Woman's World

From Free Cookies To 20% Off Target: Top Holiday Military Discounts!

strotter — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:46:29 +0000

Americans are ready to celebrate our country’s independence, and that includes honoring the men and women who have helped make that freedom possible! Major retailers, tourist attractions and restaurants are also offering special deals as a thank you for military service. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity that won’t break the bank or a way to save on a restaurant meal, there’s something for every active duty member and veteran. Find out more below about the best military discounts available for the Fourth of July holiday weekend!

Fun for the whole family

Blue Star Museums

Active-duty military personnel and their families can explore more than 2,000 museums across the country—completely free—through this special program! With art museums, history centers and more on the list, it’s the perfect way to celebrate American culture without spending a fortune.

The program runs from Armed Forces Day on May 16 to Labor Day, so you can add it to your holiday weekend itinerary. Just confirm with your desired destination ahead of time to check for any special hours.

Cincinnati Zoo

Ohio military members can have a wild good time at the Cincinnati Zoo this Independence Day. The zoo offers free admission for all active duty and retired military members on July 4, plus the chance to purchase up to six discounted tickets for immediate family members.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Lions, tigers and bears…oh my! Through July 3, military members (active and retired) can snag a free Day Pass with proof of service. Just head to the zoo’s main gate on the day of your visit to redeem and purchase up to five additional Day Passes for 50 percent off if you desire.

Gilroy Gardens

Family fun awaits at this California theme park. From July 3 through the 5th, simply show ID at the gate to prove you’re an active-duty member or veteran and you’ll automatically receive free admission. Need extra tickets? You can get $40 General Admission tickets for up to six family members or friends.

Delicious deals to savor

Courtesy of Great American Cookies

Great American Cookies

This cookie chain is spreading a little patriotic spirit in honor of America’s birthday. From July 1 to 4, active-duty military members and veterans can treat themselves to a free Stars & Stripes Sprinkle Cookie. To enjoy, simply provide identification at a participating Great American Cookies location.

Outback Steakhouse

Savor all of your favorites—like the Bloomin’ Onion or Down Under Delmonico Ribeye—at a bargain during the holiday. The steakhouse chain offers a year-round 10 percent military discount (the “Heroes Discount”) to active-duty service members, veterans and their families for both dine-in and takeout orders!

Bonefish Grill

When you order from this popular seafood restaurant, you can redeem a 10 percent Heroes Discount that applies to your order of food and nonalcoholic drinks. As long as you’re an active-duty service member or veteran, you can enjoy the discount year-round—just provide ID to get the discount.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Like many other chain restaurants, this Italian eatery allows activity-duty and retired military members to save when they indulge. The Heroes Discount means 10 percent off your restaurant bill all year long, making this the perfect spot to dine for the patriotic occasion.

Dave & Buster’s

If you’re a military member or veteran, you can keep more money in your pocket during your next Dave & Buster’s visit! Take a break from playing your favorite arcade games and head to the restaurant to enjoy a 15 percent discount on food and nonalcoholic beverages. Even better: This deal applies for up to four guests, as well!

Red Lobster

Craving Cheddar Bay Biscuits and fresh seafood? Red Lobster is calling your name! Dine here at a participating location and get a 10 percent discount with proof of service or a valid military ID.

Smart savings on summer essentials

Kevin Carter / Contributor/Getty

Academy Sports + Outdoors

Whether you’re looking for fishing gear, camping equipment or grills, there’s no better time to buy! Now through July 4, active-duty military members and veterans can take advantage of a 10 percent discount off their entire purchase. It’s valid for online and in-store shopping, so you can get the deal even if you can’t get to an Academy Sports + Outdoors location.

Rack Room Shoes

From sneakers to sandals, you can find your perfect footwear for a steal at Rack Room Shoes. The retail chain is giving anyone with a military ID a 20 percent discount off their total purchase for one day only. Head to your local store to shop on July 4 to reap the savings!

Home Depot

Home Depot’s military discount is available year-round, so you can take advantage of it long after the holiday weekend ends. The store provides active-duty service members, veterans and their spouses a 10 percent discount on all purchases. (Note: There is a maximum annual discount of $400.)

You will first need to confirm your status on the verification page, then you’re free to shop with the discount! For in-store purchases, scan the Virtual ID barcode via the app or enter your phone number at checkout. Ordering online? Just log into your verified account to have the discount automatically applied.

Target

Here’s a special offer for active-duty military personnel and veterans: now through July 4, you can enjoy 20 percent off a qualified Target purchase. To access this special deal:

Create or sign in to your Target account.
Join Target Circle for free.
Follow instructions to verify your military status.
Add any dependents to your guest profile if you’d like. (They’ll also be able to use the discount if they’re a Target Circle member.)
If desired, sign up for a Target Circle 360 paid membership using the reduced rate for military members.

