The days are longer, the bugs are bolder, and the fridge is 90% watermelon - summer has arrived! This episode explores what it means to be intentional during these precious 100 days of summer many of us experience.

After sharing some exciting podcast news (I'm resurrecting my "Aging Ain't for Sissies" podcast alongside this one!) and personal updates about my ongoing cancer treatment, I dive into what summer means to different people. Whether you're managing kids who are suddenly home from school or enjoying retirement like me, summer invites us to reset our routines and embrace a different rhythm.

What does your ideal summer look like? I guide you through creating a realistic summer bucket list - not pie-in-the-sky dreams you'll never accomplish, but attainable joys like trying one new local adventure, enjoying screen-free afternoons, or experimenting with a new summer recipe. For me, it includes hosting a rooftop luncheon for my girlfriends, something I've been planning meticulously despite the challenges of Chicago weather and my building's "no glass" policy on the deck!

I also share mini summer rituals worth embracing: morning light walks, decluttering just one space (maybe your beach bag?), and creating weekly "joy lists" of three things you're looking forward to. Summer is the perfect container for intentional living because its boundaries are clear - approximately June through August for most of us.

As we cruise into what I call "the SPF and grilling everything season," I encourage you to write down your own summer intention. Mine? "Laugh more, stress less, and only commit to plans if they involve snacks and shade." What will your summer story be?

Share your summer intentions with me at InsideMarcisMinд@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @marcibackus. And remember, summer bodies are made in the kitchen, mostly standing in front of the fridge.

Life throws curveballs, but how we respond defines us. After developing a painful blood clot following back-to-back flights, I've learned valuable lessons about travel safety that I'm eager to share. The experience was particularly frightening given my ongoing cancer journey and inability to take standard blood thinners. Despite these challenges, I'm continuing with radiation treatments and maintaining my signature optimistic outlook.

My passion for travel remains undimmed. Years of exploration have taught me systems that maximize experiences while minimizing hassles and expenses. I've perfected the art of packing for two-week trips using only carry-on luggage through careful color coordination, strategic clothing selection, and organizational tools like packing cubes. This approach isn't just about convenience—it's about preserving your energy and mobility for the experiences that matter.

Airline loyalty has transformed my travel experience in ways most budget travelers never discover. Even modest status levels unlock perks that elevate inexpensive tickets into comfortable journeys: priority boarding, free checked bags, preferred seating, and dedicated customer service during disruptions. Similar principles apply to rental cars and accommodations, where knowing which options to select can yield significant savings without sacrificing quality.

Chicago serves as my beautiful home base between adventures—a city of architectural wonders, engineering marvels, and culinary delights that often surprises visitors with its beaches, riverside scenery, and vibrant energy. As I look toward future travels and potential retirement considerations, I'm guided by the principle that smart financial decisions today create more opportunities for exploration tomorrow.

Whether you're navigating health challenges, planning your next getaway, or simply looking to travel more efficiently, remember that preparation and positivity make all the difference. Share your own travel tips or questions with me—I'd love to hear how you balance adventure with practicality in your journeys!

Marcy returns with updates on her health journey, sharing the welcome news that she's been off chemotherapy for two weeks and feeling "awesome." Her vibrant energy shines through as she discusses recent travels to California where she spent meaningful time supporting her transgender son Kyle through some personal challenges—a connection that deepened their relationship in unexpected ways.

The episode weaves between personal stories about printer malfunctions, Harry Potter store visits, and future plans to look at retirement properties in Arizona. Marci's authentic voice creates an intimate atmosphere as she shares her excitement about turning 65 and finally qualifying for Medicare after years of paying $1,500 monthly for health insurance.

The heart of this episode focuses on an often-overlooked financial opportunity: finding money you didn't know you had. Marci presents a comprehensive guide to locating unclaimed assets through various resources including missingmoney.com for uncashed checks, lostandfounddol.gov for forgotten retirement accounts, and treasuryhunt.gov for unclaimed savings bonds. She expertly breaks down each site's purpose and how listeners can use them to potentially recover forgotten funds.

Following this financial treasure hunt, Marci warns about "six risky discounts" that often end up costing consumers more than they save. From subscription traps and privacy-invading apps to store credit cards with exorbitant interest rates, she offers practical advice for avoiding common financial pitfalls in today's digital marketplace. Her straightforward guidance on monitoring credit card statements and managing digital privacy reflects her no-nonsense approach to personal finance.

The episode concludes with a delightful fun fact about elephants being the only animal that cannot jump, alongside a heartfelt appeal to never ride elephants due to the harm it causes these sensitive creatures. Marci's passion for animal welfare adds yet another dimension to her multifaceted personality.

Join Marci for this blend of personal updates, practical financial advice, and warmhearted wisdom. Have questions or topic suggestions? Email insidemarci'smind@gmail.com to connect directly with Marci for future episodes.