New Photo - These 8 States Will See the Biggest Tax Cuts in 2026

These 8 States Will See the Biggest Tax Cuts in 2026 Chris AdamNovember 1, 2025 at 11:30 PM 170 If you're looking to crush your tax debt, you may feel inspired by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). It was signed into law this summer and makes the most significant legislative changes to federal tax policy since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Overall, the OBBBA makes permanent the individual tax changes first put in place by the 2017 Act, which avoids a tax hike on an estimated 62% of taxpayers in 2026. It also provides additional tax cuts to individuals.

- - These 8 States Will See the Biggest Tax Cuts in 2026

Chris AdamNovember 1, 2025 at 11:30 PM

170

If you're looking to crush your tax debt, you may feel inspired by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). It was signed into law this summer and makes the most significant legislative changes to federal tax policy since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Overall, the OBBBA makes permanent the individual tax changes first put in place by the 2017 Act, which avoids a tax hike on an estimated 62% of taxpayers in 2026. It also provides additional tax cuts to individuals.

So what does that actually look like across the country? The Tax Foundation crunched the numbers to find out which states stand to benefit most in 2026.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

1. Wyoming

Based on estimations from the Tax Foundation, taxpayers in Wyoming will see the largest average tax cut in 2026 at $5,375. When you dig down deeper, Teton County in Wyoming will see an average tax cut of $37,373 per taxpayer in 2026. That's the highest in the country.

Overall, the largest cuts are found in mountain resort towns and likely represent the residences of business owners and higher-earning taxpayers.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

2. Washington

Taxpayers in the state of Washington are set to see the second-largest average tax cut in 2026 at $5,372. Another interesting aspect of the report is the estimation that the OBBBA will create about 938,000 full-time equivalent jobs over the long run.

While a state like California will see more than 132,000 jobs, Washington is expected to do fairly well, too, with approximately 27,458 new jobs.

3. Massachusetts

The Bay State rounds out the top three states expected to see the largest average tax cuts in 2026 at $5,139. According to the Tax Foundation, specific tax changes also show variation by geographic location. For instance, the $40,000 cap on state and local tax deductions will likely have the greatest impact on taxpayers living in higher-tax locations on the coasts of the U.S.

Avoid these money mistakes: 9 dumbest things smart people waste money on

4. Florida

The state known for its sunshine comes in fourth when it comes to the biggest tax cuts in 2026. Falling just short of $5,000, the average tax cut is expected to be $4,998. When you look at the entire state, some counties in the far south will see some of the biggest average tax cuts.

For example, the average tax cut in Palm Beach County will be more than $12,000. The $40,000 cap on state and local tax deductions likely has the greatest impact on taxpayers in higher-tax locations.

5. Connecticut

Another state in the eastern part of the country comes in fifth for the largest average tax cuts in 2026 at $4,683. This may be especially welcome news for taxpayers in the state, given that Connecticut's tax system is ranked 47th overall on the 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index from the Tax Foundation.

6. New Hampshire

The average tax cut in 2026 for taxpayers in New Hampshire will be $4,597. Based on the analysis, across all individual tax filers throughout the country, the average tax cut per taxpayer should be about $3,752 in 2026.

It falls to $2,505 in 2030 due to certain individual changes expiring, but then rises again in 2035 as inflation increases the nominal value of the permanent cuts.

Dave Ramsey Urges Americans to Become Debt-Free: Try these 7 clever ways to crush your debt

7. Colorado

For Colorado, the average tax cut in 2026 will be $4,260, ranking it among the top 10 states. When looking at the county level, Pitkin County in Colorado ranks among the top places for the largest average tax cuts.

The county will see an average tax cut of $21,363 per taxpayer in 2026. This falls in line with the overall trend of the largest cuts being found in mountain resort towns.

8. Nevada

If you live in Nevada and want to have some extra money for entertainment, then the fact that the state will see one of the biggest tax cuts in 2026 is welcome news. The average tax cut here will be $4,220.

According to Tax Foundation estimates, the numbers are based on conventional revenue estimates at the national level and then allocated to individual tax filers in counties using data from the IRS.

Bottom line

You may want to prepare yourself financially for tax cuts coming in 2026. The OBBBA means taxpayers will see cuts, with some filers living in certain states seeing an average tax cut above $5,000. The law provides new deductions for tipped and overtime income, along with an expanded child tax credit and standard deduction.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Are you on track for retirement? Take this quiz and find out.

14 benefits seniors are entitled to but often forget to claim

$1,000,000 saved? Download this free guide to learn 7 ways to generate retirement income.

