The mornings are cooler and that hint of fall is in the air! Yellow school buses are making the rounds, kids are back in school, and the excitement of a new bookbag, crayons, and various school supplies reminds us that a fresh start is exactly what we need.

Who doesn’t remember bringing their textbooks home and wrapping them with a homemade book cover? (I guess I am really showing my age!) What about those brand new Pee Chee folders for notes that by the holiday break would be filled with doodles and hearts?

Getting back in the classroom with new supplies and a fresh new outfit gave us hope for new learning, friendships, and opportunities! Although days are getting shorter on sunshine, our optimism for a new chance is as fresh as a crisp, red apple.

Does the opportunity for learning something new only belong to kids? Why does it need to be any different for us as we get older? Fall is the perfect time to try a new exercise routine (hello, hot yoga!), start a new hobby (hello, constructing a Little-Free-Library), or take a new class (hello, French for beginners). And one of the best aspects of trying something new when we’re older is that we can do it from the comfort of our living room.

Want to Keep Your Brain Young?

Is learning the fountain of youth? YES!

The benefits of life-long learning range from improved memory and cognitive skills to improved mood. Researchers have found that older adults who participate in classes are happier and more resilient than adults who pass on trying something new.

Taking classes in any subject promotes new brain cell and neuron growth as well as fights against developing dementia or Alzheimer’s later in life. According to researcher Dr. Ipsit Vahia of Harvard, “New brain cell growth can happen late into adulthood. The process of learning and acquiring new information and experiences, like through structured classes, stimulates that process.”

We think that learning how to snorkel and taking language classes are fun activities, but they also keep our brains agile and elastic – both important in healthy brain function later in life.

Learning Is Like Taking Your Brain to the Gym

Picture children. They are constantly learning new skills like reading, writing, playing instruments, or even games outside with their friends. The same is true for us – one of the top ways to keep our brain young is to continually seek out new activities and challenges.

Nancy Merz Nordstrom, a lifelong learning researcher says, “Lifelong learning is like a health club for your brain. And an active mind can stimulate physical activity and keep your spirits high. It’s an all-around fantastic tool for better health.

Learning doesn’t just need to be academic to be helpful to your brain either. Explore a new hobby, learn a complicated game (like bridge or mahjong), or teach yourself to use new technology. These all create new pathways in the brain.

Want to Be Happier and Smarter?

And the emotional growth gained by learning is just as important as cognitive benefits. Author Ellen Ryan, who wrote the article “6 Benefits of Learning a New Skill Later in Life” for Next Avenue, listed the benefits she experienced as an adult learner as “…seeing tangible growth, getting out of a rut, feeling empowered, and expanding my social circle.”

Harvard researchers agree that adults who continue to pursue learning feel more confident, have more friends, slow the aging process, and even look younger! Learning really is the fountain of youth.

The Benefits of Online Classes

So, where do you find classes that fit your schedule and your interests? Online, of course! The perfect class for you is just a click away.

Due to the coronavirus, more and more online options are available every day in courses that range from history, exercise, and language, to drawing, painting, and music.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development noted that during the pandemic search for online courses, adult online classes, and e-learning increased to four times the pre-pandemic numbers.

Another benefit of online learning is that it gives you flexibility. Online courses are offered throughout the day and evening, and even on weekends. And you can learn at your own pace.

Want to take a night class because you’re busy volunteering during the day? No problem. Going on vacation during the third week of your class but still want to attend? No problem. Want to take a class that is only one day long? No problem.

One of my closest friends, Marcy, an active golfer and traveler who is also 100% Irish, loves her Ancient Ireland class because she finishes the reading, watches the short videos and lectures, and posts questions on the discussion board when it works in her schedule.

Finally, e-learning allows you to access your classes from your phone, tablet, or home computer. Imagine listening to your instructor go over Edgar Allen Poe’s early life in your Gothic Literature class while going for a walk or relaxing on your porch. Better than sitting at an uncomfortable desk, right?

Ready to Get Started?

Check out these sites to find a class you’ll love. I promise, there is something for everyone.

