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After just about six long weeks of attorney statements, witness testimony and jury deliberation, the latter of which took approximately seven days, Lindsay Clancy’s very public trial ended in a mistrial on Sept. 4. That has now led to weeks of interviews with jurors (particularly regarding the holdout juror who reportedly left the jury at an impasse of 11-1), statements from Clancy’s attorney Kevin Reddington and plenty of online speculation. Even Clancy’s ex-husband, Patrick Clancy, has given interviews, including a fairly lengthy sit-down with 60 Minutes alongside his wife Rachel Danis just recently.

Now, three weeks after that mistrial was declared, Clancy is heading back to court for a brand-new hearing today, Sept. 29, and this could very well be the hearing that determines the outcome of her case. Specifically, Reddington has been pushing for the case to be dismissed, as well as requesting an investigation into the holdout juror, who multiple other jurors have alleged had reasonable doubt but refused to apply the law. The outcome of either request remains to be seen, although the fact that Reddington previously fought the mistrial and was unsuccessful has some believing Judge William Sullivan is unlikely to toss the case now.

Yet another factor is what the Plymouth County prosecutors are going to do, as, on the day of the mistrial, District Attorney Tim Cruz stated that no decision was going to be made or provided regarding whether they would retry the case. It’s therefore possible that the prosecutors will not attempt another trial, although that’s not something that they are widely expected to do. Cruz’s passionate speech on that day about justice for Clancy’s three children, Cora Clancy, Dawson Clancy and Callan Clancy, suggests that they do not intend to drop the case.

Hopefully, we will get answers to some of these major questions today, as many eyes continue to be on the case.

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When it comes to seasonal decorating, you don’t need to completely overhaul a room to make it feel like fall. Amazon has an adorable seasonal find that can instantly add some autumn charm to your space: The Lovinland Fall Gnomes Decor Set is on sale for nearly 40% off for a limited time, knocking the price down to just $14. 

These small but cheerful fall gnomes are an easy way to bring the warmth and whimsy of the season indoors without taking up too much space. Featuring classic autumn colors, pumpkin accents, plaid details, cozy hats, and charming maple-leaf touches, they’re perfect for decorating everything from a kitchen counter or fireplace mantel to a desk, bookshelf, or bedroom. 

Lovinland Fall Gnome Set, $14 (was $23) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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The gnomes are designed with a farmhouse-inspired look and handcrafted from soft felt, complete with felt bead noses, fiber brown beards, and small hats that can be posed. Their hats feature seasonal maple-leaf decorations, adding a festive touch that’s perfect for the harvest season. Since they’re handcrafted, each gnome may have slight differences in size and weight, giving each one its own unique character.

These cute gnomes offer a simple way to add a little festive spirit wherever you place them. Their compact size makes them easy to display on desks and shelves without crowding your workspace. You can also set them on your dining table for Thanksgiving, arrange them on a mantel alongside pumpkins and candles, or put one on your desk for a cheerful autumn touch while you work.

Related: Stay Prepared for Fickle Fall Weather With Amazon’s $15 Knit Cardigan That’s ‘Perfect’ for Layering

The “adorable” two-piece set is a well-loved buy among Amazon shoppers, with over 200 five-star ratings. One reviewer said they’re “so cute” and a “great addition to my holiday decor.” Others praised their “colorful, whimsical” design, with one writing that they’re “cute little characters to decorate a small space in your home.”

Shop More Fall Decor Deals

• Chiyanbao Store 26-Inch Artificial Fall Boxwood Wreath, $30 (was $40) at Amazon
• DayLightir Solar Halloween Pumpkin Pathway Lights, $17 (were $25) at Amazon
• Certified International Sunflower Bouquet Deep Serving Bowl, $35 (was $45) at Amazon

At just $14, the Lovinland Fall Gnomes Decor Set is an affordable way to bring a little extra coziness to your home this season. Whether you place them beside your pumpkins, add them to your Thanksgiving table, or give them a spot on your desk, these tiny characters are ready to make your space feel a little more festive for fall. Grab them for under $15 at Amazon now. 

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The Mummy fans have proclaimed they’re “so back” after first-look images of Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser’s return filming the fourth movie in the franchise.

It was announced earlier this year that Weisz and Fraser would return to their iconic roles of Rick and Evelyn respectively after first appearing in The Mummy in 1999.

Related: Brendan Fraser Has a Roller Coaster Confession About ‘Mummy 4’ Prep

Photos from the set of The Mummy 4 show Weisz’s Evelyn looking as opulent as ever in a mustard yellow and black polka-dot skirt, a deep brown blouse, with a matching jacket and statement hat.

Fraser, meanwhile, was seen smiling and dusting off his adventure gear, sporting a dark brown leather jacket and a white crash helmet before getting behind the wheel of a vintage silver-and-red rocket car.

Fans were quick to share how fantastic the duo look in character, with one user posting on Reddit: “LOVE that outfit. She looks amazing.”

Another said: “Wait….. is this actually going to be incredible? Cause modern costuming usually sucks, but this has real style to it.”

Many thought that she looked “phenomenal,” while others joked that she was “a little overdressed” for a casual stroll in London.

Speaking about Fraser, another posted: “costume have the style nailed!!!”

A lot of fans shared how “excited” they were to see The Mummy return to the big screen after 16 years, stunned that the long-awaited sequel is “really finally happening.”

The Mummy was followed by The Mummy Returns in 2001, and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor in 2008.

The Mummy 4 is going to be a direct follow-up to The Mummy Returns, retconning the events of the poorly-received third film.

The as-yet untitled film is set to be directed by Ready or Not and Scream VI‘s Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett.

David Coggleshall is penning the screenplay, while Sean Daniel will produce.

Fraser and Weisz are not the only stars returning for The Mummy 4, which is set to be released on October 15, 2027.

Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr, Kevin J O’Connor, and John Hannah will all reprise their roles, while Michael Johnston and Numan Acar join the cast in undisclosed roles.

Venus is about to go retrograde, and two zodiac signs are at the center of this cosmic shift: Libra and Scorpio. From October 3 through November 13, 2026, Venus will appear to move backward and retrace its steps through the cosmos. It will begin in Scorpio before returning to Libra on October 25.

Venus rules love, relationships, attraction, money, and personal values. Naturally, then, its retrograde periods are often associated with reevaluating what we should truly value. Rather than simply being a time of romantic upheaval, Venus retrograde can be viewed as a period for reflection. These two astrological signs may find themselves reconsidering relationships, priorities, finances, or what they really want from their connections with others.

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Libra

Venus is your ruling planet, Libra, so Venus retrograde cycles always feel personal. However, it feels all the more impactful this time around, as it will also be in your sign. During this transit, you’ll find yourself taking a closer look at how you show up in relationships. Do your connections reflect your needs? Sometimes, it takes a serious moment in life to discover who is truly by our side when things get rocky.

An old relationship or friendship could pay a visit, bringing up past feelings. All in all, they act as a mirror to how far you’ve come. It’s okay to sit with past versions of yourself that live within you, allowing them time to catch up with your present. However, if you’ve been passively compromising more than you should, people-pleasing tendencies become unbearable to continue performing.

Rethink your values. Appearance shifts and financial changes may also pop up, inviting a reinvention of self. By the end of this time, the universe will reveal what you need to feel genuinely fulfilled. Instead of trying to keep everyone else happy, or make sure life looks good from the outside, Venus retrograde encourages you to ask yourself what you actually want.

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Scorpio

Venus retrograde begins in your sign, Scorpio, putting your relationships, desires, and sense of self under the spotlight. As you become more aware of what you’re looking for in love and what you can no longer accept from others, practice boundaries. Your intuition will be heightened. What you accepted at face value requires a deeper dive.

At your core, you’re eager to transmute challenges into opportunities for greater intimacy. Those who are only comfortable with superficial connection at this time won’t match your energy.

Past relationships or old feelings could resurface, but their return may be less about rekindling something and more about helping you understand what you’ve learned. Even past career endeavors may pop up. Whether money or love, you’re going to make a dramatic shift in who or what you want to invest time in. Some of these questions will need time in private to be fully realized. The cosmos encourages you to process your feelings before deciding what comes next.