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Money"

Read More


Source: Money

Published: November 02, 2025 at 06:19PM on Source: KOS MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

These 8 States Will See the Biggest Tax Cuts in 2026

These 8 States Will See the Biggest Tax Cuts in 2026 Chris AdamNovember 1, 2025 at 11:30 PM 170 If you're looking to...
New Photo - Furloughed federal workers face delays getting unemployment pay during shutdown

Furloughed federal workers face delays getting unemployment pay during shutdown JONATHAN MATTISE November 1, 2025 at 9:50 PM 0 1 / 3US Government Shutdown UnemploymentCela Bratton Williams walks into the Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas office, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Plano, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) For more than two weeks now during the government shutdown, Imelda AvilaThomas has been trying in vain to get approved for unemployment compensation to help cover essentials such as food and mortgage payments for her family while she's on unpaid furlough from her federal gover...

- - Furloughed federal workers face delays getting unemployment pay during shutdown

JONATHAN MATTISE November 1, 2025 at 9:50 PM

0

1 / 3US Government Shutdown UnemploymentCela Bratton Williams walks into the Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas office, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Plano, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

For more than two weeks now during the government shutdown, Imelda Avila-Thomas has been trying in vain to get approved for unemployment compensation to help cover essentials such as food and mortgage payments for her family while she's on unpaid furlough from her federal government job.

She kept asking questions and was ultimately sent a hyperlink to upload proof-of-income documents, which she did earlier this week. But Avila-Thomas, who works for the Department of Labor in San Antonio, said the system still deems her ineligible for benefits, saying it cannot verify her wages. She wonders whether someone who might help her has also been furloughed.

A mother of a 12-year-old daughter and local union leader, Avila-Thomas is among the thousands of furloughed federal workers trying to navigate the unemployment system — a sharp increase, but still a fraction of the 670,000-plus furloughed workforce, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. The dollar amounts and length of benefits vary by state.

About 26,000 federal workers filed initial claims from Sept. 28 through Oct. 18, according to raw data published by the Department of Labor. Some 3,300 applied in the week that ended days before the Oct. 1 shutdown start.

Furloughed workers have some factors to consider. For instance, if they receive back pay as expected when the shutdown ends, they would need to repay the unemployment aid. For Avila-Thomas, refunding the money later is preferable to taking on debt.

Avila-Thomas has worked at the Labor Department for 16 years. Her husband is a disabled veteran who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs and is still working with pay, but they have had to cut back on tutoring for their daughter, who has dyslexia, and with one income now, they've gone to a food bank.

"This would cover that — the essential basics," said Avila-Thomas, whose local American Federation of Government Employees covers Labor Department workers in several states. "And yes, in an ideal world, everybody would have six months worth of savings. And the reality is, most of our members are coming to that point where they could no longer pay those regular bills."

She has applied for part-time work and said she isn't looking for a handout.

Federal workers' jobless aid relies on states

Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees relies heavily on state laws and processing.

The specifics vary. Massachusetts has a high-end weekly benefit of $1,105 per week for up to 30 weeks. In Mississippi, it's no more than $235 weekly for up to 26 weeks. Roughly half the states pay less than $600 a week maximum, according to U.S. Department of Labor numbers.

Not everyone gets the maximum weekly rate. Some states offer fewer than 20 weeks. And the limits can grow in some states when unemployment rates are particularly high.

Around the nation's capital, the maximum weekly payment is $444 in Washington, D.C., $430 in Maryland and $378 in Virginia.

In Texas, where Avila-Thomas lives, the weekly maximum is $605, for up to 26 weeks.

States normally issue payments within two to three weeks after someone's claim is approved, the Labor Department says. And most states also have an initial "waiting week" for which benefits are not paid upfront. Beneficiaries typically receive money for that week only later, if they exhaust all the weeks they're allotted, the National Employment Law Project says.

States are responsible for verifying an applicant's job and earnings with their federal employer. But the Department of Labor has warned that the shutdown may delay processing of this information by federal agencies.

Many workers have not received forms normally sent by their employing agencies that are used to verify employment and earnings, according to the National Employment Law Project.

Questions have come up about states' varying requirements that people prove they are job hunting while receiving unemployment checks. The Labor Department has said waivers of the requirement may apply for the furloughed federal workers under state laws, noting they face ethics limits on outside work. And some states have specified that work-search mandates won't apply to these workers, waiving them for several weeks or longer.

