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Consumer Cellular Expands SpeakEasy into Connected Care with New SpeakEasy Connect Care+

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Integrated directly into SpeakEasy phones, new connected-care experience helps older adults maintain their independence while giving families greater peace of mind

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Consumer Cellular today announced SpeakEasy Connect Care+, expanding its recently launched SpeakEasy brand beyond simplified wireless with a new connected-care experience designed to help adults 75 and older maintain their independence while giving families visibility built on what the customer chooses to share.

Approximately three-quarters of adults age 50 and older want to remain in their homes as they age, according to AARP. SpeakEasy Connect Care+ is designed around that preference, bringing the kind of family connectivity people are accustomed to using with their children and spouses into the aging-in-place experience, with the technology integrated into the phone the parent or loved one already carries.

Today’s launch builds on Consumer Cellular’s broader commitment to developing technology around the evolving needs of older adults, giving customers and their families more choice in how they stay connected, supported and independent.

“The goal is to give older adults more confidence to keep doing things on their own and make it easier for families to be there when they’re needed,” said Ed Evans, Chairman and CEO of Consumer Cellular. “SpeakEasy Connect Care+ was designed to provide reassurance without hovering so Mom or Dad can keep living life on their own terms while the people they trust have an easier way to know they’re doing okay.”

Consent sits with the SpeakEasy customer throughout. The SpeakEasy customer remains in control of what is shared and can adjust or turn off sharing at any time. Only the trusted contacts designated by the main customer can view shared activity.

Unlike traditional caregiver solutions that can require an older adult to adopt or manage an additional monitoring device, SpeakEasy Connect Care+ is custom-built on Smith Micro’s SafePath OS™ for Senior Phone platform and integrated directly into SpeakEasy Smart and SpeakEasy Flip. The SpeakEasy customer uses the connected-care features integrated into the SpeakEasy phone they already carry, while trusted contacts download the SpeakEasy Connected Care+ app on their own iOS or Android smartphones. Trusted contacts do not need a SpeakEasy device or Consumer Cellular wireless service to use the SpeakEasy Connect Care+ app.

SpeakEasy monthly service with the Connect Care+ app is available beginning today for $34.99 per month plus taxes and fees and includes unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data. Customers purchasing a SpeakEasy phone receive two months of service free.

Through the SpeakEasy Care app, customers and their trusted contacts can choose the tools and notifications that are most useful to them.

Location visibility: Trusted contacts can see a customer’s shared location and follow location updates as they become available. The SpeakEasy customer can adjust or turn off location sharing at any time.Safety Areas and Scheduled Alerts: Create alerts around specific locations and times, such as knowing when a loved one arrives at or leaves a familiar location or receiving an update at a certain time of day.Activity and location history: View available profile activity and, on SpeakEasy Smart, location history and events for a selected day. Profile activity is visible only to the member’s designated trusted contacts.Check-ins: Customers can send a check-in to their trusted contacts, including their available location, through a simple prompt on their SpeakEasy phone.Mood Updates: Customers can share how they’re feeling with trusted contacts, offering a simple way for family to know how they’re doing without a call.Device information: View available device information, including battery status on supported SpeakEasy devices.Lost-device support: Ring a misplaced SpeakEasy device to help locate it.Trusted Contacts: Each Connect Care+ account supports up to two trusted contacts selected by the SpeakEasy customer.

SpeakEasy Connect Care+ capabilities vary by device. SpeakEasy Smart offers additional Connect Care+ capabilities, including a family location map showing the member’s latest available location, location history and timeline, and device battery information. SpeakEasy Flip provides a more basic map experience and more limited device-status functionality, bringing family connectivity to customers who prefer the familiarity and simplicity of a traditional flip phone.

About Consumer Cellular

Founded in 1995, Consumer Cellular is the first wireless provider built for Americans 50+. An approved wireless partner of AARP, the company is trusted by more than 4 million subscribers for affordable plans, popular devices, and nationwide coverage, all backed by 100% U.S.-based customer support. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, the company was ranked #1 in Network Coverage and #1 in Customer Satisfaction among wireless carriers from ACSI in 2024 and #1 in Customer Service from USA TODAY (2025-2026).

