Starting April 14, 2025, Social Security claimants can complete all claim types via telephone, backed by new fraud detection technology.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is implementing tools that flag suspicious activity and require in-person verification if needed.
The initiative enhances accessibility while strengthening identity security, aligning with broader efforts to protect Social Security and increase benefits access.
Social Securitys new anti-fraud measures have taken effect after last-minute tweaking to overcome some objections by senior advocates. The new measures are designed to prevent scammer from filing false claims, using a stolen Social Security number.
The initiative still allows people to complete all types of Social Security claims over the phone, an effort the Social Security Administration said balances modern convenience with improved security protocols.
At the heart of the modernization is a new fraud detection system that uses pattern recognition and anomaly analysis to identify suspicious activity during telephone claims. If the system detects irregularities in a claim, the individual will be required to verify their identity in person before the claim can proceed.
The agency said this requirement is necessary to protect the integrity of the program while keeping services accessible to individuals who may not be able to file online or in person initially.
'Enhanced security and accessibility'
We are modernizing how we serve the publicenhancing both security and accessibility, Leland Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security, said in a statement. These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while providing more flexible options for people to access their benefits.
SSA emphasized that identity verification for in-person claims will continue as usual, ensuring a consistent baseline of security across all application channels.
To prepare for an anticipated surge in telephone claim submissions following the policy change, SSA said it is ramping up its service infrastructure. The agency recently invested $16.5 million to modernize its nationwide telephone systems. Additional support staff and resources are being mobilized to handle increased call volumes starting on April 14.
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NowDec. 12: Sweet spot for real deals and full size/color selection, especially on tech and winter apparel, with calmer midweek crowds
Dec. 14 (Free Shipping Day): Prime time to finish online shopping with free shipping and guaranteed-by-Christmas delivery from tons of retailers
Dec. 2024: Best for true last-minute gifts and some dcor clearance, but expect bigger crowds, thinner selection, and fewer real bargains
If you decided to spend time with family on Black Friday, and maybe ignored Cyber Monday altogether, I got some good news for you. Retailers have stretched Black Friday into an entire season, and there are some upcoming shopping days that easily rival the hype of this past weekend when it comes to finding real deals.
Below is a look at the best remaining days to shop before Christmas 2025, and what each date is actually good for in terms of savings.
Now through Friday, December 5: leftover Cyber without all the hype
The week immediately after Cyber Monday is often overlooked. Big retailers have already blasted through their biggest marketing tricks, but many of the same discounts quietly linger online.
Retailers nowcreeptowards Black Friday week and Cyber Week promotions rather than one-day-only events. Adobe and other trackers reported record Black Friday online sales and continued strong traffic through the weekend as deals stretched across multiple days.
What this window is good for:
Electronics and tech accessories that were on sale for Cyber Monday.
Winter apparel and shoes while common sizes and colors are still in stock.
Household items and small appliances that dont depend on deep holiday markdowns.
If you want close-to-Cyber prices and decent selection, this is one of the calmer times to shop online or in-store.
Monday, December 8: Green Monday
The second Monday in December has quietly become one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, known in the industry as Green Monday.
It was coined Green Monday by eBay in the mid-2000s after seeing consistently high sales on that date. Not to be confused with deals specifically on environmentally-friendly products, its actually a play on online shopping being more eco-friendly than driving to brick-and-mortar stores.
Green Monday mainly matters because:
Its a little over 2 weeks before Christmas, making it the time when websites often start to move items at a discount and it still gives shoppers plenty of time to get gifts delivered by Christmas Eve.
Many retailers roll out another round of online promotions specifically to catch shoppers who missed Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
What to target on December 8:
Consider this the last good chance to shop for popular toys and kid gifts that may sell out closer to Christmas.
Youll find deals on mid-tier electronics, headphones, tablets, and even gaming accessories.
Ive also found that its a great day to find savings on home and kitchen gifts, especially when shopping online.
Pro tip:Use Green Monday as your revenge shopping day. Take everything you almost bought on Black Friday, put them in a wishlist, then on December 8th only pull the trigger if (1) the price actually dropped, (2) theres a sitewide code, and (3) you can stack cash back with your purchase...otherwise leave it in your cart and walk away.