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Whether you’re planning a European cruise, a scenic road trip through the U.S. National Parks, or a long-awaited trip to a theme park with adult children and grandchildren, a vacation is one of life’s great pleasures. For travelers over 55, these trips can especially feel like a well-earned chance to explore somewhere new or an escape where you can simply relax in comfort.

Despite the amazing experience of traveling, there are still plenty of travelers who come home to an unwelcome surprise: a credit card balance that’s much higher than expected. Vacation overspending usually isn’t caused by one huge splurge. More often, it comes from subtle shifts in how we judge value once we’re away from our everyday routines. Knowing what those traps look like can help you protect your savings without taking the fun out of the trip.

To uncover what makes vacation spending so tempting, and how to rein it in, Parade asked three experts to weigh in.

Related: The Real Reason Why Traveling With Your Grandkids Is the Top Vacation Trend of the Year

Understanding Vacation Brain and ‘Mental Accounting‘

Once we arrive somewhere new, we may think about money differently than we do at home. Experts call one piece of this “mental accounting,” our habit of putting money into separate mental buckets based on what it’s for, even though it all ultimately comes from the same place.

Research supports the broader idea that psychology shapes travel spending. A recent study of 1,036 tourists found that spending propensity, thrift, and a “tightwad” tendency were linked with how much people spent on their trips. The study does not prove that vacations automatically weaken self-control, but it does show that psychological factors matter alongside income, trip length, and travel style.

“Mental accounting occurs when we mentally separate vacation money from what we might call ‘normal’ money,” explains Robin Hamilton, a licensed clinical psychotherapist and founder of Dreams Re-Imagined Mental Health Therapy and Consulting Services in Baltimore, Maryland. “A $200 beach outfit can feel less painful when drawn from a vacation budget. However, spending that same $200 on an outfit from the local mall could cause significantly more anxiety about whether one should be spending that much on clothing.”

Additionally, the desire to maximize every single day of a bucket-list getaway can create a spillover effect on spending. “When you’re away, you may feel that it’s worth overspending to make the most of your trip or that you already spent a lot, so what’s a little more,” notes Andrea Woroch, a consumer finance and budgeting expert based in Bakersfield, California.

Related: The One Thing Relationship Experts Are Begging You Not to Do on Vacation

Why Our Daily Financial Guardrails Disappear

At home, many adults rely on habits built over years to keep spending in check. Cooking familiar meals, shopping at the same stores and sticking to a regular weekly rhythm all act as quiet guardrails against impulse purchases. On vacation, those safeguards vanish almost overnight.

“The guardrail effect occurs when our normal routines create a system of friction, cues, defaults, and consequences that quietly regulate our spending,” says Hamilton. “We do not necessarily make conscious decisions to exercise financial restraint every day. Our environment can do that for us some of the time. But when we go on vacation, those environmental cues disappear.”

Without the usual home routines, every choice requires a little more thought. Figuring out where to eat, what to do, and how to get around can wear down your decision-making energy, so small splurges start to feel easier to justify.

Related: How Many Vacation Days You Need to Take to Avoid Burnout, According to a Psychologist

Practical Pre-Trip Guardrails to Protect Your Wallet

The best way to keep a vacation budget from quietly growing is to set a few firm rules before you leave, while you’re still thinking clearly and not choosing between a sunset cruise and a tasting menu. Set the boundaries ahead of time, and you can relax without doing math in your head all day.

“People often budget for bigger expenses such as airfare and hotels but overlook how smaller daily expenses can add up and make a significant impact on their overall vacation spending,” warns Woroch.

Here are a few simple ways our experts suggest keeping everyday costs from getting away from you:

Book useful extras: Choose free breakfast or a hotel with a kitchenette to save on simple meals and spend more on dinners.

Use the rewards you’ve already earned: Cash-back rewards or travel points can help cover extras such as rental cars, flights, or excursions.

Give yourself a daily fun-money amount: Divide your incidental budget by the number of travel days so you have a simple daily target. This formula gives you a little bit of financial breathing room.

Related: ‘I’m a Positive Psychology Researcher—This Is the 1 Thing I’m Begging People To Stop Doing During Hard Times

Practicing Selective Indulgence on What Matters Most

A relaxing getaway doesn’t have to mean cutting every comfort or skipping every splurge. For travelers over 55, a great meal, a comfortable room, a private cultural tour or a spa treatment may be the highlight of the trip. The trick is to spend on what genuinely matters to you and trim the forgettable extras.

“Identify what matters most about your trip and focus spending on that, is it the hotel or the experiences?” advises Woroch. “Cutting out unnecessary souvenirs, learning public transportation systems, and making light meals in your hotel are great ways to offset other costs so you can put more of your spending towards the parts of your vacation that matter more.”

When you shape the trip around your own priorities, you’re less likely to feel that you have to buy every tour or stop in every gift shop. “A restorative vacation is not necessarily the one where you spend the least; it is the one where you spend intentionally and in a way that aligns with what restores you,” emphasizes Hamilton.

Avoiding the Scarcity Trap and Short-Term Focus

Another common vacation spending trigger is scarcity mindset, a sense that this trip or destination is a rare, fleeting chance. That “now or never” feeling can nudge us well past our original comfort zone because we tell ourselves we may never be here again.

“Just the feeling of limitations creates the perfect conditions for scarcity mindset to creep in and convince you, ‘This is my one and only chance to do this,’ and lead you to overspend,” explains Maria Melchor, a personal finance expert in New York and author of Always Have Enough: How to Build Wealth When You Don’t Come from Money, who is also founder of the money blog, FirstGenLiving.

Furthermore, vacation inherently forces our attention onto the immediate present. “When we’re on vacation, we’re almost exclusively focused on the short-term and ‘What am I doing today?'” adds Melchor. “But being hyper-focused on the present makes it really hard for us to remember medium and long-term priorities, like more balanced spending.”

The Takeaway

Travel in your later years or retirement should leave you with great memories and not a financial hangover. Once you recognize the triggers behind vacation overspending, you can plan a trip that supports both relaxation and long-term financial security. A daily spending target, accommodation with useful amenities, and a clear sense of which experiences matter most can help you enjoy the destination without second-guessing every purchase.

“You want to make big financial decisions while your brain is still looking out for your short- medium- and long-term financial well-being, and not when it’s most vulnerable to operating from a place of scarcity,” highlights Melchor. So, put these outlined practices in place before you go, and you can enjoy a memorable getaway with a lot more peace of mind.

Related: The One Thing You Should Never Do on a Group Trip, According to Relationship Experts

Johnny Cash opened every single episode of The Johnny Cash Show the same way. He walked up to the microphone at the Ryman Auditorium and said four words: “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.” Then the show started. He did that 58 times over two years, and he meant it the same way every time. He wasn’t pretending to be someone. He wasn’t putting on a show for the network. He was Johnny Cash, the Ryman was his stage, and he’d use it the way he wanted, whether ABC agreed or not. He’d fought to film in Nashville instead of a Hollywood soundstage. The network wanted something slicker. Cash wanted the Ryman’s wooden church pews and gospel choir loft and the feel of a room where real music had always lived. He got his way. Then the fights started.

First, ABC’s censors came after Kris Kristofferson‘s song “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” The lyric “wishing Lord that I was stoned” needed to go. They wanted “wishing Lord that I was home” instead. Cash said no. He sang the original lyric on national television and didn’t change a single word. They only wanted one word. He said no. “Sunday Morning Coming Down” won the CMA Award for Song of the Year. The word stayed in. Cash was right, and they were wrong, and country music’s biggest prize proved it.

Pete Seeger was next. In March 1970, Cash told ABC he was bringing Seeger to the Ryman. The network didn’t want that. Seeger had been effectively shut out of American network television after CBS cut his anti-war song from The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour a few years earlier. He was seen as too political, too dangerous for a prime-time audience. ABC tried for weeks to talk Cash out of it. Cash brought him on anyway. Seeger showed up and sang folk songs and didn’t perform a single protest song that night. ABC’s fears came to nothing. Cash knew they would. By then, the Ryman had already hosted Bob Dylan‘s first time on network television — Dylan and Cash had sung “Girl from the North Country” together on that stage on the very first episode in June 1969. Kris Kristofferson had his first time on network TV there. Louis Armstrong came on and died eight months later.

