer about accommodations for certain situations.
Two disabilities approved for TDIU
Aisha has two service-related disabilities. One affects her neck and is rated 60%, and the other affects her grip strength and is rated 90%. Together they have a disability rating of 70%. She works as a contract architect for a construction company and is only paid for the projects she completes. Because she can only sit for so long and must take frequent breaks to rest her neck and hands, her income has dropped to $1,360 a month.
Aisha is approved for TDIU because:
Of her two service-related disabilities, one is rated at least 40%.
Her combined rating for her disabilities is at least 70%.
Her disabilities are affecting her ability to earn more than the monthly income limit.
Two disabilities not approved for TDIU
Deidra has two service-related disabilities. One affects their lung capacity and is rated at 70%, and the other affects their sinus cavity and is rated 30%. Together they have a disability rating of 50%. They work as wait staff at a cafe and depend on hourly wages plus tips to earn a living. Because they have limited lung capacity, they must go a little slower at work than their colleagues and take breaks if they get out of breath. They also have to limit how long they are in the kitchen because any smoke can bother their lungs and sinuses. Despite not cutting their hours, they are serving fewer tables and working more slowly than other wait staff because of their disabilities. This has affected their tips and dropped their income to $1,480 a month.
Even though Deidra’s income is below the monthly income limit, the VA doesn’t approve them for TDIU because their combined disability rating is below 70%. An alternative is for them to speak with their employer about accommodations for certain situations and apply for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI).
When determining TDIU benefits, the VA doesn’t consider the following information:
The applicant’s age
.
How non-service-related disabilities affect the applicant’s ability to keep substantial gainful employment.
Reasons (other than the applicant’s service-related disability) the applicant left a job.
TDIU vs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The main difference between TDIU and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is that TDIU is for disabled veterans who are unable to work in a job that supports them consistently, and SSDI is for disabled people who are not able to work at all. Although the two programs have the same goal, they have several differences.
Veterans Affairs
Social Security Administration
Program contribution
Doesn’t require the beneficiary to contribute financially to the program.
Requires beneficiaries to have contributed financially to the program.
Disability type
Considers only service-related disabilities that prevent someone from working.
Doesn’t restrict disabilities to those related to military service.
Disability rating
Doesn’t require someone to have a VA rating of 100%.
Requires someone to be completely disabled (the equivalent of a VA rating of 100%).
Work ability
Only requires that an applicant be unable to work a job that meets the definition of substantial gainful employment.
Requires that an applicant be unable to work any type of job.
Veterans may qualify for both TDIU and SSDI, but the programs are from different federal agencies, which means you’ll have to apply to each program separately if you want to receive benefits for both
.
🤓Nerdy Tip
The SSA expedites veterans’ claims for SSDI benefits. You might need to self-identify as a veteran when you apply for SSDI and provide proof of VA-rated disability.
How to apply for TDIU
To receive TDIU benefits, you’ll apply for VA disability benefits and provide documentation such as medical records to show that you are unable to keep steady employment. You’ll also submit records of your work history and education so the VA understands what work you’ve done in the past and what you’re trained to do.
When filing a disability claim for TDIU, you’ll submit two forms that are unique to these types of benefits:
A Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability (VA Form 21-8940).
A Request for Employment Information in Connection with Claim for Disability Benefits (VA Form 21-4192).
The first form requires information about your disability and medical treatment, employment history and education
. You’ll need to provide dates that you were in the hospital within the last 12 months, the dates you last worked full-time and became unable to work because of your disability, the highest annual income you earned during your career and the time lost at each job you’ve held during the past five years due to your service-related disability.
Your most recent employer will fill out and submit the second form
. They will send it directly to the VA after they’ve filled it out, so you only need to provide them with the form.
3 things to know about TDIU
The forms require a lot of information. Because TDIU requires two additional forms, you’ll have to provide a lot of information about your disability and work history. It might take you a while to collect all of this information, so be prepared to gather everything in advance.
