Sunday, May 13, 2012
- Health: Alter your recipes to reduce or eliminate fat, salt, and sugar and to increase fiber. For example, to reduce the fat content of recipes, use fat-free (skim) milk instead of whole milk.
- Wealth: Avoid payday loans where borrowers write a postdated check to a lender to get money for a high fee. Often, when the fee is calculated on an annual basis, the APR is almost 400% or higher!
Monday, May 14, 2012
- Health: Cut the fat. Use 1/4 less liquid oil or solid fat in most recipes and two egg whites for every egg. Substitute applesauce for vegetable oil and melted butter or margarine in cookies and cakes.
- Wealth: Calculate the potential savings from making regular deposits (e.g., $25 per week) with online financial calculators. Knowing the results can motivate you to save.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
- Health: Eat less sugar. Use up to 1/3 less sugar in recipes for cookies, muffins, quick breads, and cakes.
- Wealth: From every dollar save a dime. “Pay yourself first” by saving at least 10% of your gross income.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
- Health: Cut sugar calories. Replace canned fruit packed in syrup with fresh fruit or with canned fruit packed in water and buy low-sugar ice cream.
- Wealth: Save $1 a day, plus pocket change, by reducing daily expenses. You’ll accumulate about $50 per month or about $600 in a year.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
- Health: Reduce your sodium intake. Omit or reduce half the amount of salt in most recipes.
- Wealth: Consider investing some money for long-term goals (5+ years in the future) in stocks or stock mutual funds for growth potential.
Friday, May 18, 2012
- Health: Eat more fiber. Substitute up to one-half of all-purpose flour with 100% whole wheat flour and add high-fiber ingredients to recipes (e.g., whole oats to muffins, waffles, and pancakes).
- Wealth: Practice effective consumer skills: comparison shop, use coupons and sales, and ask for discounts.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
- Health: Avoid “mindless” eating. Separate eating meals and snacks from other activities like watching TV or reading a newspaper.
- Wealth: Establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected bills or living expenses if your paycheck stops.