On February 17, 1971, Cash filmed an episode called “Johnny Cash on Campus” in front of a student audience at the Ryman. He’d been spending time with students at Vanderbilt University, and the conversations had gotten under his skin. He’d gone to the studio the day before and recorded a brand new song. He’d kept rewriting it through the night and into the morning of the taping. When he stood up to perform it, he had cue cards in front of him because the lyrics were still fresh off the page. The song was “Man in Black.” The students gave him a standing ovation. ABC thought it was too controversial. It was the third time Cash had pushed back against the network in two years after the “stoned” fight and Pete Seeger. He wasn’t slowing down.

Related: 1969 Johnny Cash and Linda Ronstadt’s Duet, Almost Canceled by June Carter Over a Wardrobe Crisis, Was Wildly Unexpected

In 1971, all three major networks looked at their schedules and decided they were done with country and rural programming. They wanted younger city audiences. Green Acres, The Beverly Hillbillies, and Hee Haw all got canceled the same year. So did The Johnny Cash Show. ABC ended it as part of this across-the-board decision, and nobody picked up the phone to tell Cash. The last episode went out on March 31, 1971. The show just stopped. Cash heard about it from other people.

The Johnny Cash Show That Didn’t End There

CBS brought Cash back in 1976 for a four-week show called Johnny Cash and Friends. He hosted Christmas specials on CBS every year from 1976 through 1985. None of them felt like what happened at the Ryman from 1969 to 1971 — the arguments, the guest list, the songs they tried to stop him from singing, and the sense that he was building something the network had no real claim over.

All 58 episodes are still on YouTube. Cash refused to change one word. He refused to back down on Pete Seeger. He refused to be the version of himself that ABC wanted. They canceled the show without picking up the phone. He kept making music for another 32 years.

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Even the toughest Hollywood icons get starstruck.

During a candid conversation on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, Sylvester Stallone opened up about one of the rare times his tough-guy exterior completely cracked. Back in 1976, fresh off the runaway success of Rocky, Stallone received word that Elvis Presley had invited him to Memphis, Tennessee.

It was the ultimate nod from music royalty, but as Stallone admitted to Shetty, the sheer magnitude of standing face-to-face with the King was too much to handle. This decision led to a fateful outcome he still regrets decades later.

“There’s a few things I truly regret,” Stallone began. “Like not meeting certain people like Charlie Chaplin or Elvis.”

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“I was invited. And I was too shy,” the actor, known for his on-screen tough-guy persona, said.

He continued, “I was too shy to meet Elvis. Can you imagine?”

“In 1976, when Rocky came out, he invited me to Tennessee to go to his home, and then go to a local theater and watch Rocky with him alone,” Stallone said, still in disbelief. “And so I go when an opportunity like this, even though you may have a head cold, go.”

He concluded, “I don’t care if you’re not feeling well. Go!”

When Shetty asked what about that particular meeting made him shy, Stallone mused before answering. “What was I going to say to Elvis? Would I be tongue-tied?”

Presley would have likely screened the film for himself and Stallone at the Memphian Theater, which he regularly rented out for private midnight movie screenings with his inner circle. Reportedly, after the missed meeting, Stallone sent Presley his own copy of Rocky to watch. The singer died one year later, on August 16, 1977.

Presley’s connection to Rocky actually hit much closer to home. Decades before Stallone’s hit swept theaters, the King dated singer-songwriter Carol Connors—who went on to co-write the film’s iconic theme song, “Gonna Fly Now,” alongside Bill Conti and Ayn Robbins. Reflecting on her romance with Elvis, Connors shared with ReMIND Magazine, “Elvis was my first boyfriend, and every lady who reads this will know what I mean by my very first boyfriend.”

Rocky transformed into a movie blockbuster, with 10 Academy Award nominations. It won Best Picture and scored Oscars for Directing (John G. Avildsen) and Film Editing (Richard Halsey and Scott Conrad). According to Screen Rant, Stallone was in the middle of filming his 1978 labor drama F.I.S.T. when news broke of Elvis’s death in August 1977.

Sylvester Stallone is promoting his new book, The Steps: A Memoir. The book is currently available in hardcover, audiobook and eBook.

Related: 1976 Oscar-Nominated Hit Has Just 30 Words—But Became an Iconic Movie Song

Although Pokémon cards had a boom in the late ’90s and early ’00s, following their 1996 debut in Japan and 1999 release in the United States, these collectors’ items that double as actual playable cards have never really gone out of style, and now, these fan-favorite trading cards are returning to McDonald’s Happy Meals.

It didn’t take long for excitement to spread online in response to the news about these upcoming Happy Meals, which means they may be at risk of going quickly. Here’s how and when you can get them.

As reported by Vice, the Pokémon McDonald’s Happy Meals are set to hit select stores from Nov. 5 to Dec. 9 in the United States. However, as is often the case with Happy Meal toys, not every location will have them (nor will the locations that are offering them always have them in stock), so it’s best to double check whether they’ll be available at a particular location before making the trek out to the Golden Arches.

As far as the cards themselves, Fanatics Collect previously reported that the actual Pokémon on these cards have not yet been revealed but that each Happy Meal is expected to contain a four-card booster pack, with 15 total cards being released overall. Vice added to this information by stating that the four-card pack is expected to include one holo card and three non-holo cards. Additionally, Vice said, six of the expected 15 total cards “will feature the special confetti holofoil finish used for McDonald’s Pokémon TCG promotions.”

Presumably, the exact Pokémon to be included on these cards will eventually be revealed, as that is a major factor for those who collect the cards and for those who play with them. However, there is still more than a month to go before this new promotion hits stores, so it may be a bit of a wait.

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An area rug can make a room feel more pulled together, adding pattern, texture, and a softer place to land your feet. But you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to get the look — especially if you’re decorating a bedroom, living room, or other space on a budget. Luckily, we found an affordable $33 option at Walmart that can give your room an instant update without stretching your decorating budget. 

The Berthmeer Shag Area Rug is currently on sale for $33, down from $60 for the 5-by-7-foot size. The rug features a modern checkered design and a shaggy texture, which is great for adding style and texture to any room in your home. It’s also described as pet-friendly, making it worth a look for households with furry family members. 

Berthmeer 5-by-7-Foot Shag Area Rug, $33 (was $60) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Made from polyvinyl chloride, this 5-by-7-foot rug has a thick 1.65-inch pile that gives it a fluffy, shaggy texture and a plush feel underfoot. It also has a non-slip backing designed to help keep the rug in place as you walk across it, which can be especially useful in busy areas of the home. 

Need a different size? The Berthmeer rug comes in six additional sizes, ranging from 3 by 5 feet to 9 by 12 feet, with prices starting at $24 and going up to $100 depending on the size. That gives shoppers options for everything from a smaller bedroom or dorm to a larger living room. It’s available in beige and gray, two neutral shades that can work with both light and dark furniture. 

Just note that it arrives vacuum-packed, so it may look flatter than expected when you first open the package. Give it a good shake, lay it flat, and let it sit for a few days to help the fibers regain their texture and smooth out any creases.

Keeping it clean is fairly straightforward. Use a low-power vacuum or damp cloth for everyday dust and small spills. For more stubborn spots, Walmart recommends using cold water and a gentle detergent, then allowing the rug to air dry.

The rug has earned positive reviews for its color and feel. One Walmart shopper said, “I have dogs, so the low price has me worry-free about needing to replace it when it’s worn out!” They also mentioned that it’s “soft” and “pretty.”

Shop More Deals

• Sindcom 6-Pack of Organizers Bins with Lids, $20 (was $40) at Walmart
• Costway 3-Tier Over-The-Toilet Bathroom Shelf, $55 (was $89) at Walmart
• The Pioneer Woman Painted Meadow Serving Board, $18 at Walmart

Related: Martha Stewart’s Water-Resistant Rug Instantly Upgrades Living Rooms and Patios for $33

At just $33, the Berthmeer Shag Area Rug makes it easy to give your floors a whole new look without paying a premium price. Shop it at Walmart while it’s still in stock and on sale for a limited time.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

If you’re planning for retirement in your 50s and beyond, you might feel consistently overwhelmed by market fluctuation, inflation and expenses (both minor and major). These factors can leave you wishing you had a finance expert you could call on to teach you absolutely everything you need to do (and financial mistakes to avoid) that you might not be considering.