The discount will automatically be applied if you shop online, or you can scan your unique Wallet barcode at checkout to get the 20 percent discount.

No matter what you’re planning this Independence Day, these special military discounts make it easy to treat yourself for less!

Trash or Treasure? The Closet Cleanout Items Vintage Experts Are Increasingly Telling People to Sell Now

Ryan Brennan — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:45:20 +0000

We have all been there. A drawer will not shut, the closet rod is sagging and a free Saturday vanishes into piles of clothes you forgot you owned. Decluttering feels good, but it also raises a nagging question.

Is any of this actually worth something? The honest answer is yes and no. A handful of items in the average closet cleanout can fetch real money (such as designer clothes), while plenty of others are better off helping someone through a donation bin.

The trick is telling the two apart before you toss anything. So before your next closet cleanout turns into a guessing game, here are clear answers to the questions people ask most about what to sell, what to donate and how to tell the difference.

How do I know if my vintage concert t-shirts are worth money?

Start with age and origin. Band and tour shirts from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s are the ones collectors chase, and an original tour shirt is worth far more than a modern reprint. Look for a specific tour, an album release or a now-defunct venue printed on the shirt, since those details drive demand.

Recent sales show how high prices can climb, with a 1994 Nine Inch Nails Downward Spiral shirt landing around $1,550 and an Enter the Wu-Tang shirt near $2,000.

“Vintage Concert T-shirts and Vintage shirts from your favorite sports teams can fetch quite a price. eBay has a strong collecting community,” Reyne Hirsch of Dallas Auction Gallery told Good Housekeeping.

Are ’80s and ’90s starter jackets and vintage soccer jerseys valuable?

Often, yes. Vintage sports apparel sits at the crossroads of fandom, nostalgia and streetwear. Starter jackets from the late ’80s and ’90s, especially satin styles and pullovers, are among the most recognizable collector pieces around.

Team and player are what move the needle. Bulls, Lakers, Raiders and Yankees pieces tend to sell well, and legends like Michael Jordan or Ken Griffey Jr. add a premium. Vintage soccer jerseys work the same way, where a storied club or a famous number raises the value.

Check the tags for original Starter, Champion, Nike, Russell Athletic or Mitchell & Ness labels before you list.

Is broken or mismatched vintage jewelry worth selling?

Do not write it off. Broken chains, single earrings, bent rings and old charms still hold value because the metal itself can be sold for resale or scrap. The hallmark stamped on the piece is your first clue.

“I can’t tell you how many times we’ve found pieces tossed in a drawer that are stamped ‘925,’ ‘14-karat,’ or ‘18-karat,’” Jennifer Mayrath of Clotheshorse Anonymous told MarthaStewart.com. “Those markings matter. Sterling silver, solid gold, and pieces with genuine stones, especially if they’re signed or have a designer hallmark, can carry significant resale value. Turquoise and Old Pawn are often overlooked, too.”

So before you toss that tangled pile of vintage jewelry, check every clasp and back for a stamp.

What makes vintage costume jewelry collectible?

Costume does not mean cheap. A lot of vintage costume jewelry was beautifully made, collectible and signed by a designer, particularly pieces from the 1920s through the 1950s.

Turn each piece over and look at the clasp, the back of a brooch or the inside of a bracelet for a maker’s mark or signature. Details that collectors love include rhinestones, enamel, bakelite, poured glass, faux pearls, figural brooches and Art Deco shapes.

A signed piece in good condition can be worth far more than its plastic-bin reputation suggests.

Should I hold onto old designer buttons and handbags?

Yes, even if the item itself looks past its prime. Before donating a designer blazer, check the buttons, zippers and clasps, because damaged designer clothing can still sell when the hardware is intact. Chanel buttons are especially prized, since people turn them into earrings, pendants and brooches.

Handbags deserve the same patience. An outdated bag from Saint Laurent, Fendi, Dior, Gucci or Louis Vuitton can swing back into demand the moment its silhouette returns to the runway. Keep the serial numbers, authenticity cards, dust bags and original hardware, since those are what prove a bag is real.

Are vintage wedding dresses worth selling?

They can be, depending on the gown. Vintage wedding dresses earn their value through craftsmanship, fabric, designer label, era and whatever bridal trends happen to be cycling back.

Look for silk, satin, handmade lace, hand embroidery, beading, covered buttons, dramatic trains or sleek ’90s minimalism. Gowns from the 1920s through 1970s appeal to collectors, while ’90s styles attract modern brides.

