I often hear people say “it’s expensive to live healthily”; but I am here to say, those people are WRONG! Adopting a lifestyle that promotes wellness can and will serve to put cash back in our pockets; with healthcare costs mounting, it proves wise to make small changes to keep our money in our pockets.

Eating right and exercising prevents over 80% of diseases; including diabetes, stroke and cancer, which are preventable through dietary changes and exercise. Yes, fresh fruits and vegetables are more expensive than canned or processed option; but think of the healthcare savings. Medications and treatments are far more costly to our health AND our bottom line. To add more value to your life and wallet, include fruits and vegetables in every meal; and workout for 20 minutes three to four times a week; this is the simple equation to longevity and savings.

Kicking a smoking habit not only reduces health risks, and there are many; but it can put another $2000-$5000 a year back in financial coffer. Not to mention the savings on health care; and not just our own health care, but our children too; if a child develops asthma due to second smoke, or our partner gets the dreaded cancer and is unable to work, the cost to our families and bank accounts is HUGE. Bottom line the savings from quitting smoking are innumerable. So do it today. Quitting smoking is hard, I get that; but there are many free or low cost smoking cessation programs for people to take advantage- so there really is NO EXCUSE.

Don’t be afraid to ask your employer about health incentives; quite often companies have them in place, but no one takes advantage of them. Nearly 60% of large employers use financial incentives to help their employees get healthy. And if your employer doesn’t have incentives in place, talk to them about starting some! Stress to them the benefits of healthy and supported employees, such as better productivity and emotional investment in the company. It has been proven that employers, who empower their employees to be healthy and educated about being their best selves, build tribes of loyal workers.

Eating and living healthily SAVES money and in addition to saving money, it will add years to our lives. Taking the initiative with our health and asking for help when needed will pave the road to lifelong and effortless health.