Fortunately, Daniel Goldie, Senior Wealth Advisor with 35 years of experience and author of The Retirement Answer: The Six Key Decisions Every Retiree Needs to Make (on sale September 29), wants to help.

Goldie knows this topic is complex and that financial planning can add a lot of stress to someone’s plate. However, while some money concerns can be helpful and healthy, other anxieties are unwarranted.

“The biggest fear most people have is running out of money when they are older and reacting unproductively to things they can’t control like market uncertainty, interest rate changes and recessions,” Goldie tells Parade. “If you have a solid plan in place (including a well-diversified investment portfolio), worrying about money, the economy and markets is unnecessary and counterproductive.”

That being said, there are some key actions to take to stay on track, as well as certain money habits to avoid. Here, Goldie reveals what he considers to be the biggest financial mistake after 50, and why it can cost you thousands.

Related: Finance Experts Are Begging You To Stop Doing These 9 Things 5 Years Before Retirement

Courtesy Harriman House

The ‘Safety Trap’: The Common Habit Costing You Thousands

Goldie says “only about 10% of Americans take advantage” of “the huge potential monetary benefit for waiting until age 70 to start taking social security.”

By not waiting until 70, you could be leaving thousands on the table.

Related: 13 Smart Ways Women Over 50 Are Building Wealth, According to Financial Planners

“There is a guaranteed 8% annual increase in Social Security payments for every year one waits beyond Full Retirement Age up to age 70—and the 8% annual increase in benefits lasts for life,” Goldie tells Parade. “This can potentially be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over one’s life expectancy.”

That can make a huge difference in the long-run.

“If at all possible, don’t start Social Security until age 70, unless you simply cannot afford to wait or have a medical diagnosis that would lead to a life expectancy below age 80,” he reiterates. “Work part-time if necessary in the years up to age 70.”

Related: 7 Passive Income Ideas That Actually Work for Busy Women Over 50

How Much Cash Should a 55-Year-Old Actually Have in the Bank?

“Everyone’s situation is different, [and] I don’t think there is one ‘magic number’ that a 55-year-old should have saved,” Goldie explains, adding, “Hopefully, at age 55, one should be well along a realistic path to fund retirement successfully such as saving for many years in one’s 401K, regularly capturing the company match over many years and taking advantage of IRS catch-up provisions over age 50.”

But that’s not all.

“Saving additionally outside of one’s 401K is also very helpful, with funds both inside and outside of the 401K widely diversified across multiple asset classes using low-cost, tax-efficient mutual funds,” he continues.

He explains that it’s important to be intentional with your planning at every stage.

Goldie explains, “Ideally, one should have a good handle on spending needs, high-cost debt (like credit cards) should be paid off, and a retirement plan should be created based on guidance from The Retirement Answer, retirement planning software or advice from a fiduciary financial advisor.”

Related: Millennials Are Missing This One Skill—And It’s Costing Them Thousands, Financial Expert Says

The Fix: 4 Smart Moves To Make With Your Money After 50

Ultimately, Goldie stresses how important it is to “remain calm and stick to the plan when markets are volatile and uncertainty is high. Creating a sound plan and staying the course is essential to gaining investment and retirement success.”

He explains that part of your “sound plan” should include these four smart money moves:

1. “Create a written retirement plan (like one outlined in The Retirement Answer).
2. Make sure you know how much you are spending and where the money is going.
3. Be sure you are taking advantage of Social Security’s 8% annual boost in lifetime income for the years after your Full Retirement Age.
4. Take advantage of IRS catch-up provisions in your 401K or IRA, especially the ones that go from age 60-63.”

Up Next:

Related: 5 Money Moves That Will Bump You From Lower Middle Class to Upper Middle Class, According to Finance Experts

Source:

• Daniel Goldie, author of The Retirement Answer: The Six Key Decisions Every Retiree Needs to Make, and Senior Wealth Advisor with Focus Partners Wealth, one of the largest fiduciary advisory firms in the United States.

In 1978, the Rolling Stones album Some Girls had a little bit of everything: Disco, country, punk, R&B, and a classic Keith Richards-fronted track, “Before They Make Me Run.”

Written by Richards after his  1977 arrest for heroin possession in Canada, the song features a ragged blues-rock feel and lyrics about freedom and resilience.

Ultimate Classic Rock ranked “Before They Make Me Run” as “one of Richards’ all-time greatest solo cuts, a stinging throwback rocker with a wonderfully tossed-off vocal.” Forty-eight years later, it’s also one of Richards’ most memorable musical moments, born from what he once described as a “marathon” recording session in a Paris studio.

In his 2010 memoir Life, Richards wrote, “For sheer longevity – for long distance – there is no track that I know of like ‘Before They Make Me Run.’ That song, which I sang on that record, was a cry from the heart. But it burned up the personnel like no other. I was in the studio, without leaving, for five days… Five days without a wink of sleep.”

“I had an engineer called Dave Jordan and I had another engineer, and one of them would flop under the desk and have a few hours’ kip and I’d put the other one in and keep going,” Richards wrote. “People brought in food, pain au chocolat. Days turned into nights. But you just can’t leave. …That’s probably the longest I’ve done. There have been others that were close – ‘Can’t Be Seen’ was one – but ‘Before They Make Me Run’ was the marathon.”

Richards once explained his marathon studio session, telling an interviewer, “Adrenaline is the most amazing thing we have,” according to Rolling Stone.

The outlet added that Richards’ “ability to go without sleep is almost beyond belief. He recorded ‘Before They Make Me Run,’ from 1978’s Some Girls, in a five-day studio binge.”

Richards has also said that “Before They Make Me Run” is one of his favorite Stones songs to perform.

“It’s pretty autobiographical,” he told the Associated Press of the song in an interview. “I was feeling a little hounded, so I think it came out of feeling that. I was on the run, basically. Very few countries would accept me at the time.”

Decades after its release, “Before They Make Me Run” is not only a standout Some Girls track but one of Richards’ most personal songs, giving fans a glimpse of his turbulent 1970s life while capturing his rebellious rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

Related: 1971 Rolling Stones Classic, With an Accidental Ending Jam, Ranked Among the ‘Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time’ 55 Years Later

After more than 30 cruises, I have learned that the best cruise deal is not always the one with the lowest advertised fare. Sometimes, the real value comes from returning to the same cruise line often enough that your loyalty begins working for you.

Zippy Sandler

I am an Elite member of Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club, and that status has changed the way I travel. The benefits do more than make me feel appreciated. They save me money, make packing easier, remove some of the little annoyances that can add up during a vacation, and help each cruise feel more comfortable from the moment I step aboard.

Does that mean that I never sail with another cruise line? No. I like the variety of different ships, itineraries, and cruise styles. They are part of what makes this kind of travel so much fun. But if I can choose the same itinerary on a line I haven’t traveled with versus the one(s) where I have earned my loyalty status, the cruise where I have my loyalty status almost always wins out for me.

Here is why being loyal to one cruise line might just make you a smarter cruiser.

Related: I Cruise Every Month—Here Are My Secrets to Scoring Luxury Cabins for Cheap

Loyalty Benefits Can Save Real Money

Cruise loyalty programs are free to join, and members generally move through different levels as they accumulate qualifying nights, points, or sailings. The benefits vary by cruise line and membership level, and they probably will include a combination of discounts, complimentary laundry, internet access, priority services, beverage-related perks, special events, and other extras.

Individually, some of these perks may not sound very valuable. Add them together over a weeklong or two-week cruise, though, and the savings can really add up.

Wi-Fi is a perfect example. Because I work while traveling, internet access is not simply a nice extra for me. I may need to answer emails, upload photographs, stay in touch with editors, or share part of the journey with my readers. Any complimentary internet time or discount can lower one of my most important onboard expenses.

Laundry benefits can be just as valuable. On a longer trip, being able to have clothing washed, folded, pressed, or dry-cleaned means I can pack less and rewear more. That can be the difference between traveling with a carry-on and paying for a checked bag. It also means I do not have to spend precious vacation time washing clothes in a sink and hanging them around the cabin (which I used to do before having my status).

