How Can You Improve Your Financial Health?
Take a deep breath.
Learning about the connection between your financial, physical, and mental health isn’t meant to overwhelm or frighten you. The more you know about the connection, the more you can do to fight back against it.
You might be wondering what you could possibly do to better your financial situation, especially if you’ve been struggling for a while. No, you don’t necessarily have to get a second or third job or sell your belongings. You probably don’t have to change much about your life at all.
But, there are small things you can do to improve your financial health that can make a big difference. Try some of the following tips to get started:
- Establish a monthly budget
- Pay off old debts using a method that works for you
- Put items on “hold” to reduce overspending
- Automate your savings
- Build up an emergency fund
- Check your credit score at least once a year
All of these tips should be customized to fit your needs and lifestyle. You might be surprised by how easy it is to change things right away. For example, when looking at your monthly budget, you might see things like subscription services or entertainment features that you rarely use. Getting rid of them is easy and can end up saving you a lot each month. Automating your savings is a great way to save money without having to think about it.
Boosting your financial health is easier than you might think!
Once you feel like you’re in a good place with your financial wellness, you can go into “maintenance” mode. Things like refreshing your budget, looking through your bank accounts, and polishing up your credit score can be done annually. Doing so will constantly keep you in the know when it comes to your financial situation, so you can make smaller adjustments as needed.
Being able to manage your finances and build up your financial health can do great things for your stress levels. As a result, your mental and physical health can improve, too.
If you start to notice yourself experiencing health issues, don’t take it lightly. Clearly, you’re not alone if you’re struggling with debt or financial independence. But, don’t let your financial situation keep you from getting the mental or physical help you need from healthcare professionals. Whether you need counseling to treat a mental illness, rehab for substance abuse problems, or services like hba1C testing for diabetes care, schedule an appointment and get the assistance you need.