But in Texas, Avila-Thomas said she has not received a clear answer. Many of her job matches could present a conflict of interest, she said. The Texas Workforce Commission did not immediately respond to a request to clarify the work requirement for those workers.

Those still working without pay are ineligible

About 730,000 federal employees have kept working without pay, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center, and they are generally not eligible for unemployment benefits. They will receive back pay after the government is reopened. Workers on reduced hours could be eligible for unemployment.

"Excepted" employees working without pay are typically necessary to respond to emergencies or ensure national security, such as air traffic controllers and airport security screeners.

The Trump administration has said pay will continue for some groups, including FBI special agents and military troops. Paychecks never stopped for some other workers whose departments, such as the Postal Service, rely on their own revenues or certain other funding sources.

There have been other wrinkles specific to how this administration has handled the shutdown, as well.

Earlier in October, the Trump administration threatened that back pay for furloughed federal workers would not be guaranteed, though he later backtracked on it. Trump has also sought to lay off more than 10,000 federal workers during the shutdown. A judge has blocked the layoffs while a lawsuit challenging them plays out.

Avila-Thomas said workers like her are ready for the shutdown to end.

"We're ready to get back," she said. "I think I've driven my family crazy with things and projects." ___

This story has been to correct the name of the American Federation of Government Employees.

___

data journalist Larry Fenn contributed from New York.

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Money"

Read More


Source: Money

Published: November 02, 2025 at 06:18PM on Source: KOS MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Furloughed federal workers face delays getting unemployment pay during shutdown

Furloughed federal workers face delays getting unemployment pay during shutdown JONATHAN MATTISE November 1, 2025 at ...
New Photo - 6 Amazing Items To Buy From Trader Joe's Ahead of Thanksgiving 2025

6 Amazing Items To Buy From Trader Joe's Ahead of Thanksgiving 2025 Sean BryantNovember 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM 0 Sundry Photography / iStock.com Most years, you're putting up your Halloween decorations one minute, and then you're looking at a grocery list that is a mile long and wondering why gravy always seems to be a lastminute emergency. With seasonal items that are festive, useful and occasionally just plain entertaining, Trader Joe's manages to defuse the chaos of the holidays. Before the shelves are empty and the cost of necessities begins to rise, it's best to stock up now to save money.

- - 6 Amazing Items To Buy From Trader Joe's Ahead of Thanksgiving 2025

Sean BryantNovember 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM

0

Sundry Photography / iStock.com

Most years, you're putting up your Halloween decorations one minute, and then you're looking at a grocery list that is a mile long and wondering why gravy always seems to be a last-minute emergency. With seasonal items that are festive, useful and occasionally just plain entertaining, Trader Joe's manages to defuse the chaos of the holidays. Before the shelves are empty and the cost of necessities begins to rise, it's best to stock up now to save money.

Read More: 6 Best Fall Items To Buy at Sam's Club Before They Sell Out

Explore More: 8 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money That Actually Work

Keep reading for six Trader Joe's items you should stock up on soon before they're no longer available closer to Thanksgiving.

©Trader Joe's

Trending Now: Suze Orman's Secret to a Wealthy Retirement--Have You Made This Money Move?

Maple Spiced Nut Mix -

Price: $6.49

The maple spiced nut mix from Trader Joe's comes in a canister, making it easy to serve to guests. Chewy dried cranberries balance the buttery maple glaze of almonds, pecans and pepitas with black pepper and rosemary. The end product is crunchy, sweet and slightly savory, making it ideal for packing for travel or serving as a pre-dinner snack. It's a festive way to keep guests happy while the turkey roasts.

Check Out: 7 Trader Joe's Dinners That Will Feed Your Entire Family for Under $15

©Trader Joe'sPumpkin Butter -

Price: $2.99

Pumpkin butter has the sweetness, spice and smooth texture of pumpkin pie without the effort. Spread it on biscuits, swirl it over ice cream, stir it into oatmeal or slip it into a peanut butter sandwich. It can also be used as a quick sauce by blending it with cream and heating it up to create a delicious garnish for roasted squash or pasta. When Thanksgiving week arrives, jars may quickly run out, so stock up.

©Trader Joe'sPumpkin Body Scrub -

Price: $6.99

Food isn't everything; sometimes you need to pamper yourself around the holidays. Brown sugar, pumpkin, sunflower and jojoba oils are combined in the pumpkin body scrub to create a seasonal spa experience at home. It leaves a light pumpkin spice aroma that is comforting rather than overpowering, and it exfoliates dry skin. Consider it a way to relax after spending hours in the kitchen or as preparation for holiday pictures.