“The Marilyn Monroe-style wiggle dresses are becoming more popular,” Lily Kaizer, owner of LA-based vintage bridal boutique the Happy Isles, told Vogue. “People are going for the ’70s-style relaxed silhouette, and we’ve had a lot of requests for ’90s minimal styles.”

Even a gown that cannot be worn again has value, since buyers repurpose the lace, fabric, buttons and veils.

What is the easiest way to start selling clothes online after a closet cleanout?

Begin with research, not a listing. Search completed or sold listings for similar items so you can price yours against what people actually paid, not what sellers are hoping for.

Photograph each piece in good light and capture the details that prove value, like tags, hallmarks, serial numbers and any sign of an original tour or designer. Be honest about flaws, since accurate condition notes build trust and cut down on returns.

From there, selling clothes online is mostly about matching the item to the right marketplace, whether that is a general resale app or a platform built for collectors.

When should I sell used clothes instead of donating them?

Use a simple test. If a piece has rarity, a precious material, a recognizable designer or a trend that is coming back around, it is worth the effort to sell. If it has none of those, donating is usually the better move.

Plenty of everyday items fall on the donate side and still do real good. Fast fashion, basic shoes, winter coats, workwear, kids’ clothing and extra cold-weather accessories are often more useful given away than listed.

There is no downside to sorting carefully. Give the test a few minutes, donate what does not pass and let your closet cleanout pay off either way. And if you’re unsure about where to sell designer clothes, you can learn more about that here.

These Travel Hacks Save You Hundreds on Your Next Vacation

strotter — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:00:57 +0000

Planning a getaway but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. With airfare and hotel prices climbing, many travelers are looking for ways to make their dream trips more affordable. The good news: Learning how to save money on travel doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or comfort. From airline loyalty programs that unlock free flights to hotel price alerts that catch the best deals, simple strategies can help you cut costs on everything from baggage fees to meals. Ready to keep more cash in your wallet? These expert-approved tips make it easy.

Trim airfare expenses

Airlines have raised ticket prices and baggage fees to offset higher fuel costs. Fortunately, these simple tactics help keep more money in your wallet:

Rack up rewards

One of the easiest ways to save is to join an airline’s free loyalty program, says travel guru Deanne Haines, co-founder of ScenicAndSavvy.com. That’s because membership unlocks a perk that delivers big savings: access to the airline’s online shopping portal.

“When you use it for everyday purchases, you earn rewards,” Haines explains. These are typically miles or points you get for every dollar you spend, which you can apply toward free or discounted flights. Visit an airline’s website to sign up.

Plan ahead

You can cut the cost of checked bags for some airlines when you pay for them at least 24 hours before your flight departs through the app or website, says Haines. JetBlue, for example, will knock $10 off your first two pre-checked bags.

Spend less on lodging

Caia Image/Getty

Whether you prefer the amenities of a hotel or the privacy of a vacation rental, you can save a bundle when booking:

Pounce on hotel discounts

Google recently introduced a free feature that helps you snag lower room rates: hotel price alerts. “Gmail users can sign up to receive email notifications if the price changes on a certain hotel during the dates you’re eyeing,” says Brekke Fletcher, senior director of content for Lonely Planet travel guides.

To try it, go to Google.com/hotels, search a property name, then scroll down past the list of prices until you see the “Track this hotel” toggle. Turn it on and Google will notify you when the rate drops.

Widen your vacation rental radius

If you want to stay at a rental when visiting a major destination, look at neighborhoods just outside the main area, Fletcher recommends. Prices on Airbnb, VRBO and other rental sites are often significantly lower just a few minutes away while still being close enough to easily commute.

Shrink food costs

You can still enjoy delicious meals while paying less. Here’s how:

Tap into history

Most towns have at least one longstanding eatery worth trying, reveals Eva Keller, co-founder of DiscoveringHiddenGems.com. “Many times, these ‘historic’ diners or mom-and-pop restaurants are much more affordable than newer, trendy places.” Just ask local residents and workers!

Snap up local deals

Look up regional chains where you’re visiting, then join their loyalty rewards program, recommends Keller. “You frequently get a welcome reward you can use on your first visit.”

Head to grocers

Major supermarkets offer a wide range of freshly prepared food for on the go—and some delis are even famous for their selections. “If you’re in Florida, for example, pick up a ‘pub sub’ from Publix,” Keller advises. These are beloved local favorites.

This story first appeared in the June 29, 2026 issue of Woman’s World magazine.

Mike Johnson Wants to 'Fix' Social Security—Will Benefits Change?