Midweek, December 1012: price breaks without weekend crowds
Holiday traffic forecasts for 2025 show that the last two Saturdays before Christmas (December 13 and 20) will rival Black Friday for in-store crowds, with sustained heavy traffic in the final 10 days before the holiday.
This makes the midweek stretch between Wednesday and Friday, December 1012, appealing for one simple reasonmuch fewer people.
What these shopping days are good for:
In-store clothing and shoes, where you want to try things on but not fight for dressing rooms.
Holiday dcor and entertaining supplies before the very last-minute rush.
Return trips to exchange sizes or pick up forgotten items.
You may not see biggest discount of the year promos, but youre more likely to actually find what you need and get out without standing in line for 30 minutes.
Sunday, December 14: Free Shipping Day
If you plan on finishing your Christmas shopping online, and dont want to pay for expedited delivery, Free Shipping Day is one to watch and take advantage of.
It started back in 2008 and is a one-day event, held December 14th this year, with over 1,200 participating retailers offering free shipping with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve.
Why it matters this year:
The 14th lands right before the USPS, UPS, and FedEx bump up the shipping service required for Christmas delivery. The December 1720th window is when youll have to pay moreto get your gifts delivered on time.
Think of December 14th as the last realistic day to order online with free shipping and still be confident your packages will arrive by December 24th.
Best bets for Free Shipping Day:
Gifts like apparel, shoes, kitchen gadgets, board games, small electronics, and toys.
Gifts for people that live in other states, where on-time arrival matters more than chasing an extra 5% off.
Items that are expensive to ship on your own (think heavy, bulky, or fragile gifts).
Pro tip: Make Free Shipping Day your hard cutoff for shopping online.Anything you havent ordered by the 14th becomes an in-store or gift-card present, period. Load your cart the night before, then on the 14th only buy at stores that show both free shipping and delivery by Dec. 24 at checkout.
Saturday, December 20: Super Saturday
The Saturday right before Christmas, often called Super Saturday, is expected to be the 2nd busiest shopping day of the entire 2025 season, trailing only Black Friday.
While it sounds like a daunting day to head to the mall or local stores, if you know what to look for, you can use this day to shop for gifts and actually save money.
What that means for shoppers:
Retailers roll out aggressive, one-day promotions to capture last-minute shoppers.
Youll see big signs for discounted gift sets, beauty, fragrance, pajamas, slippers, and stocking stuffers.
Unfortunately, some popular toys and in-demand clothing sizes may already be thin.
Super Saturday is ideal if:
Youre comfortable with crowds and want to finish everything in one in-store trip.
Youre flexible on brands and colors and mainly want deals on more generic-type gifts.
Keep in mind that its less ideal if you care about a specific item or color being in stock.
December 2124: last-minute, not lowest-price
The final days before Christmas is often when shoppers will sacrifice some savings for convenience.
Finding a good gift, regardless of price, often outweighs saving a few bucks. This is especially true if it means not having to stand in a long line or deal with a busy parking lot.
By these dates, expect the following:
Most standard shipping windows have closed, leaving you only two-day, overnight, or same-day shipping options, often at a hefty premium.
In stores, youll see markdowns on ultra-seasonal items like holiday dcor and even some gift sets. But popular toys and electronics may be sold out or your color/size choices will be smaller.
The smartest moves in these final days:
Use buy online, pick up in store to lock in inventory and price before you get in your car and drive.
Consider local shops and boutiques. The lines will be small, or non-existent, and the selection of gift ideas should still be strong.
Its smart to focus on gifts like coffee, chocolate, candles, books, and gift cards.
Buy gift cards at Costco if possible and get them at a discounted price. You can often get four $25 gift cards for just $79.99.
If youre buying dcor or entertaining items, look for early clearance prices on stuff that you can use this year and stash for years to come.
Shoppers were more disciplined over Black FridayCyber Monday, prioritizing value
Buy now, pay later services hit new records as consumers spread out payments
In-store traffic fell even as online spending climbed faster than expected
Holiday shoppers took a more calculated approach to Black FridayCyber Monday this year, focusing on stretching budgets and minimizing impulse buys, according to new industry data. Rising prices across essentials and gifts pushed consumers toward a more strategic mindset and toward flexible payment tools.
