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  • The GrayVine Newsletter Thursday 12.18.2025

The GrayVine Newsletter Thursday 12.18.2025

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Thursday Edition - January 9, 2026

Good morning Member

Good morning, Member! I hope your week has been treating you kindly so far. Thursdays always feel like a quiet checkpoint to me, close enough to the weekend to breathe a little, but still a good day to take care of small things that tend to get pushed aside… The “life admin” kind of jobs!

One of our members mentioned recently how satisfying it feels to stay ahead of life “maintenance”, especially during the colder months. There’s a certain peace of mind that comes from knowing things are in order before they become urgent. Whether it’s the house, the paperwork pile, or even the car in the driveway, a little attention now can save a lot of stress later.

That’s why today’s sponsor, Spelab*, fits neatly into that mindset. They’re running a Holiday Heat sale with up to 66% off select auto parts*, including many practical components focused on performance, reliability, and keeping vehicles running smoothly. Some items are 50% off on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s very much a “when it’s gone, it’s gone” situation*.

If you’ve been meaning to replace a part, plan ahead for future upkeep, or simply like knowing you’ve handled things before the busy new year begins*, you can take advantage of the sale using the code ‘AFF66’ at the checkout*. The offer runs from December 15 through to December 27.

So I’m curious… what’s one “little chore” you never like to put off? We’d love to hear in the forum!

Let’s solve yesterday’s Word Unscramble: T A N L A R U

Ready for another brain teaser? Here’s today’s riddle: If you drop me, I crack. If you smile at me, I smile back. What am I?

Go ahead and drop your answer—you could be tomorrow’s shout-out! Now, let’s turn our attention to today’s lineup. We’ve got important updates including Social Security changes, a TV star remembered, $1 Chipotle deal, winter wellness, and more!

Veronica — Newsletter Writer


Social Security & MoneyNews & Finance



Breaking News SeparatorEditor's Picks

Sweet Deals and Small Delights

Extra Reads We Don’t Want You To Miss

Hands Down Some Of The Best 0% Intro APR Credit Cards

Balance Transfer cards can help you pay off high-interest debt faster. The FinanceBuzz editors reviewed dozens of cards with 0% intro APR offers for balance transfers and found the perfect cards.

Take a look at this article to find out how you can pay no interest on balance transfers until 2027 with these top cards.


Fun & GamesFun & Games


CrosswordSudokuSolitaireTrivia

Today’s Trivia SeparatorToday’s Trivia

What is the loudest animal on Earth?

Image source: Jumping Jax/Unsplash

A. Lion

B. Blue whale

C. Elephant

D. Sperm whale


Fact of the Day SeparatorFront Porch Forum

Image source: Marcus Aurelius/Pexels

“I am at my wits end, my mother has been scammed twice in the last 2 years…”

Gather ’round, everyone! A GrayViner is in a difficult situation—read their story and share your advice.

Got a concern you’d like to talk about? Start a conversation with us.


What's the Image Saying SeparatorWhat's The Image Saying?

Image source: The GrayVine

Looks can be deceiving, but I know you’ll solve this puzzle! Drop your answer here.

Did you crack the last game? See if you earned a shout-out!


Recipe of the day SeparatorRecipe Of The Day

Matzo Ball Soup

Image source: Food Network

Turn an ordinary day into something a little more comforting.

You can find the full recipe below!


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

1787 - New Jersey officially joined the union as the nation’s third state.

1963 - Actor Brad Pitt was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Take a trip down memory lane and see what else happened on this day in history.


Picture of the Day SeparatorPicture Of The Day

Image source: Member techgrandma/The GrayVine

Sunny Patch Of Memories

Grayviner @techgrandma brought some flower seeds home from the last school she worked at, planted them herself, and now she’s enjoying this bright patch of Black-eyed Susans. She even keeps them as her phone wallpaper—a reminder of the great times she had there. Do you have an everyday item that’s tied to a special memory? Tell us about it, and if you’ve got a lovely photo to share, send it our way!


Brain TrainingBrain Training


CrosswordSudokuSolitaireTrivia

Word of the Day SeparatorWord Of The Day

SUCCOR

(SUHK-er) Help or comfort in times of need.

When used in a sentence: “The community offered succor to families after the storm.”


Let's Save - Today's Deals SeparatorLet's Save - Today's Deals

Up to 70% OFF @ Legacybox*

Applies to E-Gift Cards.

Organic Basmati Rice $4.99 @ Trader Joe’s

Microwave perfect in 3 minutes.

Silicone Strainer $4.17 @ Amazon

Dishwasher-safe and easy to store.

Found a good deal? Share it here! Note: Deals are not sponsored unless stated.

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Today’s trivia answer: D.

The sperm whale is the loudest animal on Earth.