The Encore — Friday, May 1, 2026

The Encore

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Friday, May 1, 2026

Good morning. You made it to Friday. Here is something worth your weekend.

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Friday · Weekend Edition · 4 Sections · ~5 Min Read

The Encore Weekend Edition

Friday, May 1, 2026 | Your weekly wind-down

☀️ This Week's Win

FDA Move Could Mean More Affordable Weight Loss Options Stay on the Market for Seniors

This Friday brings welcome news for the millions of retirees managing weight-related health concerns. The FDA proposed excluding popular weight loss drugs from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly from the bulk compounding list, a regulatory win that helps ensure these medications remain available through traditional pharmacy channels. For those of you on fixed incomes who've been navigating the confusing landscape of GLP-1 drugs, this decision supports continued access to FDA-approved treatments through your existing insurance and Medicare Part D coverage.

Weekend Recommendations

READ THIS: From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks. This thoughtful book explores how to shift from worldly success to deeper life satisfaction in your later decades—perfect weekend reading for anyone asking "what's next?" Brooks draws on neuroscience and philosophy to show why the second half of life can be the most fulfilling. Find it on Amazon

LISTEN TO THIS: Check out the podcast episode "The Psychology of Enough" from The Long View by Morningstar. Host Christine Benz interviews a retirement researcher about why some retirees feel financially secure on modest incomes while others worry despite substantial savings. It's a fascinating hour that might shift how you think about your own retirement comfort.

DO THIS THIS WEEKEND: Take 15 minutes to log into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov and verify your current coverage details are accurate. With the Annual Enrollment Period just six months away, confirming your information now means fewer surprises later—and you'll have peace of mind heading into the weekend.

🛒 Product of the Week

Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook

If you're tracking medical appointments, jotting down financial notes, or keeping a gratitude journal, this clever notebook lets you write with a real pen, then scan pages to cloud storage with your phone before wiping clean to reuse. It's perfect for retirees who want to stay organized without drowning in paper—and it's surprisingly satisfying to use. Price range: $25–$35. Find it on Amazon

📰 In Case You Missed It

New Surgeon General nominee: President Trump nominated Dr. Nicole Saphier for surgeon general this week after withdrawing the previous nomination of Casey Means—a change worth watching for those following federal health policy priorities.

Pharma earnings strong: Merck reported better-than-expected quarterly results driven by its cancer drug Keytruda and newer products, a positive signal for the broader healthcare sector that many retirees hold in their portfolios.

Weight loss pill gains traction: Eli Lilly's CEO announced that more than 20,000 people are now taking Foundayo, the company's oral weight loss medication—offering a potential alternative to injectable treatments for those who prefer pills.

Have a great weekend. See you Monday.

This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing here is personalized financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional. Some links may be affiliate links.

This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing here is personalized financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Some links may be affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

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