Carissa Mosness — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:30:21 +0000

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson recently said he wants to adjust Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid funding. Doing so would decrease the country’s ballooning entitlement spending, which is essentially the rapid growth of mandatory government programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Other lawmakers disagree with this idea, and some argue that adjusting funding for Social Security would cause the program’s funds to dry up sooner than expected. Below, we break down what all of this means and reveal whether these conversations are expected to impact Americans’ July Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

What to know about Mike Johnson’s proposed Social Security cuts

Earlier this week, Johnson, a Republican congressman from Louisiana, went on a Louisiana radio show to discuss President Donald Trump’s second term, the war in Iran and the federal spending budget that’s currently a big topic of conversation both on and off Capitol Hill. He also took time to share his thoughts on the country’s spending habits and pitched an idea to would change them.

“The reason we’re in trouble is because over 74 percent of federal spending is on autopilot, mandatory spending. That’s your entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid and things like Social Security,” Johnson said. “They have to be adjusted and fixed. We have a plan to do that next year, and it’s critical.”

What exactly that plan is remains to be seen, but lawmakers are sounding alarm bells. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine and North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis released a joint bipartisan statement shortly after Johnson’s remarks, urging their colleagues to protect the government-funded program.

“It’s clear now that Congress shouldn’t delay any longer. Several of us have been coming together to talk about how we can strengthen Social Security for current and future generations of retirees. We say to our colleagues: Join us in doing what we were elected to do—legislate on hard issues and protect this lifeline program for our kids and grandkids,” their press release read. “Congress has no shortage of ideas, we just need to actually debate them and vote.”

Mike Johnson in May 2026
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Experts also shared their thoughts on potential cuts, with Richard Johnson, AARP’s senior vice president of financial security, telling The Washington Post, “The challenge is manageable. Congress doesn’t have to abandon Social Security. It doesn’t have to rebuild the program from scratch.”

Others urged people to take a look at the news and think about how these conversations will impact the upcoming 2026 midterm election.

“It’s important to recognize that the Senators we elect this year will be in office when Social Security becomes unable to pay out full benefits, so this must be a central campaign issue,” Michael Peterson, CEO of the debt-focused think tank Peter G. Peterson Foundation, said in a statement. “This crisis is both highly predictable and fully avoidable, as there are many well-known solutions available. Now is the time for responsible, bipartisan leadership to strengthen Social Security and Medicare, ensuring the stability of these programs for generations of Americans to come.”

Can Mike Johnson actually cut federal funding for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid?

If Johnson’s undisclosed plan does see the light of day, there is a chance Congress and President Trump could vote it into law. If they do, there could be cuts made to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, but based on how lawmakers are responding to the idea, it’s highly unlikely that the Senate and the House of Representatives will vote yes.

President Trump is a different story: Just a few months ago he proposed cutting federal funding for Medicare, Medicaid and daycare to help pay for the war in Iran.

“We can balance the budget. We can have a surplus if you can stop that. And that does not include Medicare, Medicaid—that’s even bigger,” the President told an audience at a White House Easter lunch in April of this year. “We can’t take care of daycare. You got to let a state take care of daycare. And they should pay for it, too. They should pay. They’ll have to raise their taxes, but they should pay for it. And we could lower our taxes a little bit to make up for it. It’s not possible for us to take care of daycare, Medicaid, Medicare—all these individual things. They can do it on a state basis. You can’t do it on a federal [level]. We have to take care of one thing: military protection. We have to guard the country.”

Similar to Johnson’s plan, those cuts would have to be approved by the House and Senate, and given how controversial these remarks were, it’s unlikely Congress will pass any sort of legislation that proposes major cuts to these government-funded programs.

Will these proposed cuts impact your July benefits?

Since Johnson’s proposed plan has yet to be shared or voted on, it’s highly unlikely that July Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits will be impacted. And America’s 250th birthday celebration won’t impact payments either. Because the main event—July 4—is on a Saturday, everyone’s benefits will be paid out on time. You can view the full Social Security July payment schedule below.

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will get their payments on Wednesday, July 1.
If you received Social Security before May 1997 or are receiving both Social Security and SSI, you’ll get both payments on Tuesday, July 2.
If you were born on the 1st through the 10th of the month, your benefits will be sent out on Wednesday, July 8.
If you were born on the 11th through the 20th of the month, your benefits will be sent out on Wednesday, July 15.
If you were born on the 21st through the 31st of the month, your benefits will be sent out on Wednesday, July 28.