©Trader Joe'sHoneycrisp Apple Scented Candle -

Price: $3.99

The fresh aroma of apples is the epitome of fall. Whether or not the weather cooperates, the honeycrisp apple scented candle from Trader Joe's brings a sense of coziness and an orchard into your house. It burns cleanly for roughly 20 hours and is made with soy wax and a wick free of lead. Snag a few of tins: one for yourself, one as a considerate hostess present and perhaps one as a backup for when the guests finally depart.

©Trader Joe'sPumpkin Maple Bacon Stuffies Dog Treats -

Price: $4.49

Pets shouldn't be excluded from the holiday excitement. Soft and chewy, pumpkin maple bacon stuffies have a molasses-maple-bacon filling and a pumpkin-flavored shell. They are satisfying, seasonal and reasonably priced, much like fig cookies for puppies. Get your dog a bag so they can participate in the festivities and possibly divert your attention while you carve the turkey.

©Trader Joe'sTurkey Gravy -

Price: $1.69

Homemade gravy can be a great addition to turkey, mashed potatoes and even stuffing, but if it lumps or burns when the rest of the meal is ready to eat, it can ruin everything. That makes the Trader Joe's turkey gravy one of the best holiday backup plans. This is a savory, herbaceous and blissfully stress-free pour-and-heat version. You can serve it plain or add a little "homemade" flair by adding spices or drippings on the stove. No last-minute panic, which is a plus.

Editor's note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.

More From GOBankingRates

5 Little Luxuries To Buy at Dollar Tree This October

7 Sam's Club Items Retirees Need To Buy Ahead of Fall

How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires -- and How You Can, Too

6 Clever Ways to Pocket an Extra $1K This Month

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Amazing Items To Buy From Trader Joe's Ahead of Thanksgiving 2025

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Money"

Read More


Source: Money

Published: November 02, 2025 at 06:19PM on Source: KOS MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

6 Amazing Items To Buy From Trader Joe’s Ahead of Thanksgiving 2025

6 Amazing Items To Buy From Trader Joe's Ahead of Thanksgiving 2025 Sean BryantNovember 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM 0 Sun...
New Photo - 11 Used Cars That Are Actually Terrible Deals

11 Used Cars That Are Actually Terrible Deals Jenny CohenNovember 2, 2025 at 10:35 PM 0 You might be in the market for a used car so you can keep more cash in your wallet, and in that case, you should really avoid certain vehicles. Which vehicles should you be avoiding, and why? Here are some cars that, for different reasons, could be a terrible idea to bring home from a used car dealer. Don't Miss: 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 1.

- - 11 Used Cars That Are Actually Terrible Deals

Jenny CohenNovember 2, 2025 at 10:35 PM

0

You might be in the market for a used car so you can keep more cash in your wallet, and in that case, you should really avoid certain vehicles.

Which vehicles should you be avoiding, and why? Here are some cars that, for different reasons, could be a terrible idea to bring home from a used car dealer.

Don't Miss: 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance.

1. 2015 Ford Fiesta

Why you should avoid it: Mechanical issues

The Fiesta can be a great small sedan when it works properly, but this particular model has issues with transmission mounts and regularly needs strut replacements.

Those types of repairs can add up significantly over the car's remaining lifetime. Over the long haul, affordability depends on reliability.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

2. 2020 Nissan 370Z

Why you should avoid it: Weak infotainment and safety features

The 2020 Nissan 370Z may look cool and sporty, but the inside leaves much to be desired.

The car lacks a good infotainment system for the amount of money you may have to pay for it, and it lacks safety features that you would expect from other cars of this age.

3. 2008 and 2010-12 Chrysler Town & Country

Why you should avoid it: Overall reliability

You may be in the market for a minivan, but be sure to check on other models before settling on a Town & Country.

According to CarComplaints.com, models from 2008 and 2010-12 can be very unreliable, particularly when it comes to their electrical systems.

Avoid these money mistakes: 9 dumbest things smart people waste money on

4. 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

Why you should avoid it: Low fuel economy

A 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser is probably not the best car for you if you want good fuel economy. When you're shopping, compare its miles per gallon with other SUVs.

You might be surprised at how low the Land Cruiser's gas mileage (13 for city driving and 17 for highway driving) is compared to 2020 Ford Explorers (18 and 24) or Chevrolet Blazers (18 and 25).

