Leahey.org

If you haven’t already, I recommend first reading Part 1.

In this chapter, part, section, whatever you want to call it, I’m going to cover an often-overlooked money saving tip. Staying healthy.

Healthcare is not cheap. A quick trip to the hospital, or a few diagnostic tests can push you over the four-digit mark real quick, especially if you have limited insurance. There are many reasons to stay healthy, most of which are much more important than saving a few bucks per month. For this entry, however, I will try to stay on topic.

Watch your weight: Eating healthy can be more expensive than eating junk, however, in the long run you will be saving. Be careful not to overindulge, even in health food. There have been several reports indicating a caloric deficit is the secret to longevity. I don’t know about that, but its definitely cheaper.

If you live in the city, consider walking to work and the stores. If its too far to walk, try biking. If you live in an area where everything is a distance from your house, park at the far end of the parking lot and walk to the store.

Reduce the sugar: This really could be included in the weight-watching, but I felt it needed to be emphasized. I don’t have any statistics to back me up, but I have a feeling the average American spends more yearly on dentists than they do on MDs. Read labels, there are many misconceptions about what is “good for you”, fruit products probably aren’t nearly as good for you as you think they are.

Cut back on the stress: Stress will kill you. It’s not worth taking the promotion at work, if its going to mean a considerably more stressful working environment. If you hate your job, start looking for other options. If you’re constantly arguing with your spouse, consider counseling.

Be happy: Look at your life. Is there any one thing that stands out as being more of a burden than anything else? It could be a relationship, it may be a job or a commitment. It could be something you’ve volunteered to do. If possible, eliminate it. You only go through life once, nothing and nobody is worth spending it unhappy.

Go to the doctor: This may seem counter-intuitive, but most problems will not “go away on their own”. If something is wrong, getting a professional opinion as soon as possible will almost always save you, both monetarily and physically. There isn’t a disease or condition out there that doesn’t have an exponentially better survival rate if caught in its early stages.

Keep an eye out for Part 3!