Financial Health

I feel like this is so important. Your financial health can affect your physical and mental health. Believe me, I am speaking from experience. A few years out of college, I was over $13,000 in the hole on credit cards and owed more than that in student loans. I owed more than I made in a year. Pathetic and scary at the same time. I had to claw my way out of the dark hole of debt, and I will tell you how: with hard work and sacrifice. I sought help from a credit counseling agency and got on a debt management plan. Beware of the terms-if I had not paid more than the minimum every month, I might still be in credit card debt. No matter what, whether you choose to do it yourself or seek financial help, always pay more than the minimum payment! Pay those cards off one by one, starting with the card with the highest percentage rate. Work your way down the line. Put the cards away. Do not use credit-ever-unless you need it for business purposes or an extreme emergency. A flat screen tv does not equal an emergency.

Trying to keep up with the Joneses (ie. living above your means) is not a good way to live and will make you a slave to material possessions and credit. Do not eat out or buy coffee everyday-not only can you save hundreds a month, but you will be much healthier too. Save a little bit of money every month for emergencies or even for something that you want to buy so you do not have to rely on credit. And contribute to your 401(k) plan at work, even if it is just 1% at first. It is taken out before your income is taxed, and you get to claim your contributions when you file your income taxes each year, which puts you in the black with the IRS.

Being financially healthy requires a lot of work and sacrifice, but it is worth it. I am credit card debt free, and I have paid down my student loans significantly. I feel lighter because I do not have a debt monkey sitting on my back, stressing me out and depressing me. I will not be a slave to debt!