Welcome to the Midlife Loneliness Spike

What's Happening

US News

Welcome to the Midlife Loneliness Spike

What’s going on: In a world where more people befriend and even date robots, it’s probably not a shock that Americans are getting lonelier. But new research from AARP backs this up, showing a rising number of middle-aged and older adults — especially in their 40s and 50s — feel isolated. Among the loneliest? Nearly half of adults between 45 and 49 years old, along with those who never married, didn’t work, and whose household income was below $25,000 per year. Most people surveyed couldn’t pinpoint what was behind their sense of seclusion, though some tied it to bereavement and health challenges. Overall, the sense of loneliness was stronger than in past surveys in 2018 and 2010. 

What it means: Although wealth and education offer some insulation from isolation, they’re not a cure. People who juggle work, kids, and aging parents can feel lonely despite their overflowing calendars. But there are strategies to combat loneliness. One idea: Get vulnerable with the people already in your life. You don’t have to trauma dump or share your deepest secrets, but start a convo about an odd habit, a childhood memory, or a work problem. Or, give the “5-3-1 rule” a shot. Finally, may we suggest texting or calling your loved ones about three silly things (for instance, the shame of your Spotify Wrapped or a show you think they’d like) each week. Tiny steps toward connection count, and they stack up.

Related: Teens Are Turning To This Tech Instead of Their Friends (Vice)

The News In 5

🗞️ Israel said it will reopen the Rafah border crossing — but only for Palestinians willing to leave the Gaza Strip permanently.

🗞️ Who can forget Signalgate? Well, the Pentagon’s review found Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put US troops at risk.

🗞️ House Democrats dropped photos and videos from Jeffrey Epstein’s private island. The words on the chalkboard are disturbing. 

🗞️ The Trump administration launched immigration enforcement operations in two new cities.

🗞️ More than 250,000 cases of cheese have been recalled — including at Aldi, Walmart, and Target — for containing metal fragments.

Money

Will Your Kid Get a Trump Account?

What’s going on: Between the diapers, childcare, and food, raising a child is expensive — and that’s before they can even beg for the latest must-have gadget. So planning for your child’s financial future may not be top of mind. The Trump administration is trying to change that with “Trump Accounts.” Here’s how it works: Any US citizen under 18 will be eligible for this investment account starting early next year. American children born between 2025 and 2028 will get these loaded with $1,000 from the Treasury Department. (Babies always get the best stuff.) What about all the children born before 2025? Enter: Michael and Susan Dell (as in the computers), who donated $25 million to children ages 10 and under about $250 each.

What it means: President Donald Trump pitched the accounts as the “first real trust funds for every American child.” But there are a few rules. Parents and family members (looking at you, fun aunts) can start making contributions of up to $5,000 per year starting July 4, 2026. Children can’t touch the cash until they’re 18. But there is a catch: If they use the funds before the age of 59 and a half, there is a hefty tax penalty — unless it’s used for college tuition or a house purchase. No word yet on when Uncle Sam will make his $1,000 deposit into eligible accounts, and which bank or brokerage will manage the funds. That’s why it might be worth considering all of your other options, including different types of savings accounts.

Related: Trump Looks to Australia for a Potential Retirement Reboot (CNN)

Money

We Need To See Those Receipts ASAP

What’s going on: Dollar stores are supposed to be a haven for cheap movie snacks, birthday party favors, and making kids feel like little millionaires. However, a Guardian investigation revealed that Dollar General and Family Dollar locations across 23 states are charging customers a higher price than the listed shelf price. In some instances, customers paid nearly double. The Guardian also found some stores overcharged customers not once or twice, but multiple times. It’s caught up with them…sort of. The chains, which blame the issue on staffing shortages, have reached settlements with multiple states. One state inspector told The Guardian that “sometimes it is cheaper to pay the fines” than to fix the bigger problem.

What it means: At least 75% of the country lives within five miles of a Dollar General. But the places that are supposed to help alleviate some of that financial pain might be hurting more than helping. As the cost of living continues to rise, cash-strapped Americans are turning to dollar stores for everyday necessities. That’s why you should listen to your mom’s age-old advice: Double-check your receipt, keep an eye out at the register, and kindly let the cashier know if something isn’t right.

Related: These Hacks Can Actually Help You Save at the Grocery Store (Real Simple) 

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ The CDC’s vaccine advisory committee will discuss the hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for newborns.

🗓️ Get ready to bask in the glow of the last supermoon of 2025, the “Cold Moon.”

🗓️ It’s National Cookie Day. And you thought this month was just about Santa's treats.

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Know It All

This was Spotify Wrapped's global top song of the year (we almost forgot about it).

Extra Credit

Gift

You’ve decked the halls. Now, make spirits bright with greeting cards. Because nothing spreads holiday cheer quite like a Hallmark card. From heartfelt to humorous, these small tokens of joy turn simple hellos into keepsakes and every connection into moments of mailbox magic. So grab a pen and pick a festive design that expresses exactly how you feel — your easiest holiday win, signed, sealed, and delivered.*

Game Time

Brick Breaker meets word search in Spelltower, your new favorite game. For every word you find, letter tiles disappear. The fewer tiles left when you run out of words, the better your score. Try it.