About SpeakEasy

SpeakEasy by Consumer Cellular is a wireless brand designed to deliver a simpler wireless experience for adults age 75 and older. Built around ease of use, affordability and uncomplicated technology, SpeakEasy combines easy-to-use devices, straightforward wireless plans and connected-care capabilities that help older adults maintain their independence while staying connected to the people who matter most. Learn more at SpeakEasyMobile.com.

Media Contact:
alana.kornfeld@consumercellular.com
Consumer Cellular | SpeakEasy

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumer-cellular-expands-speakeasy-into-connected-care-with-new-speakeasy-connect-care-302867289.html

SOURCE Consumer Cellular

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Achieve earns Top 3 ranking for personal loan customer satisfaction from LendingTree

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Recognition marks seventh consecutive quarter Achieve has ranked among the nation’s top lenders for customer satisfaction

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, has been named one of the Top 3 lenders in personal loan customer satisfaction by LendingTree for the third quarter of 2026. This distinction from one of the nation’s largest online personal finance marketplaces underscores Achieve’s commitment to delivering transparent, supportive, and human-centered financial services.

This marks the seventh consecutive LendingTree customer service award that Achieve has earned, following a top-three ranking in the second quarter of 2026. The quarterly ranking is published by LendingTree, based on verified customer reviews and other data evaluating lenders on transparency, ease of the application process and the quality of customer service. Achieve consistently maintains high ratings for providing consumers with a clear path toward improving their financial health.

“For someone consolidating debt, a personal loan is more than a transaction. It’s an opportunity to improve their finances and move forward with greater confidence,” said Achieve President of Lending Kyle Enright. “Our team helps members understand their options and find the solution that fits their goals by pairing competitive fixed rates with personal guidance. Earning this recognition for a seventh consecutive quarter reflects the care our teammates bring to those conversations and the trust our members place in us.”

A rate cut earlier this year lowered the best available annual percentage rate (APR) on Achieve Personal Loans to 6.25%, a reduction of 274 basis points. This initiative, supported by advanced underwriting and enhanced with FICO® Score 10 T data, maintains access to fixed-rate loans for an expanded set of consumers, with an expected improvement in credit performance. These loans are originated by a bank partner via the Achieve Personal Loans platform.

Key highlights of the Achieve Personal Loan experience:

Competitive, fixed rates: APRs now start as low as 6.25% for qualified borrowers, providing a more affordable alternative to high-interest credit card debt.Rapid funding: Qualified members can have funds sent in as little as 24 hours to address immediate financial needs.Flexible terms: Borrowers can choose repayment schedules ranging from 2, 3, 4 and 5 years to align with their specific budget and goals.Transparent pricing: All loans feature fixed monthly payments and a clear payoff date, with no hidden fees or revolving balances.

For more information and important disclosures about Achieve Personal Loans, visit achieve.com/personal-loans

Achieve has served over 2 million consumers, helping to resolve over $22 billion in debt and facilitated over $15 billion in personal loans and home equity lines of credit since 2002. This latest accolade follows a series of recent wins. Achieve was named to Az Business Magazine’s AZ Big 100 List for 2026, and honored by InHerSight with eight recognitions, including being named the No. 1 finance company for women to work.

As a trusted leader in debt consolidation, Achieve remains committed to helping everyday people move toward a better financial future. This commitment is rooted in providing a transparent experience, a personalized approach to every member’s unique situation and the predictable, fast cash flow necessary to attain long-term financial stability. By focusing on these core principles, the company continues to redefine how consumers manage debt and build lasting financial health.

About Achieve

Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, helps everyday people get on, and stay on, the path to a better financial future. Achieve pairs proprietary data and analytics with personalized support to offer personal loans, home equity loans, debt relief and debt consolidation, along with financial tips and education. Achieve is frequently recognized for providing top-rated customer experience and satisfaction by both consumers and leading personal finance review platforms and has 2,200 dedicated teammates across the country, with hubs in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.

Achieve refers to the global organization and may denote one or more affiliates of Achieve Company, including Achieve.com, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #138464); Achieve Home Loans, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #1810501); Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS ID #227977); Freedom Debt Relief (NMLS ID # 1248929); and Freedom Financial Asset Management (CRD #170229).

