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Personal Finance from the Broke Perspective

Fast Food, Fast Debt: How Convenience Culture Eats Your Savings

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fast food eating away at your savings
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With so many options at our fingertips, fast food is the ultimate convenience. It’s easier than ever to reward ourselves with a treat and pick up our favorite fast food. According to a study by the Journal of Marine Medical Society, The fast-food market is growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 4.6% worldwide. However, with rising prices fast food is no longer an inexpensive food option.

History of Fast Food

Fast food establishments were first born to provide quick, affordable meals for busy individuals. White Castle is often dubbed as the first fast-food chain. Founded in 1921 it offered affordable hamburgers and pioneering assembly-line methods for efficient food preparation. After WWII, car culture led to the rise of fast food chains like McDonalds gaining popularity.

Rising Costs

Between 2014 and 2024, average menu prices at popular fast-food chains increased by 60%, with some chains like McDonald’s experiencing increases exceeding three times the national inflation rate. Rising labor costs have contributed to this rise in prices, with some chains paying workers up to $20 per hour. According to a March 2024 report by the Federal Trade Commission, higher operating costs, supply chain disruptions, and corporate profits have also contributed to high food prices. These additional expenses have been passed down to the consumer making fast food restaurants no longer an affordable option.

Most Americans eat fast food 1-3 times per week. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics from the Center for Disease Control shows that a little over one-third (36.6%) of adults in America eat it on any given day. On average, a US household will spend 10% of their annual income on fast food. This amount of money spent on fast food can be detrimental to your savings. To keep your budget on track, it’s important to resist treat culture and the convenience of fast food. There are still affordable ways to feed yourself and your family, some of which are still easy.

Ways to Adjust Your Spending

According to a 2024 survey conducted by LendingTree, 78% of consumers now consider fast food a “luxury” purchase due to its increasing cost. Many consumers now look for chains that offer meal deals. Recently McDonald’s has launched their $5 meal deals and Taco Bell offers a value box. While these initiatives don’t really increase sales for fast food chains, they do retain customers who are shying away from fast food due to its cost. If you do purchase fast food, look for value items and take advantage of deals, which are usually offered in the chain’s app.

To truly save money, you may have to ditch fast food altogether. Many consumers find the most value in cooking at home and purchasing read-to-heat meals from grocery stores. If you rely on fast food for affordable options, you may have to find new ways to save on food. Consider finding ways to save on groceries like couponing, using services like Flash Foods for discounted items, or using a low-cost meal delivery subscription like EveryPlate.

How often do you eat fast food? How much do you spend per month? Let us know in the comments. 

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New City, New Life? 9 Financial Struggles You’ll Face (And How to Survive Them)

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moving to a new city
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Moving to a new city comes with excitement, but also unexpected expenses. From relocation costs to housing, taxes, and a higher cost of living, your budget may take a hit. So how can you stay financially stable during the transition? Here’s how to navigate the challenges and keep your finances in check.

1. High Moving Costs

Moving costs, especially if you are moving far can be a financial burden. If you are moving for work, ask your employer about a relocation package to help offset some of these costs. Otherwise, you may want to consider doing some of the moving yourself by renting a U-Haul truck or packing up your belongings yourself. This can help you save a good amount of money.

2. Housing Costs

Housing costs are usually one of the biggest financial stressors when you move. You may be stretched thin trying to provide money for rent including a security deposit. If you’re buying a home, your down payment and mortgage payments may also have drained your savings. If you’re feeling broke, make sure to adjust your spending habits until you can get back on track.

3. Increased Cost of Living

The things you once were able to comfortably afford may be more expensive in your new city. Groceries, gas, and eating out may all be more expensive. If this is the case, make sure you adjust your budget accordingly and consider bringing in additional income if you can’t find ways to make your budget work with an increased cost of living.

4. Lifestyle Creep

Is your new city more expensive than your last? You may find that lifestyle creep becomes a financial struggle for you. The things you once were able to afford may not be within budget anymore. You also may feel a strong fear of missing out on experiences in your new city. Try and balance how you spend your money and not let your new city blow your budget.

5. New Job Hunt

If you move without a job, you may face the financial struggle of job hunting. Hopefully, you’ll be able to use your emergency fund or savings to get you by while you look for a new job.

6. Transportation Costs

You may need to get around in a different way when you move. Maybe you’re used to walking or using public transit, but that isn’t an option in your new location. You may need to invest in a car if that is the only way to get from place to place.

7. Higher Taxes

If your new area has higher taxes, make sure that you budget appropriately. You may have to pay more in income tax, sales tax, or property tax in your new city.

8. Higher Utility Bills

Changes in weather in your new city may leave you with higher utility bills than you are used to. Especially when you are unsure how much your utilities may cost, it may come as a shock. To lower your bills use energy-efficient appliances, unplug devices, and compare utility providers.