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July 1 Student Loan Changes: What You Need To Do Right Now

Carissa Mosness — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:56:49 +0000

On July 1, the student plan repayment plan known as SAVE—Saving on a Valuable Education—will officially be dismantled. This means millions of borrowers will have to adjust to new payment routines—something that could, and most likely will, significantly alter their monthly budgets. Below we share everything borrowers need to know about the changes, including what people need to do now to protect their payments.

What to know about the student loan changes happening in July

In December of 2025, the Department of Education announced the end of the SAVE program, which was created by President Joe Biden in 2023. Some 7 million Americans benefited from the program, which allowed them to make smaller payments toward their student loans each month.

The decision was among the most disputed of Biden’s presidency, triggering lawsuits from several states. Missouri’s challenge ultimately proved decisive, and in December 2025, both the Department of Education and the Trump administration sided with the state, bringing the SAVE program to an end

“For four years, the Biden Administration sought to unlawfully shift student loan debt onto American taxpayers, many of whom either never took out a loan to finance their postsecondary education or never even went to college themselves, simply for a political win to prop up a failing Administration,” Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent said in statement in December 2025. “The Trump Administration is righting this wrong and bringing an end to this deceptive scheme. The law is clear: if you take out a loan, you must pay it back. Thanks to the State of Missouri and other states fighting against this egregious federal overreach, American taxpayers can now rest assured they will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for illegal and irresponsible student loan policies.”

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As a result of that decision, the Department of Education will stop approving or accepting applications for a SAVE plan. They will force the millions of people enrolled in a SAVE plan to pick a new “legal” repayment plan. One that’s been heavily pushed by the Department of Education and President Trump is the administration’s new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) program, which was announced in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and allows borrowers’ monthly payments to be determined by their income.

If borrowers don’t choose a new student loan repayment plan, they will be automatically enrolled in a standard repayment plan, which generally has fixed payments over 10 years.

How the elimination of the SAVE program impacts student loan borrowers

Aside from being forced into a new program, many student loan borrowers will face higher fees and increased minimum monthly payments after the SAVE program ends. This is causing serious concern among financial experts, who worry these changes—along with President Trump’s tariffs, rising gas prices and inflation—will force borrowers over the edge financially.

“There’s a lot of anxiety out there,” Betsy Mayotte, president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, told The New York Times. “It’s not just about the student loan payments going up. It’s everything hitting at once.”

Are any other student loan changes happening in July?

Along with the discontinuation of the SAVE program, several provisions from Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act will also take effect in July of this year. One of the provisions people are most concerned about is the new borrowing limits for graduate students, which vary significantly depending on whether someone is pursuing one of 11 designated “professional degrees.”

Currently, according to the administration, only 11 specific doctoral-level programs qualify as professional degrees: medicine, law, veterinary medicine, podiatry, pharmacy, optometry, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, chiropractic, theology and clinical psychology. Students pursuing those professional degrees will have higher borrowing limits, while those in other graduate programs face stricter caps. You can view the exact breakdown below.

Graduate students without a professional degree can borrow up to $20,500 a year, with a $100,000 lifetime limit.
Students pursuing a professional degree (like medicine or law) can borrow up to $50,000 a year, with a $200,000 lifetime limit.

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“President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act addresses longstanding challenges in higher education and federal student lending, including exorbitant tuition costs, unchecked borrowing, and a confusing maze of repayment options that too often leave borrowers with higher balances despite making payments,” Kent said in a press release in April of this year. “This final rule will help ensure students can access higher education without racking up excessive loan debt, offer repayment options that better serve borrowers and force institutions to reduce costs.”

That decision was met with a lot of pushback, especially since nursing graduate programs were not considered “professional degrees” even though nearly every other medical profession was. The Department of Education justified this decision, saying, “The definition of a ‘professional degree’ is an internal definition used by the Department to distinguish among programs that qualify for higher loan limits, not a value judgement about the importance of programs. It has no bearing on whether a program is professional in nature or not.”

“It is important to remember that the loan limits are limited to graduate programs and have no impact on undergraduate nursing programs, including four-year bachelor’s of science in nursing degrees and two-year associate’s degrees in nursing. Eighty percent of the nursing workforce does not have a graduate degree,” the department concluded.

What to do before July

In order to prepare for the changes in student loan payments and caps, experts recommend taking time over the next few weeks to go over your plans and see what you can do to either minimize the financial effects or find out what new plan works best for you.

“If you have not been paying attention to your loans for four, five, six years, totally understandable. But now is the time to make sure your contact information is up to date,” Winston Berkman-Breen, legal director of the advocacy group Protect Borrowers, told CBS News. “Make sure you have your login with studentaid.gov.”

