The GrayVine Newsletter Friday 01.02.2026

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Friday Edition - January 9, 2026

Good morning, Member

Hey, hey, dear GrayViners! I hope you’re off to a wonderful start to 2026. Yesterday was full of good food, and I’m still feeling happily full. I spent most of the day taking it slow, then squeezed in a little vision board time, printing a few photos tied to my goals and making a collage while setting my intentions for the year ahead. So tell me: What did your Day 1 of 2026 look like? Cozy at home, out and about, or something else entirely? Hop into the forum and share a little peek at your day. We’d love to hear it!

Did you miss our brain teasers? Well, here you go—your first challenge of the year: Try to unscramble N O I T C E L B E A R

Send in your answer, and you might just see your name in tomorrow’s winners list! Now, grab a drink and settle in your favorite spot. Today we’ve got updates on Social Security, Medicare, and SNAP, plus a recall alert and a few ways to save.

Emerald — Newsletter Writer


Social Security & MoneyNews & Finance



Breaking News SeparatorEditor's Picks

Can’t-Miss Updates

Health, Happiness, And A Little Fun

The Year-End Moves No One’s Watching

Markets don’t wait — and year-end waits even less.

In the final stretch, money rotates, funds window-dress, tax-loss selling meets bottom-fishing, and “Santa Rally” chatter turns into real tape. Most people notice after the move.

Elite Trade Club is your morning shortcut: a curated selection of the setups that still matter this year — the headlines that move stocks, catalysts on deck, and where smart money is positioning before New Year’s. One read. Five minutes. Actionable clarity.

If you want to start 2026 from a stronger spot, finish 2025 prepared. Join 200K+ traders who open our premarket briefing, place their plan, and let the open come to them.

By joining, you’ll receive Elite Trade Club emails and select partner insights. See Privacy Policy.


Fun & GamesFun & Games


CrosswordSudokuSolitaireTrivia

Today’s Trivia SeparatorToday’s Trivia

Where does the ampersand symbol (&), meaning “and”, come from?

Image source: Karola G/Pexels

A. The Greek word kai

B. The Latin word et

C. The French word et

D. The Spanish word y


Emoji’s Decoded SeparatorEmoji’s Decoded

Can You Name This Movie?

Image source: The GrayVine

Hint: A stranded man tries to survive with an unlikely “friend”.


Yesterday’s America SeparatorYesterday’s America

Remember These?

Image source: Reddit

They lined the shelf in neat rows, all the same height, with sturdy spines and gold lettering that made the whole room feel smarter. When a question came up, you didn’t grab a phone—you pulled one of these down, flipped through thin pages, and followed the pictures, maps, and sidebars wherever they led. Did your family have a set at home, or did you rely on them at school or the library? Take a walk down memory lane and share stories with us!


Today's (Grand)Dad joke SeparatorToday's (Grand)Dad Joke

A sermon on forgiveness turned into a comedic moment with a 97-year-old’s punchline. đŸ˜… Got jokes? Make us laugh in the forum!


Awww of the day SeparatorAwww Of The Day

Image source: Member martykaybee/The GrayVine

A Bundle Of Spunk

Some days call for a double dose of cuteness, and this one delivers. From lounging to an up-close “boop-the-nose” moment, sweet Molly, GrayViner @martykaybee’s lovely pup, shows off her big personality from every angle. She definitely looks like the kind of dog who keeps life interesting. Have you seen anything as lovely lately? We’d love to see it, so send in your favorite aww-worthy photos to brighten everyone’s day!


On this day in History SeparatorOn This Day In History - January 9, 2026

1788 - Georgia became the fourth state in the modern United States.

1967 - Former actor Ronald Reagan was sworn into office as the governor of California.

What else happened on this day throughout history? Find out here!


Brain TrainingBrain Training


CrosswordSudokuSolitaireTrivia

Word of the Day SeparatorWord Of The Day

PALAVER

(puh-LAV-ur) Extended talk, often lively or persuasive.

When used in a sentence: “After a little palaver, they finally agreed on where to go for lunch.”


Quote of the Day SeparatorQuote Of The Day

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”
— William James

What’s one small habit you hope to keep in 2026? Tell us your story in the forum!

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Today’s trivia answer: B.

The ampersand (&) originated as a stylized ligature of the Latin word et, meaning “and”.