9. Healthcare Costs

When moving to a new city, make sure that your new doctors are in-network. Don’t get caught going to doctors that are out-of-network, which will cost you more out-of-pocket. Especially if you are switching healthcare plans, your premiums may also increase in a new city. Be sure to check what your insurance coverage entails.

Are you moving to a new city? What unexpected costs have surprised you?

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Improving Your Daily Health Routine on a Budget

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Maintaining daily health habits is crucial for overall wellbeing, yet many find it challenging due to financial constraints. Despite common beliefs, nurturing your health doesn’t have to break the bank. By making informed choices and leveraging available resources, anyone can enhance their lifestyle on a budget.

Meal Planning and Preparation

Meal planning is an effective strategy to manage both dietary health and food expenses. By dedicating time to plan your meals, you can purchase ingredients in bulk, which often reduces costs. Emphasizing seasonally available produce can also stretch your dollar further while providing your diet with fresh, nutrient-rich options.

Cooking at home has numerous benefits that go beyond saving money. It allows you to control portions, ingredients, and cooking methods, which can lead to a healthier diet. Furthermore, involving family members in meal preparation can make eating at home an enjoyable experience.

Utilizing leftovers is a savvy way to minimize waste and ensure your efforts in meal prep extend through multiple meals. Making soups, casseroles, and salads from leftovers can provide variety while limiting additional expenses. Planning meals around in-season and sale items can also greatly impact savings without compromising quality.

Home Workouts

Setting up a home workout routine eliminates the need for expensive gym memberships while still offering numerous health benefits. A variety of effective bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, and lunges require no equipment and can be done in the comfort of your living room. The athletic tape market, expected to be worth over $943 million by 2028, shows a growing interest in home fitness and the tools required for it.

Online resources, from videos to apps, provide fitness routines ranging from beginner to advanced levels, often at no cost. These resources allow individuals to tailor workouts to their preferences and keep routines fresh and motivating. With minimal investment in small equipment like resistance bands or dumbbells, one can further enhance the variety and intensity of the workouts.

Consistency is key in any fitness regimen, and establishing a set schedule can help maintain discipline. Additionally, pairing home workouts with accountability partners or virtual groups can provide encouragement and support. Ultimately, it shows that fitness doesn’t have to come with an expensive price tag.

Utilizing Outdoor Spaces

Spending time outdoors offers both mental and physical health benefits, often for free. Parks and natural reserves provide a relaxing atmosphere for activities such as walking, jogging, or yoga, helping to break the monotony of indoor environments. Many cities offer community-led fitness programs in outdoor settings, aligning with the budget-friendly theme.

Engaging with nature can reduce stress levels and increase overall happiness, which are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Exploring trails and paths can add an element of adventure and discovery to your routine, making exercise more enjoyable and sustainable. Importantly, fresh air and sunlight are vital for vitamin D intake, which supports immune function.

Outdoor activities are also perfect opportunities for social interaction and connecting with others. Joining local hiking groups or participating in charity events can expand social networks while promoting health. A community-based approach to fitness fosters relationships and promotes a more active lifestyle.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Incorporating meditation and mindfulness into daily routines enhances emotional and mental health without financial investment. These practices help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and clarity, benefiting overall well-being. By dedicating just a few minutes each day to sitting quietly and focusing on the breath, individuals can cultivate a greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions. Plus, with over 10,000 candle scents available in the U.S., you can create a relaxing space for this practice with your favorite smells.

Apps and online resources offer guided meditations suited for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Tailoring sessions to fit your schedule makes mindfulness a convenient addition to any routine. Utilizing a designated space—supported by subtle ambiance, such as candle scents—can enhance the experience, yet it is not a necessity for achieving peace.

Mindfulness practices extend beyond traditional meditation to include mindful eating, walking, and even working. By applying mindful principles to everyday tasks, the benefits of this practice can permeate all aspects of life. Empowering oneself with mindfulness fosters resilience and can help manage life’s challenges more effectively.

Prioritizing Preventative Health Measures

Focusing on preventive health care is a cost-effective strategy that can save money in the long term. Regular check-ups and screenings can detect potential health issues early, often resulting in simpler and less expensive treatments. This proactive approach aligns with budget-conscious living while sustaining health over time.

Beyond medical screenings, maintaining oral health is a crucial preventive measure. Toothbrushes need not be high-end to be effective; emphasis should be placed on consistent brushing and flossing habits. Fact shows that 3.5 billion individuals suffer from oral diseases, highlighting the need for prioritization to mitigate health impacts.

Additionally, simple home remedies, such as herbal teas or honey, can provide effective relief for minor ailments. Investing in a well-stocked first-aid kit can prepare families for minor injuries, reducing unnecessary medical visits. Together, these strategies support health without overstretching financial resources.

Improving health on a budget is not only possible but also empowering. By implementing meal planning, engaging in home workouts, enjoying outdoor spaces, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing preventative care, anyone can enhance their health and wellbeing. These simple, actionable changes underscore that financial limitations need not hinder one’s journey to better health.