Adopting a pet brings love and compan-

ionship into your life and may even im-

prove your health. Studies indicate that

having a pet has both emotional and

physical health benefits.

Whether you are thinking about adopt-

ing a pet or already have one (or more),

it’s important to keep in mind the reali-

ties of pet care. Here are some things

to consider:

u Budget. The average household

with a pet spends $150-400 on

food per year. Grocery store

brands tend to be cheaper but

may not give your pet the neces-

sary nutrition, especially as she

or he ages. Other expenses

include annual checkups and

vaccinations, licenses, grooming

expenses, litter for cats, and pet-

sitting.

u Housing. If you own your home,

make sure you have sufficient

space for a pet. Dogs will benefit

from an enclosed outdoor area

where they can run and play,

while cats like quiet, sunny spots

to sit and watch the world go by.

If you rent, make sure the pet is

allowed under your lease. Keep

in mind that you may have to pay

a larger deposit or a higher rent

if you have a pet in your home.

u Health care. Pets need an

annual veterinary examination

to maintain their health and re-

ceive required vaccines. You may

want to consider purchasing

pet insurance to cover these

expenses, which become

more common as your pet

ages. It’s also important to

have your pet spayed or

neutered to prevent an

unwanted litter of puppies

or kittens (some shelters

may make this a condition

of adoption).

u Training and discipline. Dogs

need to be trained on how to

behave around other people

to avoid aggressive behavior.

u Exotics. If you are interested in

adopting an unusual animal such

as a bird, rabbit, or lizard, do

your research. These pets have

unique care needs and may

require a specialized vet.

LifeMatters can provide suggestions

on how to make room for a pet in your

budget, assist you with locating re-

sources for pet care, or help you cope

with grief after losing a pet. Call or visit

mylifematters.com anytime.

Adoptinga Pet

Inside:u Exercise to Improve Your Health

u Save More and Stress Less

u Nine Ways to Cut Your Budget

LifeMatters® Assistance with Life, Work, Family, and Wellbeing

Do you feel ready for an unexpected bill

or on track to meet your future dreams?

If you answered no, you’re not alone.

Many people question if they’re doing

enough to prepare for their financial

future.

Increasing the rate at which you save is

the best way to improve your financial

outlook. These simple steps will help

you save money, reduce debt, and build

wealth.

Step One: Set Realistic Goals

When it comes to setting goals, it’s best

to make them specific, measurable, and

incremental. Start by writing down a list

of goals that would improve your finan-

cial outlook. Prioritize the list, then

break each goal into incremental steps.

For instance, if your objective is to have

six months of income saved, figure out

a set amount that you can put aside

each month until you reach your goal,

increasing it whenever your budget al-

lows. Plan a special dinner or another

treat to celebrate reaching your mile-

stone. Then, get started on your next

goal! 

Step Two: Make Savings Automatic

Make savings be the first bill that you

pay each month. The simplest way to

do this is to set up an automatic deduc-

tion into your savings account or an-

other savings vehicle. If you’re worried

about your budget, start small and

gradually increase how much you

save as you pay off debt or improve

your cash flow.

Step Three: Start or Increase Your

Emergency Savings Account

Financial experts generally recommend

that you have three to six months of

income set aside in an emergency

account. This money can be used for

life’s unforeseen events, such as a

major car repair, sudden medical bills,

or a change in job status.

Step Four: Take Advantage of Free

or Low-Cost Checking Accounts

According to a recent survey, the

average checking account requires a

balance of more than $6,000 and has

a monthly service fee of almost $15. If

this sounds familiar, shop around to see

if you can find a lower cost or interest-

bearing account. It’s also important to

consider what sort of minimum balance

is required when deciding whether to

switch financial institutions.

Dollars & Sense:Save More and Stress Less

Source: Balance

Life Matters® Assistance with Life, Work, Family, and Wellbeing

7

0

Step Five: Stock Up on “Found”

Savings

Another savings tactic that can be effec-

tive is to put away “found” money. For

instance, if you switch to a cheaper In-

ternet plan, add the difference in what

you were paying each month to your

automatic transfer into savings. If you

get a raise, funnel the increased income

into savings or your retirement plan.

You’ll be amazed how fast found money

will add up over time! 

For more savings tips, contact LifeMat-

ters. Professional financial consultation

is available to help you analyze your

budget and find ways to increase how

much you save. Call anytime.

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Nine Ways to Cut Your Budget1. Contact your phone, Internet, and other service providers to make sure

you’re getting the best deal possible.

2. Take advantage of coupons, discount cards, and frequent shopper

programs. The savings add up over time.

3. Look for ways to decrease fees at your financial institution. This may be

as simple as keeping a set amount in your savings account or setting

up a direct deposit.

4. Cut back on the need for checks or stamps by taking advantage of

electronic payment options whenever possible.

5. Find out when you qualify for senior discounts. At some stores or

restaurants, you may be eligible as early as age 50.

6. Check your credit card bills for unauthorized transactions or hidden

fees.

7. Use a calendar to map out how much money will need to be in your

checking account at any given time. This is the best way to avoid

getting caught short and accruing late or overdraft fees.

8. Consolidate online purchases to cut back on shipping charges.

9. Sign up for frequent flyer miles and rewards programs for hotels,

especially if you have a preferred brand.

Call LifeMatters® by Empathia toll-free anytime. 1-800-367-7474

Assistance with Life, Work, Family, and Wellbeing • 24/7/365

Call collect to 262-574-2509 if outside of North America

Visit LifeMatters® online at mylifematters.com

facebook.com/lifematterseap

Language assistance services in your preferred spoken and written languages are available at no cost by calling 1-800-367-7474.

Life Matters® Assistance with Life, Work, Family, and Wellbeing

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