Spring 2011, Week 1

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Health: Set yourself up for success by planning a number of small, manageable steps rather than one big drastic change. If you approach the changes gradually and with commitment, you will have a healthy diet.
Wealth: Save your loose change! According to the America Saves program, saving fifty cents a day over the course of a year will allow you to save nearly 40% of a $500 emergency fund (.50 x 365 = $182.50).

Health: Simplify. Instead of being overly concerned with counting calories or measuring portion sizes, think of food in terms of color, variety, and freshness—then it should be easier to make healthy choices.
Wealth: Do you keep track of your spending? It’s helpful to review your purchases using credit and debit card receipts, bank statements, and/or online records. Then, ask yourself if you should reallocate some of this spending to an emergency savings account. For more savings tips, visit: http://bit.ly/fLuD29

Health: Focus on finding foods you love and easy recipes that incorporate a few fresh ingredients. Gradually, your diet will become healthier and more delicious.
Wealth: Need help establishing a budget? Beginning on the first day of a new month, track everything you purchase. Then review your list at the end of the month so you can see where your money is going.

Health: Every change you make to improve your diet matters. You don’t have to be perfect and you don’t have to completely eliminate foods you enjoy to have a healthy diet.
Wealth: Want to save money? Take advantage of discounts and/or incentive programs provided through your employer. Many companies offer discounted rates for computers, movie tickets, hotels, cellular services, and more. Talk to your human resources representative to see what perks your company offers.

Health: The long term goal from a healthy weight is to feel good, have more energy, and reduce the risk of cancer and disease. Don’t let any setbacks derail you—every healthy food choice you make counts.
Wealth: Premium coffee drinks are popular but are they really worth the money? Try substituting “regular” coffee for high-cost drinks. Saving $2 a day by buying coffee rather than a cappuccino or latte can, over a year, allow you to completely fund a $500 emergency fund. So, wake up and smell the coffee!

Health: Think of water and exercise as food groups in your diet. Water helps flush our systems of waste products and protects us from being dehydrated—causing tiredness, low energy, and headaches.
Wealth: Did you know that by keeping your car engine tuned and its tires inflated to their proper pressure, you could save up to $100 a year in gas? Find out more about this and other money-saving tips from the America Saves program at http://bit.ly/fLuD29

Health: Find something active that you like to do and add it to your day, just like you are adding healthy foods such as greens, blueberries, whole grains, and salmon.
Wealth: It’s much cheaper to rent one film a week than to watch one on premium cable channels that may cost more than $500 a year. Also, take advantage of $1 movie kiosks that are in stores you frequent often.