Surprise! Facebook Is Sending Users More Money. Are You Eligible?

strotter — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:11:07 +0000

Here’s a new twist in the Facebook privacy settlement: eligible users are about to receive even more money this summer! The reason: Not everyone collected their share of the initial $725 million payout in 2025, which means more money is due to enter some people’s pockets. So how much is the Facebook privacy settlement this time around? Find out more below about the average payment amount, when checks are being sent and how to know if you will receive one.

Why is Facebook sending more money?

Last fall, Facebook agreed to a $725 million settlement after a lawsuit claimed the company violated users’ privacy rights by sharing their data with third parties. Though the company denied any wrongdoing, it agreed to issue a payout to those who were impacted by the case.

Facebook sent out the first round of payments in September 2025 to 19 million people, with amounts ranging from $4.89 to $38.37 per person. But court documents show not everyone who was eligible redeemed their money, so more than 200,000 checks were left uncashed.

That means there’s an estimated $100 million of the total settlement still left on the table. As a result, Facebook is planning to send out a second round of payments this month—and you could be one of the recipients!

How much is the Facebook privacy settlement second payout amount?

Like many other major settlements, the amount you receive is based on both the total payout and the number of claimants. Since the remaining pool of money is smaller this time, the payouts will naturally be lower, as well.

Documents filed in court reveal that the minimum payment will be $4.67 and the maximum will be $7.32, reports The Hill. But most people can expect to receive around $6 for this second round.

Who qualifies for the second Facebook privacy settlement payment?

Did you have a Facebook account between 2007 and 2022? You could receive this second payment if you meet three criteria:

You filed a claim for the Facebook settlement payout by the initial deadline last year.
You received a payment in 2025.
You successfully cashed or spent the payment.

But this time, you don’t need to take any action or file a claim to collect your portion of the settlement! The company will send the money to you via the payment method (check, Venmo, direct deposit, etc.) you chose last year.

When to expect your payment

Dmytro Skrypnykov/Getty

If you’re eligible for more settlement money, you won’t have to wait much longer to receive your portion. The first checks are due to be sent out June 9, and you will even get a heads up when the payment is on the way.

NBC 5 Chicago reports people received emails yesterday that stated they would receive a notice three to four days before payment is issued. So keep checking your inbox!

The $6 payment may not be much, but it’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself to dessert or a cup of coffee!

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How To Appeal Property Taxes—Experts Share Their Best Tips

strotter — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 23:30:07 +0000

Your property tax bill just arrived, and the number makes you wince. But here’s empowering news: You don’t have to accept an inflated assessment. Thousands of homeowners successfully appeal their property taxes every year and save hundreds—even thousands—of dollars. The best part? You don’t need a lawyer or special expertise to do it. Learning how to appeal property taxes starts with gathering the right documentation and understanding your state’s process. Real estate experts reveal the exact steps to challenge an unfair assessment on your own, file your appeal correctly, and win a lower tax bill.

Do it on your own

You don’t need a lawyer. “Anyone can appeal their property taxes,” says real estate expert Marty Zankich, owner of Chamberlin Real Estate School in San Jose, California. To file yourself:

1. Find your state’s rules

Search online for your state comptroller’s office plus “property tax appeal.” You’ll see the process for your state, any deadlines and whether you need to download a standardized form.

2. Describe your house in detail

Supporting documentation is essential when appealing, says Zankich, because it shows why your assessment is too high. Check your home’s record on your county property appraiser’s website and note any incorrect details, such as the year built, square footage or number of rooms.

3. Show downward trends

In many areas, real estate values have dipped since the 2020 real estate boom, but property taxes haven’t followed. If that’s true in your neighborhood, compile a list of at least five similar homes nearby that sold for less than your home’s current assessed value in the past six to 12 months, advises Zankich. Just search your area on Redfin.com or Zillow.com and filter results by “sold.”

4. Note negative factors

If changes in your immediate area have lowered your home’s value, include that too. This could be a new gas station or liquor store right around the corner, says Zankich. “Or if there are vacant lots where trash or other debris have accumulated, take photos and submit them.”

5. File your appeal

“You’ll send everything online or through regular mail,” Zankich notes. Once the appraisal district’s appeals committee reviews it, they’ll give their decision. If the committee agrees with you, they’ll issue a revised assessment and your lower tax amount will apply to the current year on your next bill.

Hire a flat-fee company

manusapon kasosod/Getty

You can also get help from a tax appeal consultant or an appraiser who’ll research your case and compile your documents for one flat fee upfront, says Realtor and certified real estate appraiser Kristina Allan, founder of the Las Vegas real estate firm KALLANLVRE. “The advantage is that someone will handle the paperwork in a professional way because they know how the system works.”

