BEFORE YOU FILE 5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN FACING DIVORCE
Deciding to file for divorce is never easy. Whether it’s been a long time coming or a more recent decision, it’s a personal choice that comes with a lot of emotion and many questions. Before you take that first legal step, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you prepare and protect yourself through the process. KNOW YOUR FINANCES One of the largest issues in any divorce is the financial piece. Before filing, gather key documents like bank statements, tax returns, mortgage info, retirement accounts, and credit card balances. Having a clear picture of your income, debts, and assets will help you (and your attorney) make informed decisions about dividing property or requesting support. THINK ABOUT THE KIDS If you have children, your top concern should be them. Start thinking about what custody might look like and how you and your spouse can co-parent. Courts typically prioritize the best interests of the child, so showing a willingness to cooperate goes a long way. UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS Not all divorces have to be battles in the courtroom. Mediation, collaborative divorce, or even just working out terms amicably through your attorneys can save time, money, and stress. It’s important to note that if things are contentious, be prepared to stand your ground and have the right legal support on your side.
PROTECT YOURSELF EMOTIONALLY AND LEGALLY Divorce can bring out the worst in even the most level-headed people. It’s helpful to have a support system, whether friends, family, a therapist, or all of the above. Also, don’t forget to be careful with your communication, especially over text and social media. What you say (or post) can come back to bite you. TALK TO AN ATTORNEY EARLY If you’re considering divorce, giving us a call can be incredibly helpful. We can walk you through what to expect, what documents to prepare, and what your rights are before things get messy.
Decode the Label!
Learn to Read Nutrition Facts Like a Pro
Reading a nutrition label might seem like deciphering a secret code, but once you know what to look for, it’s a game-changer for healthier food choices. Let’s break it down so you can shop like a pro and fuel your body with the nutrients it needs. SERVING SIZE Before diving into the details, start with the serving size. This tells you how much of the product the nutrition facts apply to. For example, if a bag of chips says 150 calories per serving but contains three servings, eating the whole bag means you consume 450 calories. CALORIES Calories tell you how much energy you get from one serving. The trick is to balance what
you eat with what your body burns. If you want to maintain or lose weight, keeping an eye on calorie intake is key. Want to know how many calories you should be consuming based on your age, height, and weight? Visit MyPlate.gov/ myplate-plan to find out! PERCENT OF DAILY VALUE The Percent of Daily Value (% DV) helps you quickly determine whether a food is nutrient-rich or lacking. Want more fiber? Look for a high % DV. Trying to cut back on sodium? Choose products with a low % DV. WHAT TO CUT BACK ON Some nutrients are better in small doses. Keep an eye on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, as too much can lead to heart disease,
high blood pressure, and other health concerns. If the % DV is 20% or more, that’s high; if it’s 5% or less, that’s low — so aim low for these! WHAT TO LOAD UP ON Not all nutrients are harmful — some are essential for good health! The average diet often lacks fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. These powerhouses support everything from strong bones to better digestion and heart health. The higher the % DV, the better! With these tips, you’ll never look at a nutrition label the same way again. Empower yourself with knowledge, make smarter choices, and enjoy a healthier, more balanced diet!
2
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator