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HEALTH - “Sandwich” Generation Face Health Toll of Caring for Parents and Kids

Sandwich carers—those who care for both children and aging relatives—face significant mental and physical health declines, particularly when caregiving exceeds 20 hours weekly. A study tracking carers over nine years found persistent mental health challenges and worsening physical health during this transition.
The average sandwich carer is in their late 30s, balancing caregiving with personal and professional responsibilities. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted support, including respite care and workplace flexibility, to protect the well-being of this growing group.

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YOUR MARRIAGE

As most couples know, making big decisions together isn’t always easy. Whether you’re deciding to move to a new city, adopt a pet or even where to go on vacation, these moments can sometimes feel like a tug-of-war between personal preferences and what’s best for your relationship. But what if there was a simple rule that could make these decisions smoother while strengthening your connection?

The “two-yes, one-no” rule states that for any significant decision affecting both partners, there must be mutual agreement for it to proceed. However, if one partner says no, the decision is paused, signifying that further reflection and dialogue are necessary before any action is taken.

Read The Article Here

FINANCE AND INVESTING TIPS FOR THE SANDWICH GENERATION

Managing finances for the Sandwich Generation

About a quarter of Americans are part of the sandwich generation, a group of adults who are financially supporting their children while also helping their aging parents with finances and health issues. Men and women are equally stepping into this role, usually while in their 30s and 40s, according to a 2023 New York Life survey.

Though caregiving can be a positive experience, nearly half of those survey respondents say it has impacted their personal finances. Many report contributing less (or nothing) to their retirement and emergency savings, taking on more debt, or cutting back on expenses while juggling care for their parents and kids.

But undermining your own financial security can lead to more problems, said Cameron Huddleston, a journalist and author of “Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk,” a book that helps adults communicate with their aging parents about finances.
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YOUR KIDS

Breweries and their target audience: Social media users debate the hot issue
With the rise of craft brewing and breweries across America, a question is arising frequently: Should kids be present at breweries?

A TikTok video shared in 2024 went viral after user Clarice Burkett asked others, "If the primary source of income for the business is an age-restricted product — why?" 

Burkett, who lives in Florida, said she understands that some breweries "cater to more of a familial setting." She said, however, that as a patron she would know about this beforehand and would expect to see children — or would avoid those establishments. 
READ THE ARTICLE HERE

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CARING FOR PARENTS

According to the 2020 Census, there are more than 76 million boomers in America today. With the generation having been born between 1946 and 1964, that means a tidal wave of retirees — an estimated four million boomers — will hit the age of 65 every single year through 2027.

The impacts of that "graying" of this enormous generation present myriad economic and healthcare challenges — ones that pretty much nobody seems ready to meet. As children of boomers are finding out, some states have a solution to this that strikes many as outright infuriating.

29 states have 'filial' laws that force adult kids to care for their elderly parents.

read it here

YOUR JOB
Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career

In The Family Squeeze, Suzanne Kingsmill and Ben Schlesinger trace the day-to-day life of a typical family caught up in this situation. They guide the reader through various scenarios, paying particular attention to the 'woman in the middle,' who has traditionally been the caregiver to young and old but is now also a full-time member of the workforce. Each scenario is followed by comments, advice, and suggestions that will help the reader understand each stage of the game. The resource section includes an extensive annotated bibliography, as well as a list of selected services in Canada and the United States. Internet resources are also listed.

Any person who is, or about to become, a member of the Sandwich Generation will find this a helpful guide for coping with the conflicting demands of family and work.
Grab a copy here