Wealth is Health, Just with a “W”

What comes to mind when you think of health?  Probably fitness, nutrition, sleep, weight-loss, and self-care to name a few.  A majority of people do not associate wealth with their health; however, they should. Financial wellness is a dimension that often gets overlooked during the New Year’s resolutions band-wagon.

Finances are a HUGE aspect of how the world runs.  The lack of financial education in public school systems is alarming.  Whitney Houston sang it best, “I believe the children are our future.” So who is going to teach America’s future how to be financially healthy? Not to worry, we are on it. This blog will provide helpful tips to grow your financial wellness, and hopefully the balance in your bank accounts too!

A key to financial success is to know where your money is going and keep those expenses low as possible. We will break these down into three categories: housing, transportation, and food.

Housing
1. Live with roommates. Living with more people means splitting rent and utilities.
2. Always be looking around for housing. Know what the current market looks like and do your research for the best pricing.
3. Program your thermostat. This will help with heating and cooling costs.

Transportation
1. Use public transportation, walk, or bike. Not only does this save money, but it helps the environment. Win- Win for all.
2. Car pool to work. Take turns with a coworker that lives nearby.
3. Take care of your car. Did you know not having properly inflated tires reduces fuel efficiency? Check them regularly as well as your oil.

Food
1. Cook at home. Eating out can add up quickly.
2. Loyalty cards. Sign up for a loyalty card if your grocer has one, this will get you special sale prices.
3. Digital coupons. Most stores have digital coupons you can download right to your card.
*Usually hundreds of coupons are added towards the end/beginning of a month* Just last week I saved $38 in coupons at Kroger.
4. Plan your meals using the sale ads. If ground beef, tomato sauce, and pasta are all on sale then have it for dinner! Buying on sale items and actually using them will lead to savings.

---

5. Shop with a list. Know what you are going to buy before you shop and stick to it. This will prevent impulse buying.
6. Stock up on sales. Chicken for 99 cents a pound? Buy a lot and use your freezer to your advantage.
7. Buy frozen fruits and vegetables. Frozen produce actually has more nutritional value than their fresh counterparts because they are frozen at their peak. Whip up a fruit smoothie or vegetables as a side dish in no time.
8. Buy store brand items. When you buy name brand, you are paying for the name and packaging. Most store brand items are just as good.
9. Shop the clearance sections. Almost bad produce? Freeze for smoothies. A box that is slightly disfigured? It’s still okay and it will save you a dollar or two!


I encourage you to review these tips, and if there is something you do not already do, then I encourage you to try it out and see how it goes. Best of luck on your financial journey!

By: alicia Everette

A millennial wellness enthusiast trying to figure out life. Coupon Queen. Experimental Chef. Personal Trainer. Aspiring Health Coach.