It’s a universal truth: socks have a way of disappearing. The mystery of the vanishing sock is an unsolved puzzle that everyone experiences. But what’s really behind this bizarre phenomenon? And what about other everyday mysteries that leave us scratching our heads? It’s time to unravel some of life’s most pressing questions.

Why do my socks always disappear?

First on the docket is the mystery of the missing socks. There are several mundane explanations that may account for this phenomenon:

• Static cling. Socks, especially smaller ones, can cling to larger items like towels or sheets. They might then be folded into the item or fall off unnoticed as you fold your laundry.
• Laundry escapees. Socks can fall out of the laundry basket or get left behind in your washing machine. If your home has multiple people doing laundry, someone else may accidentally grab one of your socks.
• Pets and kids. If your sock finds its way on to the floor of a teenager’s bedroom, well, then it’s gone forever. And believe it or not, pets also love socks.

Mystery Solved: So while there’s no grand conspiracy, a sock’s small size and elusive nature make it a prime candidate for disappearance. And once you throw the unmatched culprit out, its partner is single forever! If it really bugs you, consider getting a mesh laundry bag or sock clips to keep your pairs together.

Where are my keys?

If you’re constantly misplacing your keys or phone, you’re not alone. This issue is linked to how our brains deal with memory:

• Lack of attention. If you’re distracted or in the middle of doing something else, your brain doesn’t process the act of putting down your keys. It’s like trying to save a document without clicking Save.
• Habit loops. Keys and other small items tend to get dropped in random spots rather than a consistent location, making it harder to recall where they are.

Mystery Solved: Create a designated spot, like a key bowl near a door. Also consider getting an electronic device to attach to your keys. You can then download an app to your phone to track them…you can even use these devices in reverse to find your phone. Plus, these suggestions can be used for many other items like a wallet, purse, or pass keys.

Why does time fly when you’re having fun?

Ever notice how an hour spent folding laundry may seem like an eternity, but a weekend vacation seems to pass in the blink of an eye? This phenomenon boils down to how our brains process experiences:

• Engagement and novelty. When you’re having fun, you’re fully engaged and your brain is processing new, exciting information. This heightened activity makes time feel faster in hindsight.
• Monotony slows your perception. Conversely, routine tasks like sitting through a dull meeting lack novelty, making time seem to drag on and on.

Mystery Solved: Turn boring activities into a game. While doing your laundry, for example, set a timer and race to finish folding a designated pile before time runs out. Or try to organize your laundry by color or type as fast as possible. To get kids involved, turn each piece of laundry into a story starter. “This sock went on an adventure…”

While these every day events can easily turn into an annoyance, spend a second, reset, and embrace the mystery.

With the individual tax-filing deadline on Tuesday, April 15th, if you have not already done so, now is the time to complete all filing arrangements and payments.

While this information is provided in our filing instructions, it makes sense to provide this information to everyone, whether you have filed or not. If you have not already done so, ask yourself these questions:

1. Did you sign your e-file authorization form? IRS Form 8879 needs to be signed before your taxes can be e-filed. If filing jointly, your spouse needs to sign as well. If you haven’t already, please return the signed form ASAP to ensure that your taxes can be e-filed on time. But don’t sign it before reviewing the tax return. Remember, this signature means you agree with the accuracy of the tax return.
2. Do you need more time to file? If you are not ready to file your taxes before the April 15th deadline, you can file for a six-month extension. Be aware that it is only an extension of time to file — not an extension of time to pay taxes you owe. You still need to pay all taxes by April 15th!
3. Do you owe money? If yes, make your tax payment now! The IRS has several payment options. If mailing a payment, include Form 1040-V and ensure the mail is postmarked on or before April 15th. Sending the payment by certified mail will ensure you have proof of a timely payment. Late payments, even by one day, are subject to IRS penalties and interest.
4. Do you need to deposit funds into your IRA or HSA? If you claim an IRA or HSA contribution on your tax return for the 2024 tax year, all deposits to those accounts need to be made by April 15th. Once completed, save proof of the contribution with your 2024 tax files.
5. Do you need to make an estimated tax payment? The first quarter estimated tax payment for 2025 is also due by April 15th. If you owe taxes for 2024, making 2025 estimated payments might make sense for you. A quick way to calculate a first quarter payment is to divide the taxes you paid in 2024 by four, then adjust this number for any paycheck withholdings. Send your payment along with Form 1040-ES to the IRS by April 15th. Then schedule a tax-planning meeting to determine the best approach for the remainder of the year.

If you do miss a deadline, file your return and pay the taxes as soon as you can to stop the accruing of interest and penalties.

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with more emails, phone calls and text messages crafted to look and sound like the real thing. This is often because thieves are adding artificial intelligence to its arsenal of tools to transform their tricks into messaging that genuinely looks like its coming from a person you know and trust.

Here are the top ways that scammers are using AI and what you can do to protect yourself.

How Scammers are Using AI

• AI-Powered Phishing Attacks. Phishing attacks have been around for decades, but AI makes them far more convincing. AI can analyze large amounts of data to craft messages that look and sound authentic, increasing the chances of tricking victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal information.
• Deepfake Scams. Deepfake technology allows scammers to create realistic videos and audio clips that impersonate real people. Some examples include fake videos of CEOs instructing employees to transfer money or of celebrities endorsing fraudulent products.
• Generate Realistic Conversations. Scammers are using AI chatbots that can hold realistic conversations with potential victims. These bots can appear very convincing while pretending to be customer service agents, a friend or family member, or even government officials. The goal is to trick you into sharing sensitive information or sending money.
• Fake Profiles. AI can scan all of a person’s online footprint to create a realistic profile and social media accounts. Scammers then use these fake personas to try and steal information and money from you.

Protect Yourself from AI-Driven Scams

• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages. If you receive an email, text, or call from a company or person you don’t recognize, verify its authenticity before responding. Do this by contacting the company or person directly using official channels.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA). Constantly using MFA on every website you visit may cause some frustration, but it’s nothing compared to the frustration you may experience if your identity or money are stolen. Even if scammers steal your password, they’ll need an additional verification step to access your accounts.
• Verify identities. If someone claims to be a friend, boss, or family member requesting money, first verify their identity through another channel, such as a phone call or video chat.
• Look for red flags. AI-generated scams often contain small inconsistencies—such as unnatural speech patterns in voice messages, slight facial distortions in deepfake videos, or unusual grammar in AI-generated texts. Trust your instincts and independently verify whenever you can.