From Horror to Haven
Tips for Handling Money Troubles
Where does “car breakdown” or “wake up with a bad cold” fall on your calendar? Although we all do our best to plan our lives, unexpected circumstances add stress and burden our bank accounts. Because a good offense is always the best defense, here are some ways to prepare your finances for those unexpected situations that always seem to occur at the worst times. FLIMSY WHEELS AND FAULTY HEALTH Besides your home and possible medical bills (more on these in a bit), your automobile is the biggest expense you’ll have in life. If you’re not careful, it could also be your biggest liability to your budget. When it comes to car insurance, remember that “full coverage” is a myth, as every policy has restrictions that can leave you with sudden costs. Review your insurance declarations page to confirm your deductible. If you don’t have that amount in a savings account or another easily accessible place, it’s time to act — especially if you’re a young person who may be driving a used vehicle and new to insurance claims and car repairs. It’s also wise to review any warranty agreements on significant components in your vehicle. If an essential part falls out of dealership protection, research the costs for repair and replacement before its failure leaves you in a financial ditch without enough dollars to get back on the road. RELIEF FROM RISING RENTS Speaking of younger people, those new to renting an apartment must prepare for hikes in their costs once their lease agreements reach the renewal period. As of 2022, rent and utility bills accounted for more than 30% of the monthly incomes of 22.4 million Americans. If moving to a less expensive apartment isn’t an option in your area, plan to save at least 18% of your current rent each month in anticipation of a possible increase. AN ESCAPE FROM MEDICAL BILL MALAISE Even the best health insurance policies have deductibles that could leave you with thousands of dollars in medical bills if you require regular treatment — not to mention surgeries or significant emergencies. The sooner you save enough to cover your copays before having to pay them, the better.
TAKE A BREAK
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
DIRECTIONS
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 1/2 lbs skinless,
bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced • 10 cups chicken broth • 4 celery ribs, chopped • 4 medium carrots, chopped • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp dried thyme • 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • 1 tbsp lemon juice
PATRIOT WEALTH | 919.322.4113 | P3
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