Masterclass

Masterclass is a great place to learn from the best. Want Gordon Ramsey to teach you to cook? Would you take a tennis lesson from Serena Williams? What if James Patterson could teach you how to write? For between $15 to $25 dollars a month you can learn from the experts.

SkillShare

Skillshare is a popular platform for those looking to learn a new hobby, deepen existing skills, or explore a wide range of offerings. For only $14 a month subscribers get access to everything.

Coursera

Coursera partners with universities and companies to offer classes with the option to earn a degree or certificate. Another benefit of the Coursera platform is that some courses are only one day long! Some classes on Coursera are free, while others require a one-time fee or subscription.

edX

Would you like the chance to attend a class from Harvard or MIT? If you want to take classes without earning a degree, most of the offerings at edX are free.

Udemy

Udemy is another great platform with a plethora of choices. On Udemy, instructors set their own prices, but hundreds of classes are only $14 to start.

All that’s missing is the blackboard and the chalk!

Thinking about taking a class but not sure where to start? I help women over 40 pivot and reevaluate their goals in midlife, and I would love to help you! Check out my website to book a FREE Clarity Session. Other resources I offer include my Passion and Purpose Workbook collection and my Podcast, “Calm the Chaos.”

Let’s Start a Conversation:

Have you taken an online course before? What was your experience like? Do you have any recommendations? What classes would you be interested in signing up for this fall? Are you more interested in the emotional benefits or cognitive benefits of life-long learning? Taking a class with a friend is twice as fun – who could take a class with you?

Do you wear glasses? Most of us by now wear at least some reading glasses. Did you get new glasses and are now wondering what hairstyle would look good with them? Do you feel that your hairstyle clashes with your glasses?

I’ve put together a list of hairstyles that look good with glasses for women over 50.

1. Short Top Volume – Add volume on the top.
2. Elegant Back Sweep – Add as much or as little volume as you want.
3. Classic Soft Curls – Soft and feminine look.
4. Edgy Bob – Youthful hairstyle.
5. Cleopatra Inspired Bob – Add some bangs to frame your frames.
6. Wavy Bob – Add texture and movement.
7. Short and Sassy Pixie – A classic that looks great with glasses.
8. Curtain Fringe – Add a curtain fringe to frame your glasses.
9. Go Long – Long hair with bold glasses for a youthful look.

Are you looking to change your eyeglasses? Read our article 6 BEST PLACES TO BUY GLASSES ONLINE to find out about the best places to shop for glasses.

Hairstyles for Older Women with Glasses

Short Top Volume

Adding volume to the top is easy with a round brush and a hairdryer. This style looks good in a variety of colors and suits most face shapes. It also looks great with glasses in all shapes and colors.

Elegant Back Sweep

This hairstyle is a tad edgier and can be achieved with a blowout and some hairspray. Add as much or as little volume at the top to match your eyeglass style.

Classic Soft Curls

Create some soft curls to frame your face. This classic style suits all eyeglass styles and face shapes.

Edgy Bob

Style your hair into a single-length bob for an edgy and bold look. Pair with large glasses to complete the look. Use an anti-frizz product to keep the flyaways at bay.

Cleopatra Inspired Bob

Add some bangs (or fringes) to frame your glasses perfectly. This style looks great in a variety of colors. You can wear it with your natural white or gray hair or color it up with vibrant colors like pink or red to suit your personality.

Wavy Bob

This fun look can be achieved with some curl-enhancing products. The messy waves create some texture and movement in the hair that compliments the eyeglasses perfectly.

Short and Sassy Pixie

This classic short pixie cut looks great with glasses of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Leave it natural white or gray and pair with darker glasses or go darker and pair with lighter frames.

Curtain Fringe

Add a curtain fringe that will naturally frame your glasses. You can part it in the middle or side-part it to your liking. Curtain fringes require less upkeep than blunt bangs.

Go Long

Long hair looks good on women of all ages. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to cut your hair now that you are over 50. Long locks and bold glasses can make you look as young as you feel.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you wear glasses? How do you style your hair around them? Which hairstyle for women over 50 with glasses is your favorite?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

There are so many mascaras that have been piquing our interest. Maybelline’s Lash Sensational is a tried-and-true favorite, while Milani and essence options have taken over TikTok as some of the best in their class. Each one provides some seriously impressive results, but have you heard of a mascara that packs two formulas into one tube? Westmore Beauty’s Two Times The Lash Mascara has its name for a reason. Two separate formulas mix together upon application to create one incredibly volumizing and lengthening product.