You’ll still have to do certain tasks yourself, however, like taking photos. Fees range from $49 to a few hundred dollars or more, depending on your location and the complexity of your case. To find a professional to help you, search online for “flat fee property tax appeal service” plus your county.

Use a full-service firm

If you want someone to do all the steps for you, you can hire a grievance firm. They’ll charge a percentage of the amount they save you or a small upfront fee plus a percentage, says Allan. The upside is they know how to go through the process. “But you can end up paying more than you would with a flat-fee pro, especially if the savings are big.” Be sure to read their contract closely, as some may bill you even if they don’t save you anything. To find one, search online for “property tax grievance firm” plus your county.

This story first appeared in the June 15, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.

Can Debt Collectors Garnish Social Security? What You Need to Know

Carissa Mosness — Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:39 +0000

Since most Medicare payments come out of monthly Social Security checks, millions of Americans wonder whether factors like medical debt can impact how much money they receive. The answer, according to Jessica Robinson, owner of the estate-planning company Family Nest North Central Florida: “Private hospitals and regular medical providers usually cannot directly take Social Security benefits before they reach a bank account. However, federal debts connected to Medicare or government overpayments can create very different situations.” Below we share everything seniors need to know about medical debt and Social Security and reveal whether there are ways to protect their money.

What to know about Social Security and medical debt

When it comes to medical debt from hospitals and medical providers, there are laws that protect seniors from having that money garnished by private creditors. So if you owe money for a medical bill or hospital visit, a medical facility or accredited debt collector cannot garnish—or take away—your Social Security payments.

“It’s important for seniors to know that one hospital bill doesn’t mean the government will raid your Social Security check,” says mortgage broker Paige Taylor Hernandez, founder of Notorious Women in Mortgage, a nonprofit organization focused on educating and empowering women in finance. “There are hardship protections, appeal rights and even organizations like the Patient Advocate Foundation that can provide case management or financial aid designed specifically to protect and help eligible patients from being financially steamrolled.”

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That doesn’t mean the debt shouldn’t be paid. Not paying a medical debt collector can damage one’s credit score and make it harder to qualify for financing or borrowing options. Not paying a bill could also result in being sent to court, and if the creditor wins, it could result in legal fees and high interest fees on the debt.

What to know about owing money to CMS

When it comes to owing money to CMS, things change. Since CMS payments are usually covered by Social Security payments, if you owe the government organization money, CMS can—and will—take that money out of your Social Security check.

“Private medical debt and federal Medicare-related debt are treated very differently. Standard hospitals and medical providers generally have limited ability to access Social Security benefits directly, while federal agencies connected to Medicare overpayments may have collection authority through government processes,” says Robinson. “Federal benefit reductions may happen when Medicare or another government agency determines there was an overpayment or unresolved federal debt. Seniors should carefully review any notices involving Medicare overpayments because mistakes and misunderstandings can happen.”

To help avoid this, Robinson recommends acting quickly when a notice is sent out.

“I always emphasize the importance of keeping records and monitoring their accounts to my senior clients,” she says. “It’s crucial that seniors keep records, seek clarifications and contest erroneous decisions as soon as possible.”

How to avoid medical debt

One of the best ways to help avoid medical debt is to make sure you have an insurance policy that fits your needs—and to confirm you’re using all the benefits included in the coverage you already pay for.

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As Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, an online health insurance marketplace, puts it: “Reviewing your Medicare plan annually and making sure you’re taking full advantage of these benefits is one of the simplest ways to keep more money in your pocket and avoid overpaying for care. With more than 40 Medicare Advantage plans available in many communities, comparison shopping is one of the most effective ways older Americans can reduce the impact of higher premiums.”

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No Experience Remote Jobs AI Training Gigs Pay up to $30/HR!

strotter — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:30:56 +0000

What if your everyday wisdom could earn you money from home? No experience remote jobs AI training are booming right now, and they’re ideal for women over 50. These flexible positions pay $15 to $30 hourly for something surprisingly simple: helping artificial intelligence learn to sound more human. You don’t need technical skills or a special degree—just the ability to read carefully and trust your instincts about what sounds helpful versus what feels tone-deaf. If you can spot when an answer misses the mark, you’re already qualified for this work.

Why are you needed?

AI processes an enormous amount of information—everything from world history to how cars run—but it lacks a key skill only humans have: judgment. “AI doesn’t know what ‘helpful’ feels like or when an answer is technically correct yet completely tone-deaf,” says Pragati Awasthi, assistant teaching professor of information science at Drexel University. We help fill that gap. “Real people review AI-generated responses, compare different answers and signal which ones land well and which ones miss the mark,” she explains. After thousands of these small human decisions, AI starts to develop something closer to good sense, making its answers more appropriate.