I think that the smartest way to look at loyalty perks is to give them a real dollar value based on the things you would have purchased anyway. A discount on something you never use is not much of a benefit. Complimentary laundry, Wi-Fi, drinks, or other services you regularly buy can be a genuine savings.

I recently sat down with Andrea Shey, Vice President of Loyalty and Communications for Celebrity Cruises, for a little inside information about how the cruise line views its loyalty program and what its most devoted guests tell them they value the most.

When I asked which benefits she believed were most important to members, her answer was refreshingly practical. She said guests value the things that make cruising easier, especially for those who sail frequently or take several cruises in a row.

Shey told me that one request comes up over and over again: “Don’t take away the laundry service.”

It makes perfect sense. Many of Celebrity’s most loyal guests take back-to-back, and sometimes back-to-back-to-back, cruises. Being able to pack once and have their laundry taken care of along the way makes a long journey much more manageable. It’s not necessarily the flashiest perk in the program, but it may be one of the most useful. As Shey explained, it is often the practical “stuff” that guests want most.

Yet the value of loyalty goes far beyond clean clothes or money saved. Shey said there’s also a genuine sense of home that comes from returning to one of their ships.

It’s the crew member who remembers your name and tells you that you were missed when you had not sailed for a while. It is the bartender who already knows your favorite drink and the server who remembers exactly how you like things. Those moments create a feeling of belonging that cannot be measured in dollars or listed neatly on a loyalty benefits chart.

Special loyalty events like the Elite Cocktail Hour (which I always attend) help to nurture that feeling as well. Frequent guests have opportunities to reconnect with people they met on previous sailings, catch up with old friends, and continue relationships that began somewhere at sea. According to Shey, those personal connections and reunions may be the most valuable benefits of all.

Related: Is a Balcony Cabin Worth the Upgrade? This Cruise Expert Says It Depends on One Thing

You Learn How the Cruise Line Works

There’s a different kind of value that does not appear on a benefits chart. The more often you sail with one cruise line, the less time you spend figuring everything out.

I remember my first couple of cruises. It took me at least four days to learn the “lay of the land,” and while I was able to get from one area to another, it definitely took a little while to recall if the theater was forward or aft (and on what floor), where my favorite coffee shop is (mine is Cafe al Bacio and is usually on deck 4 or 5 mid-ship with Celebrity).

You learn how check-in works, which app to download, when dining reservations open, how the daily schedule is organized, and where to go when you need help. You become familiar with the style of service, the dress expectations, the entertainment, the restaurant options, and, as I said above, the general layout of the ships.

That familiarity removes friction from the trip. Instead of spending the first day studying the ship and trying to understand its routines, you can settle in and start enjoying yourself right away. There’s no wasting “is it this way or that way?” Do you want to go to the main dining room or the buffet tonight?

Each of the cruise lines has a different layout. I happen to cruise Celebrity often, and while their ships are not identical, there’s enough consistency that I feel at home when I board. I know what kind of experience to expect. I understand the rhythm of the day, the type of food and service I am likely to receive, and the onboard spaces I tend to enjoy.

For a first-time cruiser, every little choice can feel like a decision. For a returning guest, many of those choices become second nature. That makes the vacation feel easier.

Related: 1 Cruise Cabin Booking Mistake That’s Ruining Vacations for Travelers Over 60

Familiarity Makes the Service Feel More Personal

Zippy Sandler

For me, one of the best parts of returning to the same cruise line is the possibility of sailing with crew members you’ve met before. Walking into the restaurant and someone remembers your name, your favorite drink, or where you like to sit. Even when the crew is entirely different, a cruise line with a consistent service culture can still feel familiar.

That sense of recognition matters. A ship may carry thousands of guests, but good service can make the experience feel personal. Returning to a brand you know and trust creates a little of the comfort of coming home, only this version of home may be sailing through the Caribbean or Mediterranean.

Loyalty can also give you access to member gatherings and onboard events. These create opportunities to meet other frequent cruisers, compare stories, share advice, and sometimes make friends you will see again on another sailing. I recently met two friends who were traveling together that met on a cruise that each had been traveling on solo, became travel buddies, and now travel the world together.

Related: I Take Over 10 Cruises a Year—Here Are My Secrets to Getting Free Drinks on Board

Loyalty Helps You Choose the Right Cabin, Ship, and Itinerary

Experience with a line is extremely valuable. After several cruises with the same company, you begin to understand which ships and cabin categories fit you best.

You may discover that you prefer a smaller, older ship with a quieter atmosphere over the newest ship with the most attractions. You may find that a veranda is worth the extra money on an Alaska itinerary but less important on a port-intensive European cruise. You may realize that you care more about specialty dining than nightlife, or that the location of your cabin matters more than its size.

Knowing the brand makes it easier to read between the lines when you compare sailings. You no longer book simply by looking at the photographs and marketing descriptions on the website. Your experience cruising with a particular line is what you start to rely on.

That can help prevent an expensive mistake. A low fare is not a bargain if the ship, cabin, schedule, or atmosphere isn’t the way you like to travel.

Related: 5 Things I’m Doing Differently on My Second Mediterranean Cruise

Your Status May Open Doors Beyond One Brand

Celebrity Cruises

Some cruise companies operate several brands, and certain loyalty programs offer status matching, recognition, or related benefits across sister lines. The rules differ from brand to brand and can change, so it is important to check the current terms before booking.

Still, this can make loyalty more flexible than it first appears. Building status with one cruise line does not always mean you are locked into that one style of vacation forever. Depending on the company, your established status may help you explore another brand within the same cruise family while receiving a level of recognition that you don’t have to build from scratch.

That’s especially appealing when your travel preferences change. You might want a larger ship for a multigenerational family vacation, a more intimate ship for a special anniversary, or a more luxurious experience for a bucket-list destination.

Loyalty Can Make Packing Much Easier

Zippy Sandler

This one is personal, and this benefit deserves special attention because it solved a very real problem for me.

I once found myself trying to pack for a two-week trip with only a carry-on. I had carefully planned clothing that could be mixed, matched, and reworn. Then a cocktail party and a gala were added to the schedule.

My first reaction was panic. My second was to remember my loyalty benefits.

Having access to laundry, pressing, or dry-cleaning benefits meant that I could bring fewer pieces and wear them again (and again). One cocktail dress can work for several dressier evenings. A simple skirt can be dressed up with a special top and dressed down with a striped Breton shirt. A pair of flat metallic sandals can go from the pool deck to dinner.

The perk is not really about clean clothing. It is about freedom. I can move more easily through airports, avoid wrestling with a large suitcase, and spend less time worrying about what I packed.

Loyalty Can Increase the Value of a Cruise

When comparing cruises, I always look beyond the just the fare and try to estimate the total cost of the trip.

Ask yourself:

• Will I need to buy an internet package?
• How much will laundry or pressing cost?
• Does my loyalty level include beverage discounts or complimentary drinks?
• Will priority services save time at embarkation or during the cruise?
• Are there member-only discounts I can actually use?
• Will I receive benefits that allow me to pack lighter?
• Does familiarity with the cruise line make the vacation easier for me? Do not underestimate this one.

Once you answer those questions, a cruise that initially costs a little more may actyakkt deliver better value than the cheaper option (because once you start adding on things like specialty dining or a drink package it can double the cost of the cruise).

On the Flip Side: Don’t Let Loyalty Keep You From a Better Trip

Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld / Getty Images

There is one important caution. Loyalty should improve your vacation, not control it.

I wouldn’t choose the wrong itinerary, pay a much higher fare, or sail on a ship that just doesn’t suit me, simply to earn more points. If another cruise line offers the destination, dates, ship, or family experience I need, I will book it.

The best approach is to be intentional about your loyalty. Concentrate enough of your cruising with one brand to build those benefits you use, but stay flexible enough to choose another line when it offers the better experience.

Before booking, compare the value of your current status with what you would receive elsewhere. Also review the cruise line’s latest loyalty terms, because benefits, eligibility requirements, and reciprocal arrangements can change (and they do seem to change a bit each year).

Related: Everyone Told Me To Stay Away From This Affordable Cruise—I Didn’t Listen and LOVED It

Things to Remember

Cruise loyalty isn’t only about collecting points or receiving a different-colored membership card. If done strategically, it can change the way you travel dramatically.