Here’s how it works: The “gold” formula relies on keratin, vitamin E and olive oil to condition and nourish the lashes, while the “black” formula taps on innovative technology to extend and curl them. The “black” formula additionally contains natural synthetic waxes that make your eyelashes appear long and lifted. The mascara manages to do all of this without causing clumping or flaking, which is no easy feat.

Not to mention, its $20 price tag will give all of your luxe tubes a run for their money. We stan an affordable and effective mascara!

All you have to do is apply the mascara from the root of your lash and wiggle it through. Wiggle the wand a few more times for a natural look, or layer on a second coat for a more dramatic, nighttime vibe.

Photo: Westmore Beauty.

RELATED: Shoppers Say This $10 TikTok-Viral Mascara Makes Their Natural Lashes ‘Look Like Falsies’ 

We’re not the only ones who are impressed with this dual-phase formula. 

“Great mascara! makes my lashes thicker and longer with no flaking,” raved one five-star reviewer.

“Lightweight application; thin wand for precise application; separates and lengthens lashes with no bad clumping! Love this mascara,” wrote another shopper. 

These are some tall claims, so to see the results for yourself, shop the Two Times The Lash Mascara for just $20 at Westmore Beauty. If you’re looking to add more items to your cart, check out the brand’s under-eye gel that tightens fine lines in 60 seconds. 

Westmore Beauty

Follow the shopper-loved 60-Second Eye Effects Gel with the Two Times The Lash Mascara to create a stunning, wide-awake eye look.

It is never advisable to use your retirement savings for anything other than its intended purpose, unless you have to. It is never a good idea to risk not being able to take care of yourself in retirement to save your credit score and pay off debts. The good news is that you may not have to, as there are alternative ways to get your hands on some cash without touching your retirement funds prematurely.

Why It Is Not a Good Idea to Pull Funds from Your Retirement Savings to Pay Off Debts

Generally speaking, it is not a smart move to use your retirement account to pay off debts, even if we are talking about high-interest credit cards or payday loans. As soon as you withdraw from your retirement account, you stop your growing portfolio and prevent the compounding interest from doing its magic. As a result, you might find yourself with a shortfall after retirement.

Tapping into some retirement accounts too soon can result in a hefty tax bill and, often, a penalty, making things even more difficult if you don’t have the cash flow to pay off the debt. The money in your retirement accounts is meant to be used when you retire, so early withdrawals come with a penalty. A sizable portion of your withdrawal will be directed to the IRS between taxes and penalties.

When withdrawing from retirement funds, you voluntarily give up the money you would have earned through compound interest. Compound interest is your best friend, but only when you allow it to work for you. It is free money for those who wait. It’s money for the future, not for today.

You’re in it for the long haul and investing requires patience and self-control. The long-term costs of stealing from your retirement account are never worth it. You may think you can compensate for the loss by contributing more money to your IRA later, but remember, annual contribution limits exist.

Alternate Ways to Pay Off Debts

Understandably, you want to keep your credit score high or avoid collection calls. Living with debt can be stressful, but there are numerous ways to deal with it.

#1: Create a Budget

Having a budget will give you back control over your money. Make a list of all your expenses and see how much you spend on “needs” and “wants.” With the help of the budget, you can cut off a few luxuries, downsize your expenses and put your excess income towards your debt payments.

As soon as you start paying more than just the minimum payments each month, you will begin chipping away at the principal amount of your loans. This way, you will pay off your debts quicker and cheaper as you will also pay less interest over time.

#2: Consolidate Your Debts

Using the debt consolidation method, you can combine multiple debts into a single monthly payment that will be lower than the total debt payments you are currently making. With debt consolidation, you only have to make one payment at a lower interest rate, making it easier to pay your bills. If done right, you can get rid of debt cheaper and faster.

