Wise Ways to Be Healthy and Happy on a Budget
By Sandy Schroeder
Money makes the wheels go around as we spin through the day, but it can also stress us out when we spend too much, and save too little. Some of us keep too tight a grip; others panic at the end of the month. Finding a balance to live comfortably creating a cushion for the unexpected, along with a plan for the future, takes practice.
How to Cover All of the Bases
Learning how to manage money to stay healthy and happy is tricky. Recently, DumbLittleMan.com pointed out some of the false assumptions. Making more money seems like a good solution, but financial wizards say if you can’t manage on your current salary, bringing in more may not work, either.
Warren Buffet, one of the best known financial wizards of our time, says, “The really good business manager doesn’t wake up in the morning and say ‘Today I am going to cut costs,' any more than he wakes up and decides to practice breathing.”
Practice cutting costs with these tips.
Never shop when you are hungry – Then everything looks great, and it’s easy to scoop up extra cheeses, dips, and ice cream. You may also skip reading labels for nutrients, or fail to compare prices.
Invest less in TV - There are new choices out there to help you cut your bill, while reduced spending could make time for healthier choices in community projects, bookstores, or outdoor activities.
Weigh the value of your gym – If you use it regularly and it keeps you on target, you may be getting your money’s worth with healthy dividends. Also, special classes, such as yoga, are more reasonable than studio classes. If your gym sessions are infrequent, you might consider just getting outside to bike, run or walk, and trying some mat exercises at home.
Snap up the best offers – Most of us know someone who always flies for less, or finds the great hotel rates first. Try to follow their lead and look for off-season, or special-hour deals to make your money go further.
Avoid lifestyle expansions – Reward yourself once in awhile, but avoid sliding into luxury items just because you can. Getting used to top-of-the-line shopping can lure you into spending way more than you should. Shopping for the best value and saving some along the way works better.
Make savings a habit – Financial experts recommend saving more than 10 percent with healthcare costs in limbo, and housing costs in flux. Do the homework to learn how to safely make your money work for you.
Whatever you do to manage your money, start now, cutting spending, finding values and putting the difference into savings.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tempe, Ariz.