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services such as Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm and PayPal Pay Later continued their rapid rise. Adobe Analytics reports BNPL has driven $10.1 billion in spending so far this holiday season, up 9 percent from last year. Cyber Monday set a single-day record with $1.03 billion in BNPL purchases about 7 percent of all online spending.
PayPal said its BNPL transactions jumped 23 percent in the days leading up to Black Friday.
The appeal spans income levels, driven by convenience and the ability to spread out payments, said David Tinsley, senior economist at the Bank of America Institute. Most people remain light users, with just one to four BNPL purchases on their accounts.
Greater availability at checkout is also fueling growth, said Sucharita Kodali, a retail analyst at Forrester. BNPL could also just be going up because e-commerce is going up, she said.
But experts caution that the model isnt risk-free: missed payments can trigger interest charges, and financially vulnerable shoppers may be more susceptible to overspending.
The risks behind BNPLs rapid rise
Mounting debt from small purchases
Experts warn that buy now, pay later services can mask the true cost of purchases. Because payments are split into smaller installments, shoppers may take on more debt than they can comfortably manage especially during the holidays, when spending naturally spikes.
Missed payments can trigger fees or interest
While many BNPL plans are advertised as zero interest, that guarantee usually applies only if payments are made on time. Missed or late installments can lead to interest charges, penalty fees or account restrictions. Some providers also report delinquent payments to credit bureaus, risking long-term credit damage.
Lack of consumer protections
BNPL purchases generally fall outside traditional credit-card dispute frameworks. That can create hurdles for shoppers trying to resolve issues like incorrect charges, damaged goods or returns particularly when multiple retailers and payment platforms are involved.
Higher risk for financially vulnerable households
Analysts say BNPLs appeal is particularly strong among consumers facing tight budgets or limited credit access. These shoppers may rely on the services not for convenience, but necessity increasing the likelihood of missed payments and compounding financial strain.
Overlapping installment schedules
Because many shoppers juggle multiple BNPL plans at once, its easy to lose track of due dates. Overlapping payment schedules can create cash-flow crunches, leading to cascading late fees across several purchases.
Preholiday caution takes hold
With groceries, housing, energy and even key gifting categories rising in price some due to tariffs shoppers are increasingly wary.
People are being cautious, Kodali said. The economy from a retail standpoint has been really positive and this cant go on forever.
That caution shows up in the numbers. The National Retail Federation expects November and December spending to top $1 trillion for the first time, but analysts stress that higher totals largely reflect higher prices, not higher volume.
Online spending surges as stores see declines
Despite broader caution, online sales roared past forecasts. Adobe Analytics recorded $14.5 billion in Cyber Monday sales, up 7.1 percent year over year, and $11.8 billion on Black Friday, a 9.1 percent gain.
Brick-and-mortar stores saw a different pattern. Foot traffic on Black Friday dropped 2.5 percent at malls and 2.6 percent in downtown areas, according to MRI Software. Small Business Saturday declines were steeper, with mall visits down 4.3 percent and downtown traffic off 6 percent.
RetailNext, which tracks activity at more than 560 brands, reported an even sharper drop: traffic fell 3.6 percent on Black Friday and 8.6 percent on Saturday.
The shift doesnt mean shoppers sat out the weekend just that they shopped differently. Shoppers showed theyre done with the impulse-driven, one-day frenzy, said Joe Shasteen, global head of advanced analytics at RetailNext. Prices, tariffs, and tighter budgets pushed people to shop with discipline, not adrenaline.
Essentials rise, but gifts arent forgotten
Consumers also pounced on deals for everyday necessities. Among Shopify sellers, the top product categories were vitamins and supplements, followed by skin care and activewear. Adobe projects online grocery sales will hit $23.5 billion this season, up 9.3 percent from last year.
Were seeing promotions on essentials and the things that consumers feel they need first, said Marshal Cohen, chief retail adviser at Circana.
But even bargain hunters made room for festive splurges. Santa Claus is going to show up and is he going to show up with vitamins? Yeah, Cohen said. But hes also going to show up with a toy here and there.
Women who skip their first mammogram are 40% more likely to die of breast cancer over 25 years than those who attend.