You can consolidate anything from your credit cards, unsecured loans, payday loans, and medical debts. If you decide debt consolidation is the right step, looking around for the best debt consolidation companies near you is crucial. As long as you stick to the plan, there aren’t many cons to consolidating your debts.

#3: Try the Debt Avalanche or Snowball Method

The avalanche method involves paying off the debt with the highest interest rate and working down to the lowest interest rate. This method makes the minimum payment on all debts and puts surplus money towards the highest interest rate debt. Once having paid off the highest-interest debt, you can focus on the next highest one.

The debt snowball method will have you make the minimum payments on all your debts and put any surplus towards the debt with the smallest balance. After it’s paid off, you move on to the debt with the next smallest balance.

This strategy will be the best for you if you struggle to stay motivated to pay off debt because you will be seeing progress in a short time as you pay off the smallest debts. The only downside to this method is that you will be accruing more interest than you would with the avalanche method.

#4: Look into Credit Card Balance Transfer

You should consider credit card balance transfers if you have a lot of debt on high-interest credit cards. You can move debt from one account to another with a balance transfer, and you can save a lot by moving high-interest debt to a credit card with 0% APR.

Balance transfers work by first applying for a new card with a low introductory APR and then initiating a balance transfer. After the balance has been transferred to the new card, you can start paying it off.

You will save considerable money if you manage to pay it off during the introductory 0% APR period. Credit cards are also not the only type of debt you can transfer; many companies allow you to transfer other types of debt, including car loans, personal loans, etc.

The Bottom Line

While it may be tempting, withdrawing funds from an IRA to pay off debt is wrong, and that money is not only subject to insanely high early withdrawal penalties and taxes but is, in essence, stealing from your future self.

There are plenty of alternate ways to pay off your debts, including, but not limited to, debt consolidation, avalanche and snowball payment strategies, credit card refinance, and downsizing your expenses to focus more on debt payments.

But of course, each person’s situation is unique. Riding your account may be worthwhile if you have a surplus in your retirement account or can make up the difference in a short period. Before deciding on a strategy for your long-term financial goals, always consult with a financial advisor.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Financial experts always advise avoiding tapping into your retirement funds to pay off debt. Did you ever take money out of your retirement account to pay off debt? How did it affect your savings? Did you manage to compensate for it later down the road? Please share your experience of borrowing from your retirement account if you ever did so.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

If Mercury Retrograde (and all of the other planets in Retrograde, tbh) is asking us to get rid of what no longer serves us, then boy do I have the perfect beauty product to truly wash away all of your sins and leave you with only your purest manifestations moving forward. Another stellar body care treatment from Soft Services leaves me breathless once again and this time, it’ll live near my shampoo and conditioner in my my shower.

Comfort Cleanse removes impurities, moisturizes skin, and even doubles as a shaving lotion—it’s that amazing at doing pretty much anything. It’s good for those that take frequent showers, suffer from chronically dry, itchy and sensitive skin, reducing irritation from shaving, and all-over cleansing—including those tough to manage intimate areas.

Courtesy of Soft Services.

Soft Services Comfort Cleanse Calming Gel Exfoliant

When I say your skin will look like a baby’s, it actually will—the Comfort Cleanse is made with infant-friendly sudsing agents that lift the entire day off of your skin. Say bye to grime, dirt, and all that subway sweat with this gentle water-gel formula. Oh, and you’ll retain your body’s moisture because this shower gel is made with one-quarter glycerin that’s pressed into the skin, drawing moisture in even after you’re done with your shower. Did I mention it can double as a shaving lotion?

RELATED: 10 Must-Try Beauty Products Inspired By Fall’s Biggest Trends

One reviewer appreciated the tried and true testing methods of the brand, saying “Comfort Cleanse feels like a lightweight serum, weightless, colorless, odorless. Yet, it creates a satisfying lather that easily rinses clean. This is also safe to use in intimate areas, which is important, but not always the case with other body cleansers.” It’s certified safe for sensitive skin—not many body washes can claim that!

You know I’m super obsessed with Soft Services—from the acne-clearing Clearing Duo to the showstopper Smoothing Solution Calming Gel Exfoliant. Shop the Comfort Cleanse on Soft Services’ website now.