5. 2011-14 Hyundai Sonata

Why you should avoid it: Engine failure

Hyundai's 2.0- and 2.4-liter Theta II engines were so notorious for failures and other issues that owners filed a class action lawsuit against the company. The suit was eventually settled, and Honda reimbursed drivers for certain repairs.

If you do decide to go with this model, it will be important to see the previous maintenance history and check for engine issues.

6. 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Why you should avoid it: Engine issues

You may be in the market for a pickup truck, and there are plenty of good options to choose from in the U.S. After all, the top three best-selling new cars in the country in 2022 were pickups.

However, the 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 has been known to experience engine issues, including excessive oil consumption. So it may be best to steer clear of this truck.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

7. 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid

Why you should avoid it: Brake issues and limited space

Honda Civics are popular vehicles, and you may be enticed to buy a hybrid version to test out the combustion and electric engine combination.

Unfortunately, problems with this model's ABS braking system could cause issues with braking in bad weather conditions.

You'll also have to deal with less space, as the battery for the electric engine takes up space in the back seat and trunk.

8. 2016 Jeep Compass

Why you should avoid it: Lacks features

A 2016 Jeep Compass may be a good option if you're just looking for an SUV with some basic options to get you from one place to another.

But you should look for something else if you want to grab a used SUV with more than the bare bones. The base model lacks power window controls and power door locks.

9. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta

Why you should avoid it: Overall reliability issues

Small problems seem to add up for the Jetta.

Many Jettas are reported to be unreliable, but the 2010 model of the vehicle is known to be especially shoddy. Drivers have reported unreliable audio systems, power systems, climate controls, and more.

To avoid repeated headaches, keep the 2010 Jetta off your list.

Who actually has the cheapest auto insurance in your state? Check your zip code here.

10. 2015 Audi Q7

Why you should avoid it: Engine and electrical issues

The 2015 Q7 is more luxurious than the typical SUV, but the issues you may encounter are no luxury.

This was the last year of the Q7 before a major redesign, and it's easy to see why with so the issues that crop up. Drivers report engine and electrical issues.

If you want an Audi Q7, find a more recent model on the used car lot.

11. 2002 Ford Explorer

Why you should avoid it: Transmission and drivetrain issues

The Ford Explorer is one of the best-selling SUVs in the United States, but some versions are better than others.

The 2002 model, in particular, is known to have issues with its transmission and drivetrain. Since Explorers have been on the market for decades, you should be able to steer clear of the 2002 version when looking for a new car.

Bottom line

When buying a used car on a budget, remember to factor in expenses besides the vehicle. Some vehicles might not be worth it in the long run.

In general, find other ways to lower your car costs. Stay on top of maintenance and compare auto insurance rates to find the lowest price.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Are you on track for retirement? Take this quiz and find out.

14 benefits seniors are entitled to but often forget to claim

$1,000,000 saved? Download this free guide to learn 7 ways to generate retirement income.

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Money"

Read More


Source: Money

Published: November 02, 2025 at 06:19PM on Source: KOS MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

11 Used Cars That Are Actually Terrible Deals

11 Used Cars That Are Actually Terrible Deals Jenny CohenNovember 2, 2025 at 10:35 PM 0 You might be in the market for a...
New Photo - You can still start the 'Great Lock In' to achieve health goals by the end of the year

You can still start the 'Great Lock In' to achieve health goals by the end of the year Terry Ward, CNNNovember 2, 2025 at 11:00 PM 0 Who says you have to wait until the new year to make a resolution or change in habits? The latest social media trend on TikTok and Instagram, dubbed the "Great Lock In," kicked off September 1 and is all about finishing out the year strong by becoming laserfocused on a personal goal now. That goal could be financial, healthrelated, a possible big move or something else entirely.

- - You can still start the 'Great Lock In' to achieve health goals by the end of the year

Terry Ward, CNNNovember 2, 2025 at 11:00 PM

0

Who says you have to wait until the new year to make a resolution or change in habits?

The latest social media trend on TikTok and Instagram, dubbed the "Great Lock In," kicked off September 1 and is all about finishing out the year strong by becoming laser-focused on a personal goal now.

That goal could be financial, health-related, a possible big move or something else entirely.

And if tightening up your fitness or wellness regime before the holidays is on your to-do list, experts say it's not too late to start.

The phrase Great Lock In is a nod to Gen Z slang, which uses the term "lock in" or "locked in" to indicate certainty or commitment to whatever the cause may be.