The study, based on nearly 433,000 Swedish women, found that skipping the first screening is linked to more advanced-stage diagnoses later on.
Among those who skipped the first screening, nearly one-third never returned for future mammograms compounding the risk.
Its easy to think Ill skip that first mammogram, maybe go next time.
However, a new long-term study argues that this decision isnt harmless.
Researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden tracked women invited to their first mammogram and discovered that skipping this initial screening can ripple into serious health consequences decades down the line.
The message? That first scan may be more important than many realize.
"Skipping the first mammogram is a strong indicator of who is at risk of late detection and higher mortality. Our results show that missing the first mammogram is not just a one-time choice, but often marks the beginning of a long-term pattern of not attending check-ups," researcher Ziyan Ma said in a news release.
The study
For this analysis, researchers looked at nearly 433,000 women in Stockholm, invited to their first mammography screening between 1991 and 2020. They followed their health records for as long as 25 years, combining screening program data with national cancer- and death-registries.
When they dove into the data, they compared outcomes including when and if women developed breast cancer, whether the cancer was caught early or late, and who died from the disease.
The aim? To see how much skipping that first screening mattered over time.
What they found and why it matters
Some of the most striking findings: 32% of women invited to their first screening never showed up. And those who skipped were far less likely to show up for later checks, too meaning a missed first test often marked the beginning of a long-term pattern of non-attendance.
Among women who eventually developed breast cancer, those who skipped the first mammogram were more likely to get a diagnosis at an advanced stage: about 1.5 times more likely to have stage III disease, and up to 3.6 times more likely to have stage IV.
Over 25 years, almost 1% of the women who skipped their first screening died of breast cancer compared to 0.7% of those who attended. That translates to roughly 40% higher long-term risk of dying from breast cancer.
Importantly, the researchers note that the overall number of breast cancer cases was similar between both groups (around 7.7%). That suggests the extra deaths didnt come from more cancers, but from cancers being detected too late, when they were harder to treat.
What this means for you (and why that first mammogram matters)
This study doesnt just offer statistics it offers a clear public-health message. That first invitation to a mammogram isnt optional fluff, it might truly make a difference in survival.
Skipping it can set off a chain reaction: fewer follow-up calls, fewer screenings, and tragically higher odds of an advanced diagnosis and death decades later.
Best Buys strong quarter means more aggressive holiday discounts on laptops, tablets, TVs, and gaming gear, especially in upgrade categories
The real savings are in solid markdowns and open-box/clearance items; tiny discounts on outdated models are usually not worth it
Protect your wallet by skipping unnecessary add-ons, using price matching against Amazon/Walmart, and leaning on your credit cards built-in protections instead of extra warranties
Best Buy just gave shoppers a pretty big hint about this holiday season: people are still spending on tech, as long as its on sale.
Last week the electronics giant raised its annual sales and profit forecast after a stronger-than-expected quarter powered by discounted laptops, smartphones, tablets, and gaming gear.
Best Buy had comparable sales growth of 2.7% last quarter, easily beating Wall Street expectations and marking the retailers best same-store growth in four years.
Whats driving the tech comeback?
A few clear patterns are popping up in Best Buys numbers:
Laptops and tablets are back. Computing and tablets make up roughly a third of Best Buys revenue, and they saw robust growth in the category. This was mainly from shoppers upgrading machines bought early in the pandemic or finally replacing old devices.
Gaming is hot again. Demand for gaming systems got a big boost from Nintendos Switch 2. That and a continued interest in handheld gaming devices and their accessories.
Deals are doing the heavy lifting. Best Buy credited steep discounts as the main reason they were able to pull shoppers in. So while consumers are clearly more cautious, theyre willing to spend their cash when the price is right.
Why this matters for shoppers
Best Buys positive outlook stands in contrast to some other big-box retailers.
Specifically, recent earnings from Walmart, Target, and Home Depot showed a more mixed picture, with customers focusing more on essentials, trading down, and putting off their big home improvement projects.
The split we see between Best Buy and other big-box retailers tells us a lot about how consumers are spending their money right now:
Shoppers are still delaying some nice-to-have purchases and focusing more on needs vs. wants.
But they will spend on tech that feels necessary. Think things like a new laptop for work or school, or a new TV that delivers a lot of entertainment value at home.
