In Case You Missed It: The 25 Cheapest Places to Live, 3 Changes Coming for Medicare in 2025, Amazon Prime Alternative

And, the most expensive natural disasters in US history. Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( August 16, 2024 CONNECT WITH KIPLINGER  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [X]( [Instagram ]( [Youtube]( [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] INTRODUCTION [] [Stepping Into Cheapest Cities in the US]( The housing market is poised to perk up [when mortgage rates fall](. That also means the competition for homes won’t be easing until the backlog of aspiring buyers is satisfied and settled in their new homes. If you are retired or have a remote job, you can cast a wider net and consider more possible places to live than those tethered to their jobs. I have a list of the [25 cheapest cities to live in the U.S.]( where housing is reasonably priced and affordable by most standards. Many communities also offer bargains on utilities and transportation. That and the articles below are some of our biggest recent stories for you to explore this weekend. - Donna LeValley, personal finance writer [Do you Need Help Balancing Your Retirement Goals?]( Spending your hard earned retirement money can be complicated—and it's important to make the right decisions that will help your savings last. Vanguard Personal Advisor is built to provide you an ongoing collaboration with our professional advisors — so you can retire with the support you need. [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] MEDICARE [] [3 Changes Coming for Medicare in 2025]( [3 Changes Coming for Medicare in 2025]( (Getty Images) Medicare open enrollment begins in 12 weeks. Before you start evaluating plans and considering a change in your coverage, read about these [three Medicare changes that take effect in October and will impact coverage in 2025](. [] SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNTS [] [Social Security Login Changes Taking Effect Soon]( [Social Security Login Changes Taking Effect Soon]( (Getty Images) The Social Security Administration is transitioning all users who made their accounts before September 2021 to a new login system. The SSA says the change aims to simplify the sign-in process while providing more secure access to online services. Online Social Security accounts are free, secure and can help you with [many tasks]( and save you a trip to the local office. Keep reading to [learn when the change takes effect and if you are required to update your login credentials](. [This Billion Dollar Startup Wants to Help You Retire]( This Princeton grad's startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement. If you're one of the whopping 110 million Americans over the age of 50, or wisely planning ahead, SmartAsset's no-cost tool can help match you with up to 3 vetted financial advisors. [Learn more]( ADVERTISEMENT [] MEMBERSHIPS WITH PERKS [] [Alternatives to Amazon Prime]( [Alternatives to Amazon Prime]( (Getty Images) I am not a devotee of Amazon and its blue delivery vans. But I cheer when their Prime Day Deals are announced because I know their competitors will go all out to match the sales, and I will save more — just not with them. Another way competitors are rising to the Amazon challenge is by creating memberships with perks and offering easy ways to get free shipping on your orders. My colleagues at Kiplinger profile [eight great retail memberships that cost less than Amazon and may be closer to your core interests and needs](. [Start an HSBC Premier Relationship Today]( Earn up to $2,500 when you complete the qualifying activities. Enjoy premium, international banking with priority services and global support, and no HSBC fees on everyday transactions. [Start today.]( Limited time offer, conditions apply. Member FDIC. [Learn More]( ADVERTISEMENT [] OTHER KIPLINGER ARTICLES WE THINK YOU'LL ENJOY [] [July CPI report supports September easing]( Find out what the experts are saying about inflation and possible interest rate cuts. [What is a good credit score?]( Having a good credit score can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars on credit cards, mortgages and other loans. [The most expensive natural disasters in US history]( Wind, water, fire and drought have all wreaked havoc on the United States. What’s been the worst? [Sign Up for Kiplinger's Free Tax Tips E-Newsletter for Money-Saving Tax Planning and Compliance Advice]( ABOUT KIPLINGER When we write about money, we get it right. So the decisions you make with your dollars are also right. Kiplinger is a trusted provider of unbiased financial advice, objective business and economic forecasts, and practical help to millions of business professionals, investors, and individuals seeking to make more profitable decisions with their money. 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