Lauren Less, a 33-year-old woman with food allergies, a connective tissue disorder, and GI issues, is one of a growing number of young people in the U.S. dealing with chronic illness. She invested in Pilates classes, health care, and health care for herself and other services, including testing, lymphatic drainage, consultations with nutritionists and dietitians, and organic groceries. Less now works as a food and wellness creator, helping others in similar situations with allergy-friendly recipes. For those with chronic conditions, healthcare is treated as a regular monthly cost, not an occasional expense, according to California-based certified financial planner Joon Um. The best approach for chronic illness is still cash-flow management, budgeting, and long-term planning, with extra attention paid to unexpected health-related expenses.