Money may be tight these days (and we're all feeling the angst of that possibility, even if we're not personally feeling the pinch yet), yet it is still critical for us to prioritize our health and well being. In fact, it may even be MORE critical now than ever! Why? Because our physical AND mental health are everything - just ask anyone who has ever been sick for an extended period of time, or anyone who struggles with chronic exhaustion, or depression, or constant colds and allergies. When we are unwell, feeling better is all we wish for. It is then that we recognize how important our health is. We desire the energy, the clear head, the ability to focus and function at our best that comes with wellness. Strong healthy bodies, and strong, healthy minds, are better able to respond to stress and react to it appropriately without becoming run down, sick or overwhelmed.
So, whether you are feeling economic stress now or not, I urge you to make your health a priority NOW before it's too late. Below are some of the tips and tricks I'm using now to maintain my mental and physical health, while keeping an eye on my budget as well.
1) Yes, you guessed it - DESTRESS. This costs you nothing, yet it is the highest-impact thing you can do. Stress is one of the KEY contributors to illness. Meditate, breathe, have more fun, turn off the TV, focus on what's going RIGHT in your life, play with your children or your dog, take a bath...it doesn't so much matter WHAT you choose to do, just choose to do something every day that brings peace and calm to your body and your mind. It's THAT important.
2) Eat out less often. I know you know that, but I have to say it, because I hear people complain about the high prices of healthy food, yet they are also going out to eat for mediocre food on a regular basis. It is much less expensive to enjoy a home-cooked meal of all organic foods than probably even the least expensive dinner out! I am not saying NEVER go out to eat (enjoying a great meal at a wonderful restaurant is one of my greatest pleasures, and pursuing pleasure is great for your health), but I am suggesting that perhaps that last minute dinner-at-your-local-restaurant (or take out place)-because-you-don't-have-food-in-the-house-for-dinner may not be necessary. You will spend A LOT less money if you eat at home, and you will GAIN a lot in health (did you know that restaurant meals tend to be bigger in size, more fattening, and higher in sodium and unhealthy fats than meals cooked at home?).
3) Plan ahead - Of course, eating at home requires some planning, so make sure you gather your goods ahead of time. Sit down for a few minutes and think about what you will need to prepare your meals in the next few days or week, and get your fridge stocked ahead of time. Proper preparation can make a HUGE difference! If you'd like an already-prepared dinner menu and grocery list, check out my friend, Aviva's, six o'clock scramble newsletter www.thescramble.com.
4) Pack a lunch. See #2 & 3 . It's the same idea, really, yet most of us don't even THINK about packing a lunch for ourselves. It might be time to rethink that! Bringing your own lunch is a great way to save money (check out a cool calculator to figure out your savings at www.dinkytown.net/java/LunchSaver.html) AND your health. My favorite earth-friendly lunchboxes (adult and kid-appropriate) can be found at www.laptoplunches.com.
5) Shop at your local Farmer's Market - there you will find healthy, local, delicious foods for less than you would pay at a traditional market (check out www.localharvest.org to find one near you).
6) Buy foods in bulk for lower prices, including grains, beans, nuts, flour, and cereals. Also consider buying bags of apples, onions and potatoes, which offers a better value than buying individually.
7) Replace soda with water - this will amount to a HUGE savings in your pocketbook and your health! 8 ) Consider forgoing your gym membership (especially if you're like many people who are paying for one without using it), and instead exercising in the FREE outdoors, or in your home with a DVD from the library. But do move your body - it's one of the best things you can do for your physical and your mental health.
Remember - investing in YOU and your well being is THE most important (and least risky!) investment you can make. The benefits? Lowered health care costs in the future, less time off from work, more productivity, and most of all, feeling GREAT, which is absolutely PRICELESS. Take the time to commit to one action in the service of your health today - your body and your pocketbook will thank you.
Copyright (c) 2008 Healthy Bodies, Happy Minds
This can be very detrimental and have long lasting effects. There are ways to effectively manage your money even with this problem by using a non-chexsystems bank or a pay card. Chexsystems is a reporting agency that most financial institutions use to screen their potential customers. Banks report customers that mishandle their accounts.
If you have had a checking or savings account in the past that has gone into the negative and you did not pay it off, a bank will write off that amount after a certain period of time. Your account will close, but it will still show that you owe a certain amount of money. Depending on the amount of the charge off, all signers on the account will be reported to chexsystems.
A Chexsystems record remains in effect for five years. getting your name removed from chexsystems is very difficult. Even if you pay the outstanding balance, your record will remain. The only way to get taken off is if the reporting bank chooses to remove you. Some banks will do this and some will not. Your best bet is to go to the branch where you opened your account originally.
Typically, the decision rests with them because your non-payment has directly impacted the productivity of their branch. Before paying your balance, talk to the branch manager. Tell them that you are willing to pay the debt and ask if they will remove you. Even if they will not take your name off, they will mark your account paid. Some banks will open an account for you if your chexsystems record shows paid. If you are looking to open an account, there are some things to do before choosing a financial institution. Look for a non-chexsystems bank by calling and asking if they use chexsystems.
If they do, explain your situation and ask what their requirements are. Sometimes they will work with you. If you have a family member who banks somewhere, ask if they will be on the account with you. Some banks will allow you to open an account with a current account holder in good standing. Don't go to several banks and apply for an account. Each time your file is accessed it is recorded and can negatively impact your chances of being accepted. If you cannot find a non-chexsystems bank, you can apply for a pay card. This is basically a pre-paid debit card.
If your employer offers direct deposit, you can have your pay check put directly onto this card. Usually, these accounts are not supported by the branches, so you need to mail in your application or submit it online. These prepaid MasterCards are great because you are not forced to use cash all the time and many will accept payroll deposits from your employer. They are very secure and you have access to cash at participating ATMs.
Prepaid debit cards are great alternatives to a traditional bank account. If you have been reported to chexsystems, don't lose heart. You do have options. Use non-Chexsystems banks or apply for a prepaid Mastercard or Visa debit card. These are both great options that will allow you to effectively manage your finances while you safeguard your financial future.
Both Karen Schachter & Sam P. Killsting are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Karen Schachter has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, self improvement and motivation and Fitness. Karen Schachter a licensed clinical social worker & certified nutrition counselor she works with women who want to have a healthier relationship with food & in turn, improve their nutrition, their mood & energy, decrease their cravings & just generally en. Karen Schachter's top article generates over 823000 views. to your Favourites.
Sam P. Killsting has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Personal Finance and Finances. S. Proctor Killsting is a financial coach specalizing in no cost ways to increase wealth. If you're on chexsystems... this FDIC insured Bank offers