Retailers that put real discounts in front of those needs, like Best Buy is doing, are the ones seeing the best results.
How to use this news to your advantage
If youre planning a tech purchase in the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, Best Buys raised forecast actually gives shoppers a bit of a roadmap.
The fact that they highlighted the importance of deal-driven demand means there are real discounts to be had. But like always, youll still need to shop smart.
Here are a few practical tips:
Shop the upgrade categories. Products where Best Buy is seeing the most action include things like laptops, tablets, and gaming gear. All stuff that shoppers are upgrading to better models when the price is right. If these are on your list anyway, this is a good time to buy, as long as you compare specs and avoid overbuying just because its a deal.
Watch for good, not great promos. A 10% or 15% markdown on older tech isnt always a deal if the specs are two or three generations behind. Use comparison tools and check original list prices; dont rely on a crossed-out list prices on the product page.
Leverage open-box and clearance. With demand picking up, expect more open-box returns to cycle through stores and the website. These can run 15%50% off, depending on condition. Look for clear condition ratings, original accessories, and a return window.
Be wary of add-ons. Add-ons like protection plans, accessories, and installation costs can easily erase whatever money you saved on the deal. So, before you say yes to Geek Squad or an extended warranty, check whether your credit card already offers extended protection and consider whether you really need extras like paid setup.
Check price matching. Dont forget that Best Buy will price match major competitors like Amazon and Walmart as long as the item is identical. If you see a better price elsewhere, its always worth asking an employee about a match. This is especially true on more expensive tech items as a few minutes of your time can save you significant money.
New human trials tested whether daily intake of black cumin seed powder could affect fat and cholesterol levels.
The research combined lab studies (cells) with an eight-week human trial to assess both fat-cell behavior and blood lipid changes.
Participants who consumed black cumin seeds saw reductions in bad fats (triglycerides and LDL) and increases in good cholesterol (HDL), without major side effects.
If youve ever cooked curry or tried Middle Eastern or Indian dishes, you might recognize tiny seeds from Nigella sativa black cumin.
Long valued in traditional medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, black cumin is now catching scientific interest not just for flavor, but for health.
A team at Osaka Metropolitan University recently embarked on a study to see whether black cumin might do more than enhance your cooking could it actually influence fat metabolism and support healthier cholesterol levels?
The study
To understand whether black cumin seeds truly influence fat and cholesterol, the researchers used a two-part approach: lab testing and a small human study.
In the lab: Scientists looked at how black cumin extract affected developing fat cells. Normally, these cells grow, fill with fat droplets, and mature into cells that store fat. By adding black cumin extract during this process, the team watched to see whether the cells grew the same way or whether the extract slowed things down.
In people: The researchers then moved beyond the petri dish. They asked volunteers to take five grams of black cumin seed powder every day for eight weeks basically a spoonful of ground seeds added to food or drinks. Before and after the study, they measured participants cholesterol and triglyceride levels to see if anything shifted over time.
The results
In the lab portion of the study, the researchers found that the extract seemed to interrupt the normal fattening process of fat cells. The cells didnt accumulate as many fat droplets, and their overall development into fat-storing cells was reduced.
After eight weeks of the in-person study, participants showed measurable changes in their blood lipids:
Triglycerides went down
LDL (bad) cholesterol went down
Total cholesterol went down
HDL (good) cholesterol went up
This study strongly suggests that black cumin seeds are useful as a functional food for preventing obesity and lifestyle-related diseases, Professor Kojima-Yuasa said in a news release. It was so gratifying to see black cumin comprehensively demonstrate actual, demonstrable blood lipid-lowering effects in a human trial.
What this means for you
While this is an early study and not a magic fix, it does point to something promising: a common, easy-to-find spice may offer some gentle support for healthier cholesterol levels and fat metabolism.
If youre someone who likes natural food-based options or you already enjoy spices with strong flavor adding a teaspoon to a tablespoon of ground black cumin to meals could be a simple way to experiment. It can be mixed into yogurt, sprinkled on savory dishes, or blended into smoothies.
Of course, this isnt a substitute for medication or professional medical advice, and larger studies are needed. But as far as functional foods go, black cumin seeds may be a small, affordable ingredient with big potential.
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