My cruise loyalty benefits have helped me save money, pack lighter, work more easily at sea, and step aboard with a sense of familiarity. When bundled together, they turn small conveniences into a smoother overall vacation.

If you cruise regularly, choose your loyalty program with the same care you use to choose your cabin. Think about the benefits you will genuinely use, the onboard atmosphere you enjoy, the destinations the line offers, and whether the experience makes you happy, because this is your vacation!

The goal is not simply to reach the next tier. The goal is to make every cruise a little easier, more comfortable, and more valuable than the one you were on before it.

Note: Cruise loyalty benefits and status-matching rules may change. Always remember to check the cruise line’s current program terms before booking or making a purchase based on a specific perk.

Related: Celebrity Cruises Just Unveiled Its Biggest-Ever ‘Coolcation’ Lineup

Most beach crowds may be gone now that summer has passed, but there are still plenty of gorgeous beach getaways calling before fall-themed vacations are in full force.

With gas prices through the roof, there’s no better excuse to check out a cool new way to explore the beach—all without having to fuel up at the pump. The national average for a gallon of regular gas is currently about $4.48, more than $1.30 higher than it was a year ago.

That’s where Mokes come in, all-electric, open-air beach cruisers that look like they were practically made for a seaside vacation.

All-electric Moke vehicle parked in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Sam Sears

Popping up across numerous beach escapes, forget the classic woodies with surfboards—Mokes are the modern-day version, looking like a hybrid of a Volkswagen Thing and dune buggy.

They may not satisfy the need for speed, but if you don’t need to hit the highway and simply want to beach-hop (or bar-hop, responsibly, of course), Mokes give riders a breezy way to get around on vacation while taking in the salty air, blasting your favorite songs and fitting up to three of your vacation buddies.

Many of the Mokes currently offered by rental companies top out at 25 mph, with low-speed vehicle laws in states like Florida allowing them on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.

Rules vary by destination, however, while newer Moke America models can reach speeds of up to 45 mph.

Beach hotspots like Sarasota, Florida—home to Siesta Key, frequently ranked among America’s best beaches, where Ride a Moke rents the electric cruisers—Corpus Christi, Texas, an under-hyped Gulf getaway, and ritzy Newport Beach, California, all offer Moke rentals to make a margarita run, score prime beach parking or simply cruise the open road with no destination in sight.

It’s not the destination, it’s the journey, right?

And this retro ride isn’t exactly new, but its American comeback is hard to miss. Moke America reported just 450 vehicles sold by September 2018, a figure that had climbed to more than 1,100 by 2020 and more than 4,000 by 2022. By 2024, company founder Todd Rome said more than 5,000 Moke America vehicles were on the road.

Sarasota, Corpus Christi and Newport Beach were just a sample size.

Today, rental operator WeMoke alone lists 10 destinations around the country, from Miami Beach to Honolulu and the Hamptons.

Pizza Hut’s Book It! reading program has been motivating kids to pick up a book and read since 1984. After all, who can resist the tasty reward of a free personal pan pizza? Now, Pizza Hut is using its iconic red roof for another literacy initiative, partnering with Little Free Library to put limited-edition book exchanges into neighborhoods around the U.S.

There’s a good chance you’ve seen a Little Free Library in your community: The nonprofit organization supports a global network of volunteer-led book-sharing boxes where neighbors can leave books and discover new-to-them titles. Pizza Hut’s “Little Hut Libraries” operate the exact same way as the originals, but will have red roofs that make them look like miniature Pizza Hut restaurants. And inside each free library, there will be gift cards for free personal pan pizzas.

Pizza Hut’s collaboration with Little Free Library will include red-roofed libraries complete with gift cards for free personal pan pizzas.

Pizza Hut

The collaboration comes with October’s National Book Month and National Pizza Month, and while some Little Hut Library locations are already in place, Pizza Hut fans can also apply to have one installed in their own community on the Little Free Library website. Pizza Hut gift cards will be available while supplies last, but the brand hopes the entire library set-up brings fans a bit of nostalgia for their own days participating in the Book It! program.

“Pizza Hut has always been about more than pizza; it’s about the memories and moments that happen around it,” Melissa Friebe, chief marketing officer at Pizza Hut U.S., said in a press release. “Our red roofs and Book It! are two iconic pieces of Pizza Hut history, and we’ve long admired Little Free Library’s mission to bring books to communities across the country. Little Hut Libraries bring our shared passion for reading to life in a uniquely Pizza Hut way, putting more books into communities, all under our beloved red roof.”

Jimmy John’s may serve up delicious sandwiches and subs, but fans of the fast food chain also really love its pickles. While tasty, dill-flavored Jimmy Pickles have quite a following, Jimmy John’s recently pickled up something a bit different, and only 26 locations will carry the new menu item.

Get ready for Swicy Jimmy Pickle Bites: sweet-and-spicy, thick-sliced pickles in a 48-ounce collectible bucket. Starting Oct. 1, they’ll be available in-store at participating Jimmy John’s locations. According to a press release from the brand, this limited-edition Jimmy John’s drop was inspired by both the “swicy” (a mixture of sweet and spicy) flavor trend and the popularity of oversized novelty food items.

“This fall is the season of spicy books and steamy movies, and Jimmy John’s came up with the perfect sweet and spicy snack to enjoy it with,” Suzanne DeRouchie, vice president of integrated marketing communications at Jimmy John’s, said in the release. “We want our pickle-loving guests to exchange the popcorn bucket for a giant pickle bucket and lean into their pickle obsession in a whole new way. We’re constantly looking for ways to innovate around the foods our fans love most, and we can’t wait for guests to get their hands on this limited-edition drop.”

Swicy Jimmy Pickle Bites will be available at participating Jimmy John’s locations starting October. 1.

Jimmy John's

According to Jimmy John’s, the following 26 locations will carry the limited-edition swicy pickle buckets:

California

• 5200 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 
• 3201 S Hoover St Ste 1835, Los Angeles, CA 90089
• 6624 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618  

Colorado

•  2030 17th St, Denver, CO 80202 

Florida

• 10310 Causeway Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619 

Georgia

• 3324 A Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• 6064 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 
• 365 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 
• 600 W Baxter St, Athens, GA 30601 

Illinois

• 225 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602 
• 501 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654 
• 601 E Green St, Champaign, IL 61820 

Indiana

• 845 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220 
• 506 N Martin St, Muncie, IN 47303 

Mississippi

• 2206 Jackson Ave W, Ste A, Oxford, MS 38655 

New York

• 316 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001 
• 102 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038 
• 504 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205 

Ohio

• 2497 E Main St, Bexley, OH 43209 

Texas

• 1414 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202 
• 9003 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
• 601 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78701 
• 200 University Dr E, College Station, TX 77840 
• 4730 Slide Rd, Lubbock, TX 79414 

Utah

• 605 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102 
• 2308 N University Pkwy, Provo, UT 84604

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It’s officially fall, which means that it’s about time to pull out all those warm, cozy layers. With temperatures finally starting to cool down, you can finally wear your favorite cardigans, sweaters, and sweatshirts once again. If you’re looking to replace some worn-out pieces or just want to refresh your wardrobe, an oversized hoodie is a fall staple that’s nearly impossible to go wrong with. Amazon has some fabulous options to choose from, and this Viutil Fleece-Lined Oversized Hoodie is one of our favorite finds. 

This hoodie delivers luxurious comfort at a budget-friendly price. Right now, you can score it on sale for a limited time ahead of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event, which runs from Oct. 6 through 7. Normally retailing between $26 and $33, this oversized hoodie is now marked down to as low as $20. Prices vary depending on size and style, but most are under $27. This is a deal you don’t want to miss, considering that shoppers noted the sweatshirt “feels expensive” and said the quality is much better than what the price reflects. Customers also mentioned that it rivals expensive name-brand hoodies. 

Viutil Fleece-Lined Oversized Hoodie, From $20 (was $30) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

This hoodie is available in a whopping 17 colors, including neutrals like white, gray, and black, and deep tones like green, navy, and coffee brown. You can also choose from muted hues like light green and dusty purple, vibrant colors like watermelon red and violet, and bright pastels like pink and sky blue. Sizes range from extra small to extra large, and shoppers noted that it fits true to size. 

