Is Ordering Takeout Wrecking Your Finances?
Statistically speaking, as a U.S. adult, it’s likely that you eat at restaurants five times a week or more, but even if it’s cheap fast food, it might be doing more damage to your personal finances than you think. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that the average American dines out 5.9 times per week and spends about $3,500 on eating out every year. To put it into another perspective, if you spent $15 per meal five times a week, that’s about $300 over four weeks. It’s worth asking yourself if spending hundreds of dollars every four weeks on cafes and restaurants is getting in the way of your financial goals. If not, great! But if you’re worried, then it’s time to ask yourself what you’re craving.
Whether you need a break, a window of time to socialize, or want to enjoy the thrill of a good deal, there are definitely ways to meet these needs in a budget- friendly way. Try doing the following: • Put together a treat at home that you adore. There are a lot of ways to brew high-quality coffee at home the way you love it — and at a price you adore even more. • Meet family, friends, and coworkers at a park or for a potluck. • Set up weekly or monthly meal staples. Think now and you won’t have to later. It’s time to go recipe hunting! • Consider if the total bill amount will fit in your budget, even if you have coupons or other discounts. • Always have fast, lazy meal options when the need strikes. There are even healthy options in the frozen food aisles these days! You can also re-prioritize your spending, such as choosing to spend on restaurants while out with friends but not ordering food while at home alone. Even though we all love supporting our local restaurants, don’t forget to look out for your own future, too!
Many U.S. adults buy restaurant food for a number of reasons, including:
• • • • •
A treat to get you through your commute or workday Quality time with family, friends, or coworkers
Outsourced meal-planning
Save money with a restaurant discount or offer A helpful option when convenience is needed
Emotionally Handling a Loved One’s Dementia Diagnosis
For the past couple of months, we’ve discussed situations you may have to handle if your loved one has been diagnosed with or started to show symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. While it’s incredibly important to understand how power of attorney works and figure out how to manage many new responsibilities, there’s also an emotional component. It can be very difficult to care for a loved one suffering from one of these illnesses, but it is possible to make the situation easier on yourself. After a loved one has been diagnosed, you should make an effort to learn all you can about the disease. They will go through some personality changes that can make things challenging if you’re not prepared or aware. It’s going to be a difficult time for everyone involved, but if you know what to expect, you’ll be better able to handle any situation.
Additionally, you should not let anything your loved one does erase the good memories from your past. It may be difficult to talk to them and there may be times they don’t recognize you, but that does not change who they were in the past. Hold on to the good memories and reflect on them when things become difficult. There may come a time when you need an extra layer of support while caring for a loved one with dementia, and that’s okay. You can find support groups designed to help people through this difficult time. Other people have gone through the exact same situation and are available to help you handle it. In our area, the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter is just one group that hosts support groups and provides additional information related to dementia.
why you’re grieving. You may even reach a point where you need to take care of yourself and spend time away from your loved one to recompose yourself. You’re allowed to take time to process the situation and any grief you’re feeling. Through support groups and an understanding of the disease, you’ll be better prepared to help your loved one with whatever they need.
Throughout this process, you are going to feel grief. Take some time to process and understand
Plan today for peace
2 | ( 951 ) 445-4114
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator