by Samantha Kennedy | Oct 24, 2025
Taking the time to identify and plug spending leaks can help reduce stress and improve overall financial health. (Photo source: Adobe Stock)
When it comes to managing money, most people focus on the big-ticket items: rent or mortgage, car payments, or student loans. But it is often the small, unnoticed expenses – known as spending leaks – that can really make a big impact on overall financial health. These leaks may seem harmless on their own, but over time, they can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars lost each year.
What Are Spending Leaks?
Spending leaks are recurring or impulsive purchases that do not add significant value to your life but slowly drain your budget. Think of them as the financial equivalent of a dripping faucet – barely noticeable at first, but potentially becoming a flood over time. Common culprits include daily coffee runs, unused subscriptions (magazines, streaming services, etc.), frequent takeout, ATM fees, and impulse buys.
Costly Coffee
One of the most cited examples of a spending leak is the daily coffee habit. Spending $6-8 a day on specialty drinks may not seem like much, but over a year, that could add up to nearly $3,000. Brewing coffee at home or switching to a more affordable option can plug this leak without sacrificing your morning ritual.
Surplus Subscriptions
Streaming services, fitness apps, cloud storage, and digital magazines: many people are subscribed to more services than they actually use. According to a survey by Variety magazine, Americans spend an average of $69 a month on subscriptions, and many of those subscribers often lose track of all they are paying for. The same thing goes for magazine subscriptions. It is so easy to let those build up. Reviewing subscriptions quarterly and canceling unused ones can free up significant cash.
Expensive Eats
Grabbing lunch at work or ordering dinner a few times a week might feel like a convenience, but it is a major leak. Preparing meals at home – even just a few more times a week than you currently do – can save hundreds of dollars a month. Even with the higher cost of groceries, meal prepping and planning ahead can make home cooking more manageable and cost-effective. Frequent use of meal delivery apps is also an easy way to spend more than necessary on meals.
Convenience Costs
Using out-of-network ATMs or paying for convenience fees when paying bills online can seem minor, but they add up. Opt for fee-free banking options whenever possible, and plan ahead to avoid unnecessary charges. Even small fees of $2–$5 per transaction can total over $100 annually. Overspending can also lead to expensive late fees, overlimit fees, and overdraft fees.
Bargain Buys
Retailers are masters at encouraging unnecessary purchases – whether it is a tempting display at checkout or a flash sale online. One way to combat this is by implementing a 24-hour rule: wait a day before making any non-essential purchase. This simple habit can help you avoid buyer’s remorse and keep your budget intact. Even if something seems like a bargain, it is still a waste of money if it is something you do not need.
Spending leaks are sneaky, but they are also fixable. By identifying and addressing these small, recurring expenses, you can take control of your finances without making drastic lifestyle changes. A few mindful adjustments can lead to big savings—and a healthier financial future.
For more information about this and other money management topics, please call your local Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) agent. You can find your nearest Florida FCS agent here.
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by Melanie Southerland | Oct 24, 2025
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that weakens bones. Weak bones are more likely to break. Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because it can progress without symptoms until a fracture occurs, typically in the hip, spine, or wrist.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Strength training exercises help maintain bone density.
Image Source: Adobe Stock.
Osteoporosis occurs when bone density and quality are reduced. Bones become porous and brittle due to an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. While bone is a living tissue that constantly renews itself, this process slows with age, especially after 30, leading to gradual bone loss.
Who Is at Risk?
Osteoporosis affects over 50 million people in the U.S., with women—especially postmenopausal—being at higher risk. However, men are also vulnerable, particularly after age 70. Key risk factors include:
- Age: Risk increases after 50.
- Sex: Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis.
- Race: White and Asian individuals are at higher risk.
- Family history: Genetics play a significant role.
- Body size: Smaller, thinner individuals have less bone mass to lose.
- Hormonal changes: Low estrogen or testosterone levels accelerate bone loss.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol, poor diet, and inactivity contribute to risk.
- Medical conditions and medications: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and long-term use of corticosteroids or cancer treatments can increase susceptibility.
Symptoms and Signs
Osteoporosis often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs. However, some signs may include:
- Loss of height
- Stooped posture
- Back pain from collapsed vertebrae
- Fractures from minor falls or stresses like coughing
Diagnosis
The primary diagnostic tool is a bone density test (DEXA scan), which measures bone mineral content. It’s recommended for:
- Women aged 65+
- Men aged 70+
- Postmenopausal women and men over 50 with risk factors
Prevention Strategies
Weight-bearing exercises like walking or running can help to keep bones strong.
Photo Source: Adobe Stock Images.
Preventing osteoporosis involves lifestyle and dietary changes:
- Nutrition: Adequate intake of calcium (1,000–1,200 mg/day) and vitamin D (600–800 IU/day) is essential.
- Exercise: Weight-bearing and resistance exercises like walking, dancing, and strength training help maintain bone density.
- Avoid harmful habits: Limit alcohol, quit smoking, and reduce caffeine and sodium intake.
- Fall prevention: Keep living spaces safe and use assistive devices if needed.
Treatment Options
Treatment aims to prevent fractures and slow bone loss. Options include:
- Medications: Talk with your healthcare provider for more information on medications for bone health.
- Supplements: Calcium and vitamin D are often prescribed to support bone health.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Continued exercise, balanced diet, and regular monitoring.
Living with Osteoporosis
Managing osteoporosis is a lifelong commitment. Regular checkups, bone density monitoring, and adherence to treatment plans are crucial. With proper care, individuals can maintain mobility, reduce fracture risk, and improve quality of life.
During the preparation of this work, the author used the AI tool, CoPilot
References
[1] Osteoporosis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment – Cleveland Clinic
[2] Osteoporosis – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
[3] Osteoporosis Causes, Risk Factors, & Symptoms | NIAMS
[4] Osteoporosis – Johns Hopkins Medicine
by Suzanne Holloway | Oct 24, 2025
We’ve covered budgeting and saving as foundations of money management. Investing is another element: it means putting money into assets like stocks, bonds, or real estate to earn returns through capital gains, dividends, or interest.
Investing involves more risk than saving; your money is not federally insured, and you could lose the amount you deposited. That’s why, before investing, it’s crucial to have an emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses and to keep money for short-term needs—like a car or home down payment—safe and easily accessible in an insured bank or credit union account.
If you’re new to investing, consulting a qualified professional, such as a financial adviser, can help you build a strategy aligned with your goals. While investing carries greater risk than saving, it also offers the potential for larger long-term rewards.
Investment Products
The most common investment products are stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded products, often used for retirement or college savings. Other vehicles include real estate, precious metals, commodities, private equity, and cryptocurrencies.
© Freedomz / Adobe Stock
- Bonds are like IOUs commonly issued by governments, municipalities, or corporations to raise money. Investors who buy bonds lend money and receive interest over a specified period. Main types include corporate bonds, municipal bonds, and U.S. Treasuries securities.
- Stocks represent ownership in a company, or “equity.” Stocks come in two main forms: common stock and preferred stock.
- Mutual funds pool money from many investors and invest in a diversified mix of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and money market instruments. The overall mix is called the fund’s portfolio, and a professional adviser manages it. Exchange-traded products (ETPs), including exchange-traded funds (ETFs), combine aspects of mutual funds and conventional stocks.
- Hedge funds are private, unregistered investment funds that use pooled investor money to pursue more flexible investments and strategies.
- Commodities are basic goods and materials like precious metals, crude oil and natural gas, wheat, coffee, and livestock.
- Cryptocurrencies, or crypto assets, are digital assets built on blockchain technology.
Always research the risks, fees, and suitability of any investment before committing your money.
Investment Accounts
Investment accounts are used to hold your assets and cash. The right type depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and ownership needs.
- Brokerage accounts let you buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other types of investments. You can open a cash account (pay in full for purchases) or a margin account (borrow to invest).
- ABLE accounts, or 529A accounts (enabled by the 2014 Achieving a Better Life Experience Act), allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest with tax advantages, without risking eligibility for public benefits.
- College Savings accounts, like 529 plans and Coverdell ESAs, help parents or guardians invest in education expenses. Similar to college savings accounts, custodial accounts, established under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA), allow adults to invest for a child’s benefit.
- Saving for retirement may be the most important financial goal you’ll ever pursue. Building a nest egg of enough funds that can support you for twenty years or more requires proactive planning, steady saving, and disciplined investing. Common retirement accounts include 401K, 403(b) and 457(b), and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
Most financial institutions offer at least standard brokerage accounts and IRAs, and some may also provide college savings accounts and custodial accounts.
Investment Management
Investment management is the professional oversight of your investment portfolio. This service, also known as asset management, can be provided in different ways. Traditional investment advisors offer personalized guidance, helping you build and maintain a portfolio tailored to your financial goals. Alternatively, a “robo-advisor” refers to an automated digital investment advisory program; it creates and manages a portfolio for you, based on your goals and risk tolerance after answering an online questionnaire, often at a lower cost.
Investment Scams
Investment scams promise quick, easy money with little to no risk, often through financial markets, cryptocurrency, real estate, or precious metals/coins. These scammers attract you with infomercials, social media posts, or online ads that encourage you to attend a free seminar/training, order free materials, or watch free introductory videos learning about the secret of getting rich quickly.
- Investment training scams: Their “tested” or “secret” strategy will help you get rich and change your life, but these promises and so-called success stories are almost always fake or rare exceptions.
- Real estate investment scams may advertise “world-class” properties with luxury amenities, but these properties often take years to materialize, are never built, or lack the promised features. Reselling the land may also be impossible due to a lack of buyers.
- Real estate training scams market online or in-person programs by promising risk-free investments and quick profits with little effort or experience—claims that are rarely true and are designed to get you to pay for their courses.
- Precious metals and coin scams often feature individuals posing as “metal dealers” or “rare coin merchants” who gain your trust, falsely claim expertise, and then fail to deliver on their promises, pocketing your money. Before investing in bullion, coins, or precious metals, review the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) precious metals fraud alert and research the market carefully.
- Cryptocurrency investment scammers often target victims via social media, texting, or dating apps, building trust through fake connections, then pitch fraudulent crypto investments. Cryptocurrency scammers will use fraudulent investment platforms and will often appear very lucrative, encouraging the victim to continue to invest; however, when they are ready to withdraw all their earnings, their account is usually “frozen” with “fees” needed to pay to unlock the funds. If you were a target of a cryptocurrency scam, you can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Red flags include guarantees of high returns, pressure to act fast, scarce investment details, or promises of wealth with little effort or risk. Always research independently before making decisions, resist pressure, and know the risks involved in investing. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Investment Tools & Resources
There are many investing resources available, including apps, online tools, and real-life professionals. Some popular investment apps include:
No matter which resource you choose, always take time to research your options, understand the risks, and select tools that match your goals and level of experience.
Additional Resources
A Roadmap to Your Journey to Financial Security (SEC)
Cost of Retirement (Khan Academy)
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by Melanie Southerland | Oct 1, 2025
The Power of Positive Thinking: How It Shapes Mental Health
In a world filled with daily stressors and uncertainties, the way we think can significantly influence how we feel. Positive thinking—more than just a feel-good phrase—has been shown to have profound effects on mental health, emotional resilience, and overall well-being.
Photo Source: Adobe Stock Images
What Is Positive Thinking?
Positive thinking doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect. Instead, it’s about approaching difficulties with a constructive mindset, focusing on solutions, and maintaining hope. It often begins with positive self-talk, the internal dialogue that shapes how we interpret and respond to events.
Mental Health Benefits of Positive Thinking
Research shows that cultivating a positive mindset can lead to:
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Optimists tend to view challenges as manageable, which lowers the body’s stress response.
- Lower risk of depression: Positive thinkers are less likely to ruminate on negative thoughts, a key factor in depression.
- Improved emotional resilience: A hopeful outlook helps people bounce back from setbacks more quickly.
- Better coping skills: Optimism encourages proactive problem-solving and seeking support when needed.
- Enhanced psychological well-being: Positive emotions like gratitude and joy contribute to a more balanced mental state[1][3].
The Science Behind It
Positive thinking influences the brain’s chemistry. It boosts the release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins—neurotransmitters that enhance mood and reduce pain. It also reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone linked to anxiety and inflammation. Over time, these changes can rewire the brain through neuroplasticity, making optimism a more natural response[4].
Physical Health Connection
Mental and physical health are deeply connected. Positive thinking has been linked to:
- Stronger immune function
- Lower blood pressure
- Better cardiovascular health
- Faster recovery from illness or surgery
- Longer life expectancy[1][4]
️ How to Cultivate Positive Thinking
Building a positive mindset takes practice. Here are some proven strategies:
- Practice gratitude: Keep a journal of things you’re thankful for.
- Reframe negative thoughts: Challenge pessimistic beliefs and replace them with more balanced ones.
- Surround yourself with positivity: Spend time with supportive, uplifting people.
- Set realistic goals: Achieving small wins builds confidence and optimism.
- Engage in mindfulness or meditation: These practices help you become aware of negative thought patterns and shift your focus[3].
Final Thoughts
Positive thinking isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about choosing a mindset that supports mental strength, emotional balance, and healthier living. Whether you’re facing everyday stress or managing a mental health condition, cultivating optimism can be a powerful tool for healing and growth.
References
[1] Positive thinking: Reduce stress by eliminating negative self-talk …
[2] Positive Thinking: Benefits and How To Practice
[3] The Power of Positive Thinking and Mental Health | EmpathyHQ
[4] The Power of Positive Thinking on Health – sciencenewstoday.org
by Suzanne Holloway | Sep 26, 2025
In a previous blog, we explored budgeting as one of the elements of money management. But once you know where your money is going, the next step is making that money work for your future through saving.
Savings is the portion of your income set aside for future expenditures, whether it’s for emergencies, a down payment on a home, or retirement. In some cases, employers help with this through deferred compensation plans, which set aside part of your paycheck to be paid out later, often at retirement.
Most people have been told to follow the rule of saving 10–20% of their income, but that isn’t always realistic. Instead of getting discouraged, create a savings rule that works for your circumstances. Focus first on building your emergency fund and choose to save an amount—either a specific dollar figure or a percentage of your income—that feels manageable. The key is consistency. Even small, regular contributions add up over time and build the habit of saving. People who regularly track their expenses and savings often find themselves saving more, simply because they’re staying mindful and intentional about where their money goes.
Types of Saving Accounts
Save regularly toward your goals – it will add up quickly! Photo source: UF/IFAS Extension
Where should you keep your savings? The answer depends on your individual needs and the amount you have set aside. While piggy banks, jars, and other at-home containers can serve as temporary spots for small amounts, they aren’t secure for holding larger sums. Instead, consider moving your money to a depository like a bank, credit union, or another financial institution. These places not only offer services such as checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment options, but also keep your money safer: your funds can earn interest and are generally insured against loss from theft, fire, or other disasters—unlike the cash kept at home.
Keep in mind, not all savings accounts are the same. The right match(es) for you depend(s) on your financial goals, how easily you want to access your money, the interest rate, and any account fees or restrictions.
- Traditional savings accounts are common, easy to open, and generally fee-free, but they tend to offer low interest rates. Most brick-and-mortar banks and credit unions offer traditional accounts, often paired with convenient mobile apps.