Your most recent employer needs to submit a form. Your employer must fill out the Request for Employment Information in Connection with Claim for Disability Benefits — you can’t do it. The employer’s HR department should know how to handle the form. Once you’ve provided the form, ask for an estimate of when they’ll submit the form to the VA, and ask for an email confirming that they’ve submitted it.
You can also receive additional government assistance. Because VA benefits are separate from SSA benefits and those offered through individual states, such as Medicaid, you can also apply for other assistance programs. However, qualifying for TDIU does not guarantee that you are eligible for other benefit programs.
Cinema has long been a source of heated debate, especially regarding films that tried too hard to be serious and ended up just seeming pretentious. With the arrival of streaming platforms, more accessible movie-making tools and an increased ability for filmmakers to challenge the norm, recent years have seen a wave of new daring cinema—acclaimed as genius by some yet widely disliked by others.
Nowhere is this disparity in opinion more apparent than with these 20 pretentious movies. So what do you think? Are there times when lines should not be crossed regarding artistic expression, or are pushing boundaries necessary? Below are the top 20 pretentious movies shared across online:
1. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
One user posted, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. A The Holocaust and 9/11 mash-up with an autistic kid as the main character? Pure pretentious as s- Oscar bait.
“I had to read the book in high school, and the best thing I could say about it was that it provided easy pickings for annotation assignments.”
Another user added a story behind the film, “Daily reminder that the author of the book awkwardly flirted with Natalie Portman via email, thought she was as into him as he was into her, and left his wife of 10 years for her, only to be met with bemused puzzlement from Natalie.”
One user replied, “Jesus, those emails were painful to read from both of them. I can’t believe people write like that in their personal emails. He did end up dating Michelle Williams for years after his divorce, so I guess he’s got some game.”
2. Eat Pray Love
One user added, “Eat Pray Love(2010), a pretentious film based on an equally pretentious true story.”
One user replied, “So true, lol. Like I would love to just take off for a year, but unfortunately, I have to work.”
3. Crash
“Crash (2004)—simultaneously the most pretentious movie I’ve ever seen and the stupidest,” one user added.
Another user shared, “I remember seeing it when it came out and found it fairly forgettable. Then it kinda gained this reputation as ‘didn’t deserve the Oscar,’ so I watched it again recently. It tries so hard to be topical (and perhaps it was in a way), but it’s soooo over the top yet surface level at the same time with its message. There are some good performances in the movie, but that can’t save the script.”
4. The Room
One Redditor posted, “I think considering Tommy Wiseau’s intention to make a serious drama, The Room is pretentious. I know he refuted the claim that The Room was supposed to be serious. But sorry, I have severe doubts.”
One user shared, “There’s no way in h*ll that The Room was anything other than a sincere effort by Tommy to make a legitimate dark drama. Making the movie as it is, with the intention of being received as it has been, would make Tommy a comedic genius in three separate areas: writing, acting, and directing. I don’t think he is. Just like some great movies are lightning in a bottle, The Room is lightning in a bottle in the opposite direction.”
5. You People
One online user posted, “You People with Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy. The film goes out of its way to make Jonah Hill a ‘Bumbling Clueless Overly-Cautious Woke White Guy’ and Eddie Murphy a ‘Put Everyone On The Spot Overly Proud Black Man.’ NO self-respecting person (Jonah Hill’s character) would ever dig themselves into a racial awkwardness hole as often as he does. And no self-respecting person (Eddie Murphy’s character) would go out of their way to be so defensive and make Jonah Hill’s character so uncomfortable.
“If it were purely a comedy, it would have made sense to make them both so clueless, but since it was supposed to be a ‘woke’ rom-com, then they could have done well-meaning people more credit by making Jonah Hill more discerning and Eddie Murphy more gracious. Instead, both characters just reinforced stereotypes from beginning to end.”
Another user replied, “First rom-com I watched that was completely lacking both romance and comedy. To call it a movie at all is a compliment to You People and an insult to all other movies ever created.”