No matter your style preferences, this oversized hoodie is a must-have for your autumnal wardrobe. Whether you wear it out or throw it on to lounge around at home, it delivers unparalleled comfort. You can style it with streetwear, athleticwear, and loungewear, or wear it at home with your coziest pajamas.

Made of 65% cotton and 35% polyester, this hoodie has a fleece lining that’ll grace your skin with its fuzzy, velvet-like texture. Reviewers described the feel as “buttery soft.” Shoppers also raved about the thick material and noted that this hoodie worked extremely well to keep them warm, making it ideal for the cooler months. In the fall, you can wear it with nothing under it or throw it on over a tank top or tee. When the temperatures start to drop, you can layer it over thermals and long sleeves for additional warmth. 

Viutil Fleece-Lined Oversized Hoodie, From $20 (was $30) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Featuring drop shoulders and a baggy silhouette, this hoodie has a slouchy and relaxed vibe. It’s intended to fit oversized so you can have plenty of room to freely move around. You’ll be able to layer pieces under it without feeling bulky or restricted. 

For convenience, this hoodie is fitted with a large kangaroo pocket where you can stash your on-the-go essentials like your phone, keys, and lip gloss. When the temperatures drop, or the wind starts to pick up, you can also tuck your hands into the pockets to keep them snug and toasty. The room hood delivers additional warmth to your head and ears, while offering a sense of comfort.

Amazon shoppers loved everything about this hoodie, from its top-notch materials to its style. “The quality is amazing, and it’s incredibly soft,” one reviewer commented. “It’s so comfortable and feels like a wearable blanket.” A second customer described it as “so comfy and cute” and said that it’s “perfect for fall weather.”  

Whenever this hoodie needs a refresh, just toss it into the washing machine with cold water and lay it flat to dry afterwards. Shoppers noted that it washes extremely well without shrinking. They also mentioned that the inside has remained fluffy even after multiple cycles.

Shop More Fall Layers 

• Anrabess Cropped Crewneck Sweater, From $20 (was $32) at Amazon
• Zeagoo Oversized Crewneck Sweater, From $20 (was $40) at Amazon
• Lillusory Longline Cardigan, From $15 (was $37) at Amazon

Related: The ‘Best Cuddle Companion’ for Fall Movie Nights Is This ‘Cozy Cloud Cocoon’ Sherpa Blanket Hoodie

Fall calls for cozy attire, and nothing screams cozy more than the Viutil Fleece-Lined Oversized Hoodie. Head to Amazon and snag it while it’s still on sale for as low as $20, and be sure to hurry because it’ll only be available at this fabulous price for a limited time! 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Most of us know of Clint Eastwood as an award-winning actor and filmmaker, but few know that in the 1980s, he spent $5 million to save a beloved ranch in a small California village—the same year he became that village’s mayor.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Eastwood’s ties to the ranch go back decades. He turned 21 at the Mission Ranch, which is located in a tiny California village called Carmel-by-the-Sea, and, in his own retelling, had his first legal beer there. At the time, he had been stationed in the Army at Fort Ord, about 17 miles northeast of the ranch.

US film director and actor Clint Eastwood, candidate for mayor of Carmel addresses the residents of Carmel, California next to a supporter Bruna Odello on April 7, 1986 during a break of sessions at the Mission Ranch Inn. the day before the vote.

BOB LARSON / Getty Images

At the time, Mission Ranch consisted of a group of buildings on the outskirts of the town and functioned as a casual restaurant and hotel. It had already seen many iterations since its construction in the 1800s, having previously been a dairy farm and an officers’ club for the Army and Navy during World War II.

Recounting his experiences first stumbling upon Mission Ranch, he told Architectural Digest that “visually it was something else, and I thought it was the place I’d like to call home. So I kind of adopted Carmel.”

Many years later, after having found fame playing characters like Dirty Harry and the Man with No Name, he was once again living in Carmel-by-the-Sea, having won his mayoral race there. As he explains in a Land Report article, it was around the time he became mayor that he heard the owners were putting Mission Ranch up for sale. Unlike his early 20s, he now had the resources to make a real difference.

Speaking to Architectural Digest about his decision to save it, he shared, “I had always loved the place and they were just going to flatten it. They said it was obsolete. I thought it should be preserved as what it was.”

An exterior view of one of the buildings of the Mission Ranch, owned by Clint Eastwood.

Jason Kirk / Getty Images

To prevent the site from being demolished and turned into condominiums, as intended, Eastwood bought the twenty-two-acre property for $5 million, inheriting run-down buildings in need of repair. And he did more than simple repairs: he hired expert artisans to design door frames, hardware, and moldings that matched the original buildings’ style.

In addition, each building on the property represents a different architectural period, from the century-old Martin Farmhouse and Bunkhouse to the 1840s feel of the dance barn and restaurant.

Although Eastwood served as mayor for only one term, from 1986 to 1988, his fame helped protect a local favorite and put the tiny town of Carmel on the map.

Related: 2003 Clint Eastwood Film, Named One of the Best Neo-Noir Movies in Film History, Was Based on a Book

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s daughter, Zahara, has become the third of their children to legally drop her father’s last name.

Zahara, 21, now officially goes by Zahara Marley Jolie, dropping the Pitt from her legal full name, according to court documents.

Related: Why Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Daughter Zahara Took Out a Newspaper Ad to Drop ‘Pitt’ From Her Name

Pitt and Jolie, who met while filming Mr and Mrs Smith in 2004, share six children: Maddox, 25, Pax, 22, Zahara, 21, Shiloh, 20, and 18-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox.

The Hollywood icons became dating in 2005 before tying the knot in 2014 and splitting two years later.

Their divorce was finalized in December 2024, though their breakup continues to be tumultuous, with their children increasingly distancing themselves from Pitt.

Shiloh filed to remove Pitt from her name in 2024 following her 18th birthday, and Vivienne has filed to change her name to Vivienne Marcheline Jolie this past July, also since turning 18.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Maddox’s name change to remove Pitt had officially been approved.

A source previously told People that Pitt was “aware and upset” by his children’s choices to change their names.

“The reminders that he’s lost his children, is of course not easy for Brad,” they claimed. “He loves his children and misses them. It’s very sad.”

This comes 10 years after an alleged altercation between Pitt and his family on a private jet from France to Los Angeles in 2016.

In court documents, after she filed for divorce, Jolie claimed Pitt subjected her and their children to physical and emotional abuse during the flight, which Pitt denied. Pitt was later investigated and cleared of the claims.

Court filings made in 2024 saw Jolie’s lawyers allege Pitt had a “history of physical abuse” towards Jolie that began before the 2016 flight.

The lawyer claimed the plane incident was “the first time he turned his physical abuse on the children as well,” with Jolie alleging this sparked her decision to file for divorce.

Pitt has repeatedly denied Jolie’s claims.

The former couple also found themselves locked in a nasty legal dispute over their French winery, Château Miraval.

Jolie sold her half of the business in October 2021 after discussions for Pitt to buy her out allegedly fell through.

Pitt then sued Jolie in 2022, accusing her of violating their agreement to not sell their part in the winter without the other’s approval.

Jolie then filed a countersuit, claiming Pitt was attempting to secretly take control of the business and accusing him of “waging a vindictive war against” her since she filed for divorce.

If planning a cruise two years ahead of time feels a little premature, veteran cruise experts have a gentle reality check for you: when it comes to intimate, small-ship luxury, waiting until the last minute is the fastest way to get left standing on the pier.

While mega-ships carrying 6,000 passengers can afford to discount unsold cabins as sail dates draw near, boutique yacht lines operate under an entirely different set of rules. Windstar Cruises recently pulled back the curtain on its 2028 European deployment, featuring 348 itinerary combinations across five intimate vessels carrying fewer than 350 guests each.

“When Windstar opens new deployment, clients will want to book what they want, when they want,” explains Marni Becker, Cruise Group Analyst at Travel Planners International. “This means booking early as one of the beautiful aspects of this line is their small, intimate vessels. Casual elegance and life at your own pace is something you’ll find aboard Windstar. Space is always limited. Windstar loyalists will jump on the itineraries they have yet to do or wish to repeat.”