Contacts

Austin Kilgore
akilgore@achieve.com
214-908-5097

Elina Tarkazikis
etarkazikis@achieve.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/achieve-earns-top-3-ranking-for-personal-loan-customer-satisfaction-from-lendingtree-302924429.html

SOURCE Achieve

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Mediaplanet Launches Men’s Mental Health Campaign in USA TODAY, Featuring Jake Shane, Howie Mandel, Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and Yung Pueblo

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NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mediaplanet today announces the launch of its Men’s Mental Health campaign, publishing within USA TODAY and through the Future of Personal Health digital content hub. The national campaign brings together leading healthcare experts, mental health advocates, organizations, athletes and public figures to encourage more open conversations around men’s mental health and provide accessible, actionable resources for building healthier lives. Featuring Netflix podcaster and internet sensation Jake Shane as the publication’s cover story, the campaign also includes editorial from global influence Howie Mandel, All-Star athlete Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and author Yung Pueblo, offering personal experiences and expert perspectives on mental health, emotional well-being, resilience and personal growth.

Through personal stories, expert insights and practical resources, the campaign directly challenges the expectation that men should navigate mental health struggles alone while encouraging a more open and supportive approach to overall well-being. “I wish people would take care of their mental health the way we take care of our dental health,” said Howie Mandel. His perspective reflects the campaign’s broader mission to normalize mental health care as an essential part of everyday health and encourage men to prioritize their well-being before they reach a point of crisis.

The campaign was made possible through the participation and support of Vibrant Emotional Health, Financial Therapy Association, NOCD, Spear Center, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy, American Association of Kidney Patients, Crisis Text Line, YMCA, One Mind at Work, The Hidden Opponent, Kevin Love Fund, American College of Sports Medicine, Whitman-Walker, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Mark Hyman, Yung Pueblo, Kevin Love, Howie Mandel and Jake Shane.

Media Contact: Joelle Hernandez, joelle.hernandez@mediaplanet.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mediaplanet-launches-mens-mental-health-campaign-in-usa-today-featuring-jake-shane-howie-mandel-kevin-love-dr-mark-hyman-and-yung-pueblo-302924437.html

SOURCE Mediaplanet

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Wonderloom Media’s Dr. Insanity Launches Patreon With Exclusive Content for Superfans Amid Rising Demand for Premium True Crime

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Wonderloom Media’s true crime channel, with more than 6 million YouTube subscribers, gives its most dedicated fans a deeper way to experience its documentary-style storytelling

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wonderloom Media, the creator economy studio formed by Content Partners and media entrepreneur Ed Simpson, today announced the launch of a Patreon membership for Dr. Insanity, one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, expanding the depth of content available to the channel’s biggest fans.

The Dr. Insanity Patreon offers members extended cuts of episodes, exclusive content and a community space, giving superfans more of the stories they follow on YouTube. The membership launches October 31 alongside a weeklong feature on a Times Square billboard, running through November 5.

Dr. Insanity now has more than 6.1 million YouTube subscribers and over 3 billion total views, and has continued to grow since Wonderloom acquired the channel in June 2026. The Patreon launch is part of Wonderloom’s push to expand Dr. Insanity’s content and bring it to fans wherever they watch, including its distribution on Tubi.

True crime superfans can become members of the Dr. Insanity Patreon at www.patreon.com/c/DrInsanity

About Wonderloom Media
Wonderloom Media is a creator-first media platform that acquires, operates and scales YouTube-native content businesses. Formed by Content Partners and media entrepreneur Ed Simpson, Wonderloom brings institutional operating experience, expanded distribution and 360° monetization to digital-native properties with loyal audiences and long-term growth potential. Its portfolio includes Dr. Insanity, one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, with more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3 billion views.

About Dr. Insanity
Dr. Insanity is one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, known for documentary-style storytelling and a loyal, highly engaged audience. The channel has more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3 billion views. https://www.youtube.com/@DrInsanityCrime 

Media Contact:
Michal Mitchell
Wonderloom@relativity.ventures

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wonderloom-medias-dr-insanity-launches-patreon-with-exclusive-content-for-superfans-amid-rising-demand-for-premium-true-crime-302922403.html

SOURCE Wonderloom Media

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