For Hannah M. Le, 27, seeing the trend go viral on TikTok was the impetus for deciding to increase her cardio and strength training goals for the rest of the year. The founder of Buckle Scrunchies who lives in New York City said she started her Great Lock In on September 8 with a goal of adding more reps to her strength training routine every week as well as increasing her pace on runs.

The "Great Lock In" inspired Hannah M. Le to increase her strength training and cardio goals. - Courtesy Hannah M. Le

Le said she's never been fond of adhering to rules but has so far found the Great Lock In useful in meeting her goals.

"What's helping me with the Great Lock In is my friends who are either joining me or interested in hearing more about my journey," she said. "I consider them to be my accountability partners, and I tell them my workout schedule throughout the week as a commitment device."

Locking in

The trend's social component is a big part of what's driving people to try the Great Lock In, said Katy Milkman, the James G. Dinan Professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and author of "How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be."

People sometimes need a bit of extra motivation to get focused when it comes to kick-starting healthy habits, said Milkman, who is partnering with CNN on a 30-day wellness challenge that gives readers the option to participate in a daily quiz to gather research about such habits.

"'Everybody else is doing it' is one of the most motivating ways to get people to change their behavior," Milkman said. "They look around and say, 'It's a trend, I don't want to miss out.'"

New Year's resolutions work in the same way as the Great Lock In. Both motivate people with a temporal marker, she added, but motivation on its own is not enough to meet goals.

"When you have a goal, you can't just be like, 'I'm going do it. There it is, and then I'll push myself through,'" she said.

Research shows it's much more effective if you use different strategies that have been proven to work. "Everything from breaking down big goals into component parts, having someone else who you're pursuing your goals with in tandem and finding ways to make it fun to pursue your goals so that you enjoy the process instead of dreading it," Milkman said.

Le has a tactic she said works for her — putting less pressure on herself to make her goals and reminding herself instead of why it's important to do so.

"I tell myself, 'I don't have to do anything, but I get to do everything,'" she said. "Getting stronger and faster is a way for me to continue doing the activities I want to do for the rest of my life, especially as ski season comes around."

There's no time like now

It's never too late to try the Great Lock In whether it's a health challenge like weight lifting or some other goal. - skynesher/E+/Getty Images

One of the good things about the Great Lock In, wellness speaker Mona Sharma said, is that it's a way for people to commit that feels very personalized.

"We've had a really volatile few years, and people want agency and structures that they can do at home," Sharma said. "And a three- to four-month window feels really, really doable and motivating, instead of the pressure of January."

Cooler weather this time of year combined with people naturally spending more time at home might also help serve as motivation to reach a goal, she said.

"The Great Lock In is about turning that natural slowdown into a season of, really, self-investment," Sharma said.

People who will have success with the Great Lock In will focus on the value of what they're doing, Sharma said, rather than obsessing over things such as numbers on a scale.

But she warned that the Great Lock In should be approached with an air of caution — especially for those who are under stress or tend to be hypervigilant, as it might be an opportunity to hide behind being busy instead of feeling balanced.

"If you're somebody who's already living in isolation, somebody who has so many all-or-nothing rules, somebody who's living with chronic anxiety, who's already not sleeping well, somebody who's going to step into this mode of doing … that could be also a great setback," she said.

People attempting the Great Lock In should focus on what makes their goals enjoyable so they're not dreading the process, Milkman said. And they should also take advice that arrives via social media with a healthy dose of skepticism.

"Try to actually look for some of the evidence-based strategies that help people achieve success, as opposed to just whatever person pops up on your TikTok feed and what they're saying," she said. "Most of that is one person's advice based on their life experience, rather than scientifically validated."

And while the social media challenge might have started September 1, it's never too late to try the Great Lock In — or try making any change, for that matter — if you think it could help you reach your goals.

Just be sure you're being realistic about them, Milkman said.

"Make sure it's a reasonable, bite-sized, daily or weekly goal that sums up to an outcome you'll be proud of," she said. "There's plenty of time to do all sorts of wonderful things, and it's good to use the motivation of whatever trends pop up, because often we need a little extra push to motivate ourselves to make a change."

Terry Ward is a travel writer and freelance journalist based in Tampa, Florida, who is ready to lock in but can't decide on what.

Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Breaking"

Read More


Source: Breaking

Published: November 02, 2025 at 05:55PM on Source: KOS MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

You can still start the ‘Great Lock In’ to achieve health goals by the end of the year

You can still start the 'Great Lock In' to achieve health goals by the end of the year Terry Ward, CNNNovember ...

 

KOS MAG © 2015 | Distributed By My Blogger Themes | Designed By Templateism.com