For travelers dreaming of exploring Europe without feeling swallowed by crowds, Becker highlighted five standout itineraries that should be on your radar right now.

Related: The Surprising Vacation Working Empty Nesters Are Taking Most

1. Rome and Prix du Monde of Monaco for High-Octane Thrills

Windstar Cruises

For travelers who want a bucket-list spectacle paired with Mediterranean glamour, Windstar is deploying both Star Legend and the classic sailing yacht Wind Spirit to the world’s most famous car race in 2028. “If you feel the need for speed, Windstar offers experiences on the Wind Spirit and Star Legend that will take you directly to the Grand Prix in Monte Carlo,” says Becker.

The marquee voyage is “Rome & Prix du Monde of Monaco,” an eight-day adventure departing from Civitavecchia (Rome) and concluding in Barcelona aboard Star Legend, with front-row positioning in Monte Carlo for the legendary Grand Prix weekend. For those who want more time on the water, Wind Spirit offers round-trip options from Rome spanning 7, 11, or 14 days, exploring tucked-away Italian and French Riviera harbors along the way.

Related: The 7 Ultimate Travel Experiences Forbes Says You Shouldn’t Miss

2. A Mystery Cruise Round-Trip From Athens for the Intrepid Explorer

“If speed is not your thing and you are looking for something a bit unusual, try one of Windstar’s ‘mystery cruises,'” suggests Becker. “All you need to know is where the ship embarks and disembarks—and in 2028, they are going to Greece!”

The premise is as exciting as it is simple: all you know when you board the flagship sailing yacht Wind Surf is that your voyage begins and ends in Athens. Every port of call in between remains an absolute secret until the ship sets sail, letting the captain chart a spontaneous course through secluded, sun-drenched Aegean harbors and whitewashed island villages far off the standard tourist trail.

3. Quick Four-Day Getaways to Pair With a Longer Land Vacation

Windstar Cruises

Cruising doesn’t have to consume your entire European holiday. “Whether you’re new to cruising, don’t have time for a longer itinerary, or are just looking for a quick ‘cruise fix’ to add onto a longer land vacation, Windstar has options,” says Becker.

Highlights for summer 2028 include “La Dolce Vita,” a four-night round-trip from Rome calling on scenic coastal stops in Italy and France, and “Croatia Calling,” which links Venice and Dubrovnik across four relaxed days on the Adriatic. “For early-in-the-season sailors in May, there are a variety of four-day cruises that even include the rare opportunity to sail right under Tower Bridge in London,” Becker notes, with short routes connecting London, Amsterdam, and Hamburg.

Related: The 6 Biggest Cruise Trends, According to Travel Experts

4. Autumn in the “Quiet Mediterranean” on the Spanish Symphony

Visiting the Mediterranean during July and August can bring searing heat and wall-to-wall crowds. That is why experienced advisors swear by September and October, when sea temperatures stay warm but the harbors empty out into peaceful, golden afternoons.

Becker’s personal top pick for this quieter window is “Spanish Symphony” aboard Wind Surf in late October. Sailing from Barcelona down around the Iberian peninsula to Lisbon, the voyage focuses on southern Spain’s coastal gems, offering travelers unhurried strolls through sun-drenched Andalusian plazas, authentic tapas bars, and seaside promenades without the summer rush.

5. Circumnavigating Ireland Aboard the Brand-New Star Explorer SSUCv3H4sIAAAAAAAEAH1Sy2rDMBC8F/oPRueY+BGlco899VBaaI+hh7W02CKOFSQ5JQT/e1d2TFQI9Uk7OzvM7Pry+JAkrAanJXtOLqGiWnfd4LwFr01PcLa64qi0N1ZDF8CAjVOHOQ9+cOgiiVo3zhu5P7bGG8LziC7BY0M6fweuHnZznSyNqUkT1GIvg+6U7hu3foNeHcDuHVtFNDfUgfaqXbApk3rhs4U0rv6Rf6cUFu8pfiGsPyRCv/7UJ7Q3ufnxvSwIGuzlOaQao7wWO4R5PbuZyvY/Hu1hyn8lnbRCE9UwKG2i/ZyMhC4MlJHykVJSvmjM+Jb83WpJhzSHCOiNn5ywOSdTdIxQ5mUuyqoQ9FUFLzeZYMtx6YxaxV7ne7fTms+Rx+HYGVCobtC9P4GX1YbzQmxnSrwprSYrRYFYIE/zXEC62YJIhdw+pZhnWc0rzoXidILxF70kPfO9AgAA

Windstar Cruises

For cruisers eager to experience the newest hardware in the fleet, the complete loop around Ireland aboard the newly debuted Star Explorer is turning heads.

“Among the brand-new offerings for 2028, I’m especially excited to tell clients about ‘Circumnavigate Ireland’ aboard Windstar’s newest ship, Star Explorer,” says Becker.

Because of the ship’s compact size, the itinerary reaches parts of the Emerald Isle larger ships can’t touch. Highlights include a brand-new port call at Inis Mór in the remote Aran Islands, scenic cruising right past the sheer drop of the Cliffs of Moher, and city-center docking in Cork, alongside visits to Galway, Dingle, Belfast, and Waterford.

Related: Why a Small-Ship Voyage Is the Best Way to Experience the ‘Quiet Mediterranean’

Ella Langley’s hit song “Choosin’ Texas” reached 22.3 million official streams in the United States during the latest tracking week, adding to the song’s growing list of major achievements.

The song, released through SAWGOD/Columbia Records, with Triple Tigers handling promotion to country radio, collected 22.3 million official streams from Sept. 18-24, a 2% increase from the previous week. According to Billboard, it also earned 57.9 million radio airplay audience impressions, down 1%, and 9,000 U.S. sales, up 55%.

The latest numbers come as “Choosin’ Texas” continues its record-setting run on the Billboard charts.

For the chart week dated Oct. 3, 2026, the song remains at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-extending 24th week. Billboard reported that Langley’s song had already taken sole possession of the record one week earlier.

Ella Langley performs during the 2026 CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium on June 4, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

“Choosin’ Texas” now stands alone above some of the biggest hits in Billboard Hot 100 history.

The song has spent 24 weeks at No. 1, compared with 22 weeks for Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Other songs behind Langley’s record include Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Old Town Road,” which each spent 19 weeks at No. 1.

The latest streaming total also shows that the song continues to attract millions of listeners even after months at the top of the chart.

“Choosin’ Texas” holds No. 1 on the Streaming Songs chart for a 24th week. It also remains at No. 1 on Digital Song Sales, where it has now spent 19 weeks at the top.

That 19-week run is another record for Langley.

The song passed BTS’ “Butter” and “Dynamite,” which each spent 18 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales. “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber follows with 17 weeks.

Langley reacted to the earlier Hot 100 record on Instagram, writing, “Thank you so much for loving this song,” before adding, “I’m running out of hyperboles to describe how I feel.”

The continued performance of “Choosin’ Texas” comes alongside success for other Langley releases. Her song “Be Her” remains inside the Hot 100 top 10 at No. 10, giving the country singer two songs in the top 10 at the same time.

The track’s success has also helped Langley build a larger presence beyond country music. Her current chart run includes appearances across multiple Billboard rankings, showing how “Choosin’ Texas” has moved from a country hit into a major all-genre success.

The song has also become part of a bigger year for Langley.

She earned her first MTV Video Music Award, winning Best Country Song for “Choosin’ Texas.” After the win, Langley shared a photo of her award on Instagram Story and wrote, “First VMA,” followed by a teary-eyed emoji.

Langley has also continued performing on her Dandelion Tour, where she has spoken openly with fans about the pressure that came with her rapid rise. During a recent show in Columbus, Ohio, she discussed how people had criticized her appearance, voice, clothes and music.

“Growing up in a small town, this is saying a lot. I don’t think I’ve ever had more opinions on myself in my life than I have in this last year,” Langley said, per Country Now.

Despite those challenges, the singer said she remains proud of the younger version of herself who worked toward her career before the major success arrived.

Her career is also moving toward the 2026 CMA Awards, where she enters the event with nine nominations.

For now, “Choosin’ Texas” remains at the center of Langley’s breakthrough year.

Related: Country Star Ella Langley Has Emotional Reaction to Major VMA Award