The Sunday Unlock: week of September 13, 2026

If you turn 60, 61, 62, or 63 anytime in 2026, your 401(k) catch-up limit jumps to $11,250. well above the standard $8,000 for people 50-plus. That puts your total 2026 limit at $35,750.

It's a four-year window that ends the year you turn 64, so use it while you have it. Check that your plan has adopted the provision, then raise your deferral percentage with HR or your plan website.

One day each month. generally the first Tuesday. Walgreens takes 20% off eligible regular-price items for myWalgreens members 55 and older, and for AARP members of any age. Proof of age may be required.

You need a free myWalgreens account to get the discount. The date can shift around holidays, so confirm the month's Seniors Day in the myWalgreens app or ask your pharmacist before you make the trip.

In 2026, no one with Medicare Part D pays more than $2,100 out of pocket for covered prescriptions. Hit that number and your plan pays 100% of covered drugs for the rest of the year. automatically, no forms.

If you take expensive medications, this changes the math: a drug plan with strong coverage of your specific prescriptions matters more than the lowest premium. Compare plans each fall at medicare.gov/plan-compare.

Leave your job. quit, retire, or laid off. in or after the year you turn 55, and you can withdraw from that employer's 401(k) or 403(b) with no 10% early-withdrawal penalty. That's a full 4½ years before the usual 59½ line.

It only applies to the plan at the job you just left, so don't roll that money into an IRA if you'll need it. the rule dies in the rollover. Regular income tax still applies.

Ohio residents 60 and older qualify for a free Golden Buckeye card, honored at thousands of participating Ohio businesses for discounts on meals, services, and prescriptions. Adults 18-59 with a qualifying disability are eligible too.

Don't count on it arriving by mail. the state no longer mails a card to everyone at 60. Apply or request a replacement at aging.ohio.gov/getgbc, or sign up at most Ohio libraries and senior centers. Other states run similar programs. search your state's name plus "senior discount card."

At 55, Denny's hands you a separate menu. right-sized portions of omelets, salmon, sandwiches, and more at lower prices than the regular menu, all day, every day at participating locations.

Just ask for the 55+ menu when you're seated. IHOP runs a similar 55+ menu, and many local diners do too. it never hurts to ask.

Medicare's Extra Help program is worth about $5,700 a year: it pays your Part D premium and deductible and caps 2026 copays at $12.65 per covered drug. In 2026, singles with income up to $23,475 (couples up to $31,725) and modest savings qualify.

Millions who qualify never apply. It takes about 15 minutes at ssa.gov/extrahelp or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.