Are tech skills required?

Not at all. If you can use a computer, you can do this work. You don’t need to understand how AI functions behind the scenes.

“This job is about being a careful reader, a clear thinker and someone who can recognize when a response feels off—too cold, too vague, subtly misleading or just not how a real person would say something,” says Awasthi. “Those instincts come from life experience, not a computer science degree.”

What does this kind of job look like?

It’s far more straightforward than most people expect, says Awasthi. “You open a web browser, log into a website and you’re presented with tasks—no downloads or special setup needed.”

A typical task might ask you to read two AI-generated answers to the same question and select which one is more accurate, more helpful or less confusing. Or you might label what’s happening in an image, or flag an error in a response. “It’s genuinely closer to a thoughtful quiz than anything that resembles tech work.”

What are the hours?

Flexibility is one of the biggest perks of AI training. There’s no schedule, no shift and no boss, says AI expert Hassan Jamal, founder and lead engineer at PandaCodeGen. “You log in whenever you want—morning, evening, midnight, it doesn’t matter.”

Some tasks take two minutes, while others take 15. “Most do this work between other responsibilities or in the evening after their day job.”

Where do you sign up?

Start by creating free accounts on trusted AI training platforms, such as CrowdGen.com, Mindrift.ai and Remotasks.com. “Most have a short qualification test that takes 15 to 30 minutes,” says Jamal.

This checks how well you follow instructions and spot errors. Once approved, you log into the website and see a list of available tasks.

How much can you earn?

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Pay varies but in general, you’ll get about $15 to $30 per hour. “And if you have experience in a specific field—such as medicine, law or finance—or if you write well, you may qualify for higher-paying tasks,” says Jamal.

For those, you may need to upload a resumé to show your expertise. Companies typically pay weekly through PayPal or bank transfer.

What makes you best for this type of job?

AI trainers age 50 and over bring something special: your life experience. “A woman who’s spent decades navigating relationships, work, family and the texture of everyday life has an extraordinarily well-calibrated sense of what’s real, what’s kind and what rings false,” says Awasthi. “That’s precisely the kind of judgment that makes AI better for everyone.”

This story first appeared in the June 8, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.

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Social Security Is Switching Payment Methods—Will It Affect Your June Check?

Carissa Mosness — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:30:56 +0000

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced they are sending new Direct Express cards to people on Social Security. It’s a move that’s expected to impact millions of people, and it comes less than a year after the government organization stopped sending out physical checks to beneficiaries. Below, we share everything Americans need to know about this change in benefit payments and reveal whether it’s expected to impact June payments.

What is a Direct Express card?

Direct Express cards are issued by the government to recipients of federal benefits. They are primarily used by people receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, but in some cases, other government agencies—including the U.S. The Coast Guard and Department of Labor—will use these cards to process payments.

What changes are being made to Direct Express cards?

On Monday, May 18, the SSA revealed that the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service would be switching their financial provider from Comerica Bank to Fifth Third Bank. They didn’t share why, but many believe it’s to improve the overall user experience.

“The goal appears to be modernization, including improved online access, app functionality and overall user accessibility,” Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. “In many ways, it maintains the status quo while updating the technology behind the program.”

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As a result of the change in financial provider, millions of Americans who rely on the Direct Express prepaid debit cards for their monthly benefit payments will be forced to get a new card. This includes people on Social Security, and many experts warn this change could do more harm than good.

“The 3.6 million people on Direct Express are disproportionately elderly, disabled and unbanked,” Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek. “They’re the least likely to work through a card transition smoothly. And the most likely to face a gap in access if something goes wrong. One missed payment for someone living on $994 a month in SSI isn’t an inconvenience. It’s a crisis.”

Will the new Direct Express cards impact June Social Security payments?

Since the SSA doesn’t plan to send out the new cards until later this year or early next year, it’s safe to assume June benefits won’t be impacted. Once the cards are sent out, it’s believed there will be no disruption at all.

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“For recipients, this mostly means more of the same,” Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. “Benefits should still arrive electronically on their normal payment date, but it could add value if the new system improves security and customer service.”

What to do when a new Direct Express card arrives

Once Americans get their new Direct Express cards in the mail, they can activate the card at 1-888-741-1115 or on the Direct Express mobile app. Upon activation, it is recommended that beneficiaries safely dispose of their old card.

“This change doesn’t add money,” Ryan said. “It’s administrative. The benefit amount stays the same. This is a servicer swap, not a benefit improvement.”

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