6. Seven Pounds
“Seven Pounds,” shared one user.
Another Redditor replied, “Or any Will Smith bazillion Oscar Bait movies.”
Another user commented, “Collateral Beauty takes the cake for me. Even the title is pretentious.”
7. Downsizing
One Redditor posted, “Downsizing. I’m surprised nobody’s mentioned this one. I sit down thinking I’m about to watch a lighthearted comedy starring Matt Damon about people who shrink themselves and get into some hijinks. Turns out. Instead, the movie’s message (pretty early in the film, too) is, ‘You can’t shrink the problems of the world, ST*PID!’ The rest of the movie was a guilt trip about lower-class poverty and environmental issues. It seriously felt like the filmmakers were scolding me. …”
One user responded, “I came here to say this. I went to the theatre to watch it because I was excited to see it. It’s a fun movie with Matt Damon and Kristin Wiig getting shrunk down like a grown-up Honey I Shrunk the Kids.
“She was barely in it, super preachy, meandering, boring, and nothing like what was advertised. Oh, and the ending was stupid, too. I shouldn’t have bothered waiting for it, but they already had $40 or so of my money. At least the snacks were ok. Probably the best part of the movie. They realized what a mess it was and pulled a bait-and-switch with the trailers as a last-ditch effort to save it. I’m still mad if you can’t tell, lol.”
8. Now You See Me
“Now You See Me … I don’t understand how people can be impressed with ‘magic tricks’ that are only possible with special effects. B-, please! I can make f- Godzilla coming out of my pocket if I can use CGI. That s- is not impressive.
“On a side note, what a waste of opportunity when they didn’t call the second movie “Now you don’t,” stated one user.
Another user added, “Also, there were zero clues for the twist. It’s just a ‘surprise this random thing happened. Now be in awe.’”
9. Tenet
One online user shared, “Given the following definition of pretentious: ‘Trying to appear or sound more important or clever than you are’
“I’ll go for Tenet. When people think of pretentious films, they tend to list arty films. But pretension just means having an unearned sense of self-regard, and Tenet has that. It’s a film that is desperate for you to think it’s clever and profound but is ultimately hollow and not half as clever as it thinks it is.
“Edit: I just remembered the main character is literally called ‘Protagonist.’ Proper pretentious first-year film student stuff.”
One user answered, “I upvoted, even though I like Tenet because I can’t argue with your logic.”
10. Bang Bus “Episode 3”
One user posted, “Bang Bus ‘Episode 3′. The premise was already in. There was nothing new about it.”
Another replied, “Is that the one where they pick up a young woman and interview her in a s- van? I’ve only seen the first 10 minutes. I can’t believe there are sequels.”
11. My Dinner With Andre
“I love the movie, but ‘My Dinner With Andre’ is pretty pretentious and self-satirizing at the same time,” one Redditor stated.
Another user replied, “If you were out to dinner and the people at the table next to you were having that conversation, your eyes would roll right out of your head and fall on your plate.”
12. Most Woody Allen Movies
One Redditor shared, “Oof, I’m gonna get hate for this, but I feel like most Woody Allen movies are pretentious …”
Another user also posted, “When I think of pretentious movies, I think of Woody Allen b- s-. Movies about making movies about New York and how cool you have to be to be famous. F- off.”
13. Garden State
“A little obvious, but Garden State. It has all the hallmarks and takes itself way too seriously.
“That being said, it’s made with a lot of heart and ambition, and I do enjoy it, but it’s just the first thing that comes to mind—from the all-white bedroom to the shirt made out of wallpaper print to literally screaming into a void.
“Well-intentioned, entertaining, endearing but ultimately a pretentious cringe fest—sorry Zach!” posted one user.
14. Birdman
One online user posted, “I thought Birdman was pretentious on my first viewing. That being said, I was, like, 19 when I saw it, and I’m 28 now. I may need to watch it again because being pretentious kinda felt like the point of the movie.”
Another user replied, “My favourite part about Birdman was seeing Edward Norton playing himself.”
15. Rubber
“Rubber … I thought it’d be about a sentient tire blowing people up. But it kept cutting to a surrogate audience standing in a field watching the events and doing meta-commentary on film. Also, Lady in the Water … He was writing a movie critic character just to make them an ah you can kill off. Then, making the struggling writer the saviour of the world through his excellent writing and then casting YOURSELF for the role? Lol,” one user posted.
16. Wes Anderson’s Newer Films
One user posted, “Wes Anderson’s newer films are the definition. Bring back Owen to rein him in.”
Another user commented, “I came into this thread specifically to see how soon Asteroid City would come up.”
“Wes Anderson is so confident in his style at this point in his career, that someone calling his latest effort pretentiousness would just read as, ‘Oh good, you saw my film. Thank you, it was very pretentious,’” one user responded.
17. Mother!
“Mother!” shared by one Redditor.
Another user commented, “This is one movie I loved, but I can recommend it to no one.”
18. Cloud Atlas
One Redditor posted, “Cloud Atlas. That movie is the definition of smelling your gas in public. It’s just so g-d- stupid in an ‘I’m 14, and this is deep’” sort of way.”
19. Joker
“Joker. … That movie thinks it’s brighter than it is but fails to hold a consistent theme in a way that says effectively nothing. It doesn’t work as a character study either because the character is also inconsistent. It’s only really grounded by a legendary performance by Joaquin,” stated one user.
One user replied, “That’s because it’s directed by the man who did The Hangover movies, doing his best attempt at Scorsese.”
20. Tree of Life
One user shared “Tree of Life.”
One user commented, “(whispers) ‘What is life?’ (Random shot of a kid walking into the sunset.) (More whispering.) ‘What does it all mean?’ (Camera pans into a blank wall.) (Whispering so quietly that it’s barely audible) ‘What is all this?’ (Dinosaurs explode in the background).”
Another user commented, “I like the movie (it’s more a montage movie than a movie-movie), but this gave me a chuckle. It’s definitely not for everyone!”
What do you think of the movies listed above? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Reddit.
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For teenagers, life can often be full of confusing changes and unexpected choices. What may have seemed straightforward in childhood is now complex and challenging. Experiences such as developing relationships, contemplating the future, and deciding about education options or career paths are all part of the teenage experience. Even when we think we know what direction to take, our perspectives on these matters can shift quickly. Below are the top 20 truths for today’s young adults to give them some peace and assurance about all the decisions and change.
1. Take Your Time
One user said, “It’s okay to not resolve something immediately. If someone doesn’t answer your text/WhatsApp/Facebook message, if you need to take some time to think if you want to join in that fun event, if you hear that phone ring and you miss it, If you’re not answering to a social media post, things aren’t going to blow up. Real life requires you to do one thing at a time, well or great, and not a million things.”
Another user replied, “Except important stuff…like finances…pay your bills RIGHT AWAY.”
2. You Will Get Behind Sometimes
One user shared, “While school has a structure in place to prevent you from falling behind, real life doesn’t offer the same safety net.”
Another user replied, “I will also say that conversely some of the arbitrary deadlines in school don’t apply to the real world. In college, it was kind of teachers being overly lax or strict. In the real world, if something cannot get done, regardless of the time or resources you throw at it, then it won’t get done. Yeah, you may have upset a client, but most of the time, as long as you communicate these issues as soon as possible, clients understand. Of course, it doesn’t always play out that way, but the real world seems to recognize real issues better than school sometimes can.”
3. On Time Is Better Than Perfect
“It’s better to finish something on time, even if it isn’t perfect, than not to finish it at all,” one user posted.
Another replied, “This is so true. I find this with young grads coming through at work. Smart young people and many/most become good at their jobs… But there seems to be a need for perfection and an expectation they will get the time to achieve it.
