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Introducing Rufus: Your Smart Shopping Sidekick in the Amazon App!

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U.S. customers have access to Rufus, Amazon's new AI-powered shopping assistant, now available in the Amazon Shopping app! Rufus was introduced earlier in the year to help you save time and make smarter shopping decisions right from your phone. Think of Rufus as your personal shopping guru, available anytime you’re browsing our store.

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Since launching, Rufus has already answered tens of millions of customer questions, from product details and recommendations to comparisons and more. Whether you’re curious about the best outdoor speakers, comparing pizza ovens, or tracking your latest order, Rufus is here to help. Simply update your Amazon Shopping app, tap the Rufus icon in the navigation bar, and start chatting away!

TO DO

Take Stock

Utilize your prime membership, to save money on the items you actually need. Prime day is the perfect time to stock up on essentials or long awaited items you've had on your list.

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✅ Take stock of what staple items you need. Common items are toilet paper, toothpaste, cotton swabs and laundry soup.

✅ Time to finally grab that video doorbell system or Floodlight for household security?

✅ Were you thinking of grabbing a robot vacuum so your cat can hitch a ride?

✅ Update your emergency kit supplies or secure a portable car battery charger.

✅ The linen closet can use new towels and sheets. The pet shelter will take your old towels.

✅ Did you put together your Holiday Gift List from last week's newsletter?

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Get these and many more deals on things you need at amazon.com/primeday.

RETIREMENT

Age of 55 Rule

Ever wondered about the Rule of 55 for your retirement strategy? It's an IRS provision that allows penalty-free withdrawals from your 401(k) or 403(b) if you leave your job in or after the year you turn 55. This exception offers flexibility for tapping into your retirement savings early, without facing the typical 10% penalty.

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Here's a snapshot of how it works:

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• Qualification: You must leave your job during or after the calendar year you turn 55.
• Eligibility: Withdrawals must be from your current employer's plan, not an old one, and are subject to income taxes.
• Considerations: While it's a valuable option for early retirees, it's essential to weigh the impact on your long-term savings and consult with a financial advisor.

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Reach out to your tax professional for more information.

PRIME DAY IS HERE!

Prime Day is Amazon’s biggest deal event of the year. Today is the last day of this 2 day event. Check out today's money-saving deals.

ICYMI

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Higher Cancer Rates

As we embrace our golden years, it's important to stay informed about our health. A recent study from the National Cancer Institute has shed light on some concerning trends: Generation X faces higher cancer risks compared to our Baby Boomer predecessors. The study predicts that as Gen-Xers like us hit 60, the likelihood of being diagnosed with invasive cancer increases significantly.

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What's causing this rise? Experts suggest factors like early detection, lifestyle choices (think obesity and sedentary habits), and environmental pollutants might be contributing. It's a wake-up call to prioritize our health with regular checkups.

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Up The Retirement Age

There’s buzz that Social Security might shake things up soon. Millionaire Grant Cardone’s sounding the alarm that we could be clocking in until we’re 73, instead of the usual 62. The deal is, Social Security’s funds are running low, and experts like Cardone think the system’s not gonna cut it by the mid-2030s. They’re talking about pushing back our full retirement age to keep the coffers full longer. Some say it’s necessary ‘cause we’re living longer, but others reckon it’s gonna stir up trouble. Seems like this could be a game-changer for planning those golden years.

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Average 401Ks

Charlene Rhinehart discusses the average 401(k) balances for individuals aged 55 to 64, highlighting insights from Vanguard's analysis of retirement savings trends. In 2022, the average 401(k) balance for this age group was $207,874, while the median stood at $71,168. These figures indicate an increase in balances as individuals near retirement age, reflecting the cumulative effect of savings over a career. The article emphasizes the importance of these statistics for retirement planning, encouraging readers to use them as benchmarks to assess their own preparedness. It suggests leveraging retirement savings tools and strategic planning to align savings goals with retirement aspirations effectively.

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Frugal Cooking

Discover the art of frugal cooking! From planning meals and embracing staple ingredients to shopping smart and repurposing leftovers, learn how to create delicious dishes on a budget. Enjoy the journey of saving money while savoring homemade meals with these practical tips.

Recipe discovery

Zucchini Boats Zucchini Boats are the perfect mashup for meat and veggie lovers. An easy and fun way to switch up your weeknight dinner routine!

Chimichurri Rice Bowls with Seasoned Black Beans Want to level up your rice bowls? These chimichurri rice bowls with seasoned black beans are going to make your meal prep dreams come true.

Retirement Reality Bites for Gen X

American Gen Xers are consistently saving for retirement, but feel the least prepared for retirement across the generations.

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Interesting Blurbs

​ Finance Guy @GuyTalksFinance Here are some of my options: Buy a Home for $600k and have a mortgage payment of $4,500 monthly. • $100,000 down payment • $12,000 closing costs • $11,000 yearly property tax Rent a Luxury Apartment for $3,600 per month. • Tennis Court • Pool • Gym Both of these are 2… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1811736608518910300 5:17 AM • Jul 12, 2024 14 Retweets 336 Likes Read 471 replies ​

​ Cold Brew Finance @ColdBrewFinance A recipe for financial independence: -One scoop of income -A dash of side hustle -One pint of understanding compound interest -Two teaspoons of frugality -Three tablespoons of gratitude -A tub of patience 7:50 PM • Jun 23, 2024 0 Retweets 1 Likes ​

Memes

What say you?

Hell to the no! no! no! Sorry for ranting title, but I am NOT OK with the potential for a new retirement age. I'm already trying to hang in there until 55 so I can withdraw without penalty from my retirement account. ​ It's not that I plan to ixna work at the age of 55, but in hopes I can drop down to part-time and supplement with investments. Throw in some more vacation time and piña coladas on the beach. Mixed in with some hobbies, charity work, and spending time with grandbabies without the confines of a strict work schedule telling me what to do. ​ After all, I've earned it. As I know you have earned it in your own journey, too. Forty years of working non-stop is already exhausting. ​ Can you imagine working until your 73? No, thank you! ​ Until next time!