building strong, supportive relationships

* Health: Prioritize physical and mental health by maintaining a balanced diet, exercise regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress well.

Relationships: Family, friends, community, partner etc. Invest time and effort into building strong, supportive relationships.

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Prioritize spending and making conscious financial decisions, which make the most of your income and achieves financial stability over time.

1. Housing: Living in a affordable area within commuting distance, even if it means a longer commute. Aim to keep your housing costs (mortgage, utilities, insurance) to no more than 30% of your income.
2. Food and Dining: Cook meals at home to save. 1. Plan your meals for the week 2. make a grocery list, and 3. buy groceries in bulk or on sale. *Limit eating out to special occasions and use coupons or dining discounts when you do. (fruit, vegetables, a little protein)
3. Transportation: Use public transportation whenever possible to save on gas/parking fees. If you must own a car, choose a reliable, fuel-efficient model and minimize unnecessary driving.
4. Savings and Investments: Build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses, aiming for at least 3–6 months’ worth of living expenses. Start saving for retirement early, especially if your employer offers a retirement savings plan with matching contributions.
5. Healthcare: Use preventative care to avoid expensive medical bills later on. Take advantage of any healthcare benefits offered by your employer and compare costs when choosing health insurance plans.
6. Utilities and Services: Be mindful of your energy and water usage to lower utility bills. Bundle services like internet, phone for savings, or cut out non-essential services.
7. Debt Management: Focus on paying off high-interest debt aggressively to free up more of your income. Consider consolidating debt or refinancing to lower interest rates if possible.
8. Additional Income: Explore ways to increase income. Use any extra income to boost your savings or pay down debt faster.
9. Entertainment and Leisure: Free/low-cost activities (museums on free days, attending community events, discounts on movie tickets, concerts, walking trails, wineries, and other entertainment)
10. Shopping: Prioritize needs over wants. Shop sales and use coupons or discount codes when buying necessities. Consider buying secondhand items.

My parents got covid on (07.14.24)

They are immigrants, retired in their 60s.

Just provide them food, when I get home from work.

Went to wine tasting to celebrate a friend’s birthday, over the weekend too.

I went to work with covid symptoms, Mon — Wed.

*It didn’t cross my mind to take sick time and take care of me or my parents until after two days, when I’m home sick from covid, on Fri (07.19.24)

I tested positive on Wed (07.17.24)

Targeted a Tuesday return (07.23.24)

Set-back (07.22.24, tested positive for covid again, in the afternoon)