- Student and kids’ savings accounts—available at many brick-and-mortar banks and credit unions—are specifically designed to help children, teens, and students (often up to age 25) build good financial habits, like budgeting and saving.
- A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a specialized savings account you can use to save for qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses, offering both tax incentives and flexibility for healthcare needs.
- High-yield savings accounts provide above-average interest rates (or APY). These are typically found at online banks, which can offer better rates and lower fees due to reduced operating costs. Some financial institutions also offer high-yield checking account options.
- Money market accounts blend features of both checking and savings. They earn interest, but also let you make limited withdrawals or debit purchases each month, making them a flexible but somewhat restricted option.
- Certificates of deposit (CDs) let you lock in your money for a fixed period, usually at a higher interest rate than standard savings. Early withdrawals are often penalized.
- Cash management accounts are a middle ground between saving and investing. These interest-bearing accounts securely hold your money while you decide on your next investment move.
By choosing the right account(s) based on your financial goals, you can make your money work smarter, not just harder.
Savings Tools & Resources
Generally speaking, most savings apps are also built into budgeting apps—something we covered in a previous blog—or are included with investment apps, which we’ll explore in an upcoming post.
Additional Resources
Save and Invest (MyMoney.gov)
Saving & Investing (Khan Academy)
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by Samantha Kennedy | Sep 26, 2025
Today’s world can offer up a lot of stressors and as a result, many individuals face mounting pressures and mental health challenges. Recent studies reveal that pet ownership provides a unique sense of comfort and stability that can alleviate stress and anxiety. By inviting a pet into one’s home, people often experience immediate emotional support and a renewed sense of purpose. The presence of a loving animal can transform a lonely day into one filled with hope and connection.
Experts in psychology and human behavior have long noted the therapeutic benefits of caring for pets. Regular interactions with animals not only reduce cortisol levels but also increase oxytocin production, a hormone associated with happiness and bonding. Dog walks, playful cat moments, and even the calm companionship of a fish tank routine give structure to daily life. These activities encourage mindfulness, improve mood, and help many cope with depression.
Holding a pet can reduce stress and increase production of “feel-good” chemicals in the brain that can improve mood. (Photo source: Adobe Stock)
One of the biggest benefits of pet ownership is that pets offer unconditional emotional support without judgment. Caring for a pet refocuses negative thought patterns by providing individuals with a sense of responsibility. Additionally, the daily routines associated with pet care foster discipline and regularity, which are essential for maintaining mental balance. Patients who engage actively with their pets frequently report feeling less isolated and more optimistic about their futures.
Community connections can also blossom through pet ownership. Local pet events and dog parks bring together individuals from varied backgrounds, creating networks of support that extend beyond the pet’s company. Such encounters not only foster social interaction but also build trust and empathy among neighbors. In many cases, these casual relationships evolve into meaningful friendships that serve as additional layers of safety and emotional reassurance. Community events centered around pets underscore the social benefits that extend from personal well-being to societal harmony.
As mental health continues to be a focal point in discussions on overall wellness, owning a pet emerges as a natural remedy for many of modern society’s stressors. While pets require time, effort, and dedication, their rewards often surpass the challenges. A pet not only enhances an individual’s health by providing physical activity through daily routines but also nurtures mental and emotional strengths. In moments of grief or stress, the steady presence of a pet can remind owners that life’s simplest pleasures are often the most profound.
For those struggling with isolation or depression, the embrace of a pet might provide a much-needed bridge to a happier, healthier future. Amid the hustle of everyday life, the soft purr of a cat, the wag of a dog’s tail, or even the quiet flutter of a bird’s wings offers solace and hope. People who have adopted pets express an enriched sense of belonging and community, experiences that are increasingly recognized as integral to mental health. Research continues to delve deeper into the intricate link between animal companionship and psychological resilience. In the meantime, pet ownership can serve as a valuable complement to traditional mental health treatments such as therapy and medication.
For more information about this and other mental health topics, please call your local Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) agent. You can find your nearest Florida FCS agent here.
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