“Maybe every generation is like that when young, but I notice it a lot these days. Maybe I’m just getting old. To the list, I would add… you will need to deal with uncertainty. Not everything will be clear and have an excellent tidy answer.”
4. Don’t Always Trust Social Media
One user shared, “Social media is harmful.”
Another user replied, “Yes, I’ve heard from friends about their teenage siblings falling for TikTok fake news almost as often as I hear baby boomers fall for Facebook fake news lol.”
5. 30 Is Not Old
One Redditor stated, “30 is not old.”
Another user replied, “This. Too many people in their 30s and 40s act like they’re already practically in their graves.”
6. Expect Your First Job to Be Hard
One user shared, “That your first job out of college is probably not going to be the cushy WFH jobs you see people have on TikTok. You’re probably going to have to grind for a bit.”
Another commenter added, “Also, you’re probably not going to make 500k doing computer science right after graduating.”
7. Get Advice From Experts
“Your friends are idiots. They have just as much education as you. Take expert advice on what you want to know,” one user posted.
Another user replied, “I’m an older teen who legit doesn’t understand how you could think otherwise from this. I’ve seen teens say that older folks wouldn’t know what we’re dealing with, but that’s the opposite of the truth. They’ve already lived it and more. They would be the perfect ones to know what’s going on and give us advice. Just because we might not like what they say doesn’t mean they’re wrong. That seems like the most logical conclusion to me.”
8. Influencers Aren’t All That Unique
One user shared, “When everyone thinks they’re an influencer, no one is an influencer.”
Another user commented, “I’m not in, nor do I pay attention to the numbers in social media posts. How many followers do you need actually to be an actual influencer? You can’t deny that people like Mr. Beast is an influencer out of the sheer amount of views he gets.”
9. You May Need to Compromise on Your Job
“Very few people get to ‘do what they love for a living.’ Most adults have to compromise between what they want from life and what they want to give up to get it,” one Redditor posted.
10. Adult Life Is Challenging
One commenter shared, “Unless your parents have money and are willing to support you, life is about to get a whole lot more difficult.”
Another user added, “The problem is not that you ‘can’t’ walk in and get a job. You can, but you should be aware of the fact that you can lose that job as fast as you call it since they do get tons of applications.
“I used to work at some restaurant that just handed out job applications to every teenager who came there. One of the servers was over 18, and she had been working there for a few years. And when she complained about something to the managers, they just told her that she could either stay and not complain or she could just leave.
“They had a lot of people who could replace her, but those managers should understand that this ton of people who could replace that loyal and great server will leave soon enough and won’t be as good as her. I’m pretty sure that everyone who started working there simultaneously didn’t last even a year. Most stayed for a few months, probably not even half a year.”
11. No One Cares About High School
“No one cares what you did in high school,” one user shared.
Another user commented, “Jokes on you, after two concussions in my early 20s, I can’t even remember what I did in high school!”
Another user replied, “PREACH!”
12. Take Responsibility for Your Mental Health
One Redditor posted, “That trauma, mental illness, gender identity, sexuality are not justifications for being a bad person. Your mental health may not be your fault, but it is your responsibility.”
Another user added, “Paying rent and buying groceries quickly humbles you. You’re not paying your bills because of your mental health? The landlord will not care.”
13. You Don’t Need Constant Relationships
“Teen love is a glorified myth from shows and movies. You don’t need to seek relationships constantly. Just live your life,” one user shared.
Another user replied, “Most of my friends laugh in my face when I say that I’m not interested in it yet and say I’m lying, but I just wanna enjoy what’s left of my youth for as long as possible lol.”
14. Be Respectful of Others
One user posted, “You need to remember that you can’t speak to people IRL the same way you do from your keyboard. You’ll get popped in the mouth.”
Another user commented, “I work with a teenager, and he was going for his license, and the person riding with him told him to go down a certain way. It turns out it was a wrong-way street or something, and he went down it, so he failed. The 16-year-old looked at him and said you’re an a-.
“I was like, you really didn’t say that, did you?! He said well yeah, I did because he was an a-. Kids are gonna have a hard time in the real world. It doesn’t help that he half-a- his job and expects to get paid more.”
15. People Don’t Care That Much
“People don’t care about you nearly as much as you think. Be a good person, but do what makes you happy without stress because people don’t have you In their minds as soon as you turn the corner!” one user shared.
16. You Need to Adapt
One Redditor posted, “You need to adapt to the world. Not expect that the world will adapt to you.”
Another user commented, “So much this. The world is not going to change for you. The world is not here to affirm you. You must affirm yourself and adjust your behaviours/develop coping skills to adapt to the world.”
17. School Is Not Useless
One user shared, “Schools are not as useless as they think; they do have problems, but it’s been proven over time and time that education is one of the few ways to get out of poverty.”
Another user added, “The complaint that courses that you learn in school don’t ever apply. Like most math courses. They are there to teach you how to think; if you find a job that directly has you doing Matrices with linear algebra, good on you. Otherwise, you know how to approach things from different angles.”
18. Let Emotions Just Be Emotions
“An emotion can be purely just an emotion, not a trigger, not depression and anxiety and not a reason to have a mental health crisis; sometimes it’s okay just to be sad!” one Redditor posted.
19. Don’t Pay Too Much for College
One user shared his thoughts and posted, “You don’t need an EXPENSIVE college degree. A private school that makes you take out huge loans to afford it is really not necessary at all. It is unlikely to yield better results. Also, living on campus is massively overrated, and if you can continue to live for free at home, it’s usually a great idea.
“State schools are generally far cheaper and usually of very decent quality. Also, look into EVERY potential scholarship (both merit-based and need-based) you might qualify for. Please fill out the FAFSA every single year and do it early.
“If state college isn’t looking super affordable, maybe there are no scholarships you qualify for that would help out. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with going the community college route. Relative to 4-year schools, community colleges can be dirt cheap and often provide way more flexibility if you want to do school and work part-time.
“Then, after two years, if you want to continue your education and finish up at a 4-year school, you generally can. In most cases, the credits should transfer (especially if the community college and state college are part of the same system), and you get yourself a bachelor’s degree and only pay the sticker price for two years instead of 4.
“If you live in a state that hasn’t taken this seriously and hasn’t invested in affordable higher education options, consider moving to a state that has. Establishing residency to get in-state tuition rates may take a year or more, but this can be worth it in many circumstances.
“Where you got your degree matters less and less these days. The stigma of online degrees is even lessening to a large extent, especially since COVID.
“It’s straightforward to get caught in financial traps when it comes to school, but it’s possible to avoid them. You have to plan things out and stick to what’s realistic so that you know you can see through to the end. Don’t compare yourself to others. You’re running your race. You’re on your path.
“The trades can be great for many. But if you’re not the manual labor type, you may be much better off finding a cheap higher education solution rather than trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.”
20. You’re Not the Main Character
One commenter shared, “You’re not always the main character.”
Another user replied, “You can go a little more in-depth with this, I think. You’re the main character of your own story. You just need to accept the fact that you’ll be an NPC to the vast majority of people you encounter.”
Another user commented, “Enjoy being the quirky NPC in everyone else’s story.”
Do you agree with the challenging truths that were listed above? Share your thoughts!
Source: Reddit.
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Each calendar year brings a new set of changes to Medicare, from premiums and deductibles to rules and regulations. To get the most from Medicare in 2024, it’s helpful to understand what will be different.
Here’s a primer on 2024 Medicare changes:
Part A costs will mostly go up
Medicare Part A covers your hospital care as well as care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Most people get Part A for free, but for those who haven’t worked enough quarters to get free Part A, premiums will stay about the same. If you have to buy Medicare Part A, you’ll pay $278 or $505 per month in 2024, compared with $278 or $506 in 2023.
The inpatient hospital deductible, which you’ll pay before Medicare starts covering costs, will be $1,632 in 2024, up from $1,600 in 2023. (Note that certain Medigap plans do cover your Part A deductible.) You’ll pay the Part A deductible for each inpatient hospital or SNF benefit period — a new benefit period starts if you haven’t received inpatient hospital care or SNF care for 60 days in a row.
Medicare covers the first 60 days in a hospital or the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility (once you hit the deductible). Copays for the rest of your stay are slightly higher in 2024, and are as follows:
$408 per day for days 61 to 90 in a hospital (up from $400 in 2023).
$816 per day for lifetime reserve days in a hospital (up from $800 in 2023). (These are any days over 90 days; you have 60 lifetime reserve days.)
$204 per day for days 21 to 100 in a skilled nursing facility (up from $200 in 2023).
Part B costs will go up
Medicare Part B covers your visits to medical providers, as well as things like ambulance services and durable medical equipment. Everyone pays a premium for Part B, even if you have a Medicare Advantage plan.
Premiums for Medicare Part B will be $174.70 per month in 2024, up from $164.90 in 2023. The Part B deductible will be $240 in 2024, up from $226 in 2023. You pay the Part B deductible just once per year.
Compare Medigap plans
Medicare Advantage plan ratings are lower — again
In 2024, the average star rating for Medicare Advantage plans, weighted by enrollment, is 4.04 stars, down from 4.14 stars in 2023. And about 42% of Medicare Advantage contracts received a rating of 4 stars or higher from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), compared with about 51% in 2023.
“CMS attributes the additional decline in star ratings to methodological changes, new measures factoring into the ratings, as well as the overall performance of plans,” Meredith Freed, a senior policy analyst with the Program on Medicare Policy for KFF, a health policy nonprofit, said through email.
That said, approximately 74% of Medicare Advantage enrollees will be in plans with 4 stars or higher in 2024, similar to 72% in 2023, according to CMS.
Part D catastrophic drug costs will be eliminated
Currently, once Medicare Part D enrollees reach the “catastrophic” level of prescription drug spending — which is $7,400 in 2023 — they pay up to 5% of the cost of their drugs for the remainder of the year. It doesn’t sound significant, but it can be expensive.
“If you have medication that costs $30,000 a month — retail price — 5 percent of $30,000 is $1,500 a month,” says Melinda Caughill, co-founder and CEO of 65 Inc., which offers Medicare guidance. And there are many medications that cost $30,000 a month, Caughill says. “That’s a big deal.”
Next year, once enrollees hit the 2024 catastrophic limit of $8,000 in drug spending, there’s no more coinsurance required. Your prescription drug expenses are essentially capped. (Drug spending includes what enrollees pay out of pocket, plus the discount you get from manufacturers on drugs when you’re in the “coverage gap” phase of drug coverage. So that $8,000 isn’t entirely out of your pocket.)
“This is a policy change that will greatly help those people with very high-cost prescription drugs,” Gretchen Jacobson, vice president of the Medicare program for The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation with the mission of promoting a high-performing health care system, said through email. “An out-of-pocket limit can also provide peace of mind to people whose expenses are below the limit.”
More people will be eligible for Extra Help
Under the government’s Extra Help program, people with limited resources and income may be able to get cost help with prescription drug plan costs, such as premiums, deductibles and prescription copays.
In 2024, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, more people will be eligible for full benefits, saving nearly $300 more per year on average compared with savings for partial benefits. (Full Extra Help benefits are worth about $5,300 per year in 2023, according to the Social Security Administration.) Eligibility will be expanded to people with income and resources up to 150% of the federal poverty level, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Unfortunately “many Medicare beneficiaries are not aware of either the Extra Help program, which helps with Part D costs, nor the Medicare Savings Programs, which help with Part A and B costs,” Freed said. “So it is important for them to check their eligibility for these programs.”