12 Low-Cost, Low-Risk Activities for Summer Fun

If you are having trouble viewing this email,

Elizabeth O'Brien is a senior writer at MONEY

The coronavirus has put much of our lives on pause. Concerts, parties and sports are just some of the activities that have been suspended or reduced to a 2-D version online. But as we prepare for a scaled-back summer, there's still plenty of room for fun. Plane trips are out for most people, but road trips are a consideration. Today’s edition explores booking a vacation rental and other, low-risk, low-cost summer ideas. We also look at a pandemic-related suspension that’s actually good news: RMDs have been waived for 2020. They’re the required withdrawals that people age 72 and over must take from their traditional retirement accounts each year and pay income taxes on. It’s Uncle Sam’s way of finally getting his hands on your tax-deferred savings, but you don’t have to do it this year. So if you don’t need that money to live on (a big if, to be sure), then you can leave it alone and enjoy a lower tax bill.

Best wishes,

Elizabeth

P.S. If you got this newsletter from a friend, sign up for email delivery to make sure you don't miss the next issue. To listen on podcast platforms or smart speakers, click .

TIMELY RETIREMENT NEWS, INSIGHTS, AND ADVICE

Congress Waived Required Minimum Distributions for 2020

Here's what retirees need to know.

Booking a Vacation Rental Is Complicated This Summer. Here's How to Stay Safe and Get a Good Deal

Make sure you know the cancellation policy.

What the Fed's 0% Interest Rate Plan Means for Mortgage Rates

House hunters don't need to rush to lock in low rates.

RETIRE WITH MONEY COMMUNITY INSIGHTS

Many thanks to all who wrote in about our Retire with Money book club selection! The Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+ by Suze Orman was our spring selection that's spilled into summer. Please stay tuned for our discussion dates. We'll hold a live chat in our Retire with Money Facebook group, so now is a great time to join if you haven't already. (Please make sure to answer the three quick screening questions.) You're more than welcome to join even if you haven't read the book. I'll print excerpts of our discussion in this space for people who aren't on Facebook. Feel free to contact me at elizabeth.obrien@money.com with any questions. Thank you!

RETIREMENT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB

I’ve Got a Budget of $3,300 a Month and Want to Be Near Some ‘Wild’ Areas — Where Should I Retire?

A man on a budget wants to retire to a scenic spot within a day's drive of relatives in Northern N.J. Here are some options. MARKETWATCH

Medicare Isn’t Free. Here’s How Much You May Need to Pay for it in Retirement

Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs catch many retirees by surprise (plus, the program doesn't even cover long-term care costs). Here's how to budget. CNBC

Banned From Nursing Homes, Families See Shocking Decline in Their Loved Ones

During the coronavirus pandemic, family members haven't been able to provide critical support to loved ones in nursing homes. NPR

Get Proactive and Create a COVID-19 Care Plan

Knowing you're prepared for any possibility can help reduce your stress. NEXT AVENUE

ABOUT ELIZABETH

Elizabeth O'Brien is deputy editor at MONEY. She has covered retirement and health care for nearly a decade. A Brooklyn resident and mom of two boys, she navigates the alphabet soup of Medicare and the New York City subway system with equal ease. You can email her at elizabeth.obrien@money.com and follow her on Twitter at @elizobrien.

This newsletter is free because MONEY earns a commission when you click or make purchases from the links in this email and on our site. We also receive compensation for some of the products and services featured in this message. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Learn more about how we make money.

Privacy Policy • Advertise With Us • We're Hiring!

You can update your email preferences or unsubscribe by clicking .

Copyright ©2020 Ad Practitioners, LLC. All rights reserved.

Metro Office Park Calle 1, Building 7 Suite 204, Guaynabo PR 00968, USA

12 Low-Cost, Low-Risk Activities for Summer Fun

Older messages

Issue #46: OK, let's try this again

The Fed Plans to Keep Interest Rates Near 0% Through 2022. Here’s What That Means for Retirees

Coronavirus Work Share Programs, Which Pay Part-Time Employees Like Full-Time Ones, Could Help Reopen the Economy

Issue #46: Stimulus checks — the sequel

As the Stock Market Erases Its Losses for the Year, Investors Suffer From Keeping Their Cash on the Sidelines

You Might Also Like

After inauguration, it's time to talk taxes

Harry's Take 1-15-25 Stocks Look to Break Lower: Another Sign of a Top on December 16

🇺🇸 America's tariff future

It’s a new year, get a new savings account

Private Equity Is Coming for Your 401(k)

This Skateboarding Economist Suggests We Need More Skateparks And Less Capitalism

Elon Musk Dreams, Mode Mobile Delivers

Shaping inflation expectations: the effects of monetary policy

🌎 Another hottest year

Have you seen the Best Cars & Trucks of 2025?