Sunday, April 28, 2013
- Health: Use a refrigerator and microwave at work to “brown-bag it.” Eat a healthy lunch and avoid high-cost, high-calorie deli items.
- Wealth: Once you’ve saved three months expenses for emergencies, consider investing in mutual funds for professional management and immediate diversification.
Monday, April 29, 2013
- Health: Eat 100 calories less per day. Some easy 100 calorie targets: 1 tbsp. of mayonnaise or butter.
- Wealth: Accumulate an adequate emergency fund. Aim to save at least three month’s expenses.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
- Health: Do the math! Losing 10 pounds in a year can be as easy as eating 100 calories less each day.
- Wealth: Build wealth with good health! Spend time (e.g., exercise) and money (e.g., healthy food and check-up exams with your doctor) to maintain good physical health.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
- Health: Beware of “calorie creep.” Weight problems can develop gradually (e.g., gaining 5-6 pounds per year). One less cookie or slice of bread or sweetened beverage can make a big difference!
- Wealth: Perform an annual financial review. Check your credit report and update your spending plan and net worth. For financial planning resources, see http://njaes.rutgers.edu/money/default.asp#resources.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
- Health: Eat low-calorie portion-controlled foods (e.g., frozen entrees) with nutrition labels to help lose weight. Stock up and buy them when they are on sale to save money as well as calories.
- Wealth: Raise your credit score by paying bills on time and limiting borrowing. The higher the number, the better. FICO scores range from 300 to 850.
Friday, May 3, 2013
- Health: Monitor your health with regular screening tests (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol level, and blood glucose level). Maintain good health by following diet and exercise recommendations.
- Wealth: Buy low expense mutual funds. Look for an expense ratio that is a low percentage of fund assets such as 0.20% (1/5 of one percent) versus 1.5%.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
- Health: Take advantage of your employer’s wellness program (e.g., fitness center, nutrition classes, flu shots, and incentives to be healthy), if available.
- Wealth: Consider getting professional financial advice for major life changes (e.g., divorce) or decisions (e.g., receipt of an inheritance or life insurance policy).