Benefits

Planning for a Future of Financial Stability

As we prepare to enter the New Year, there are a number of different ways to improve your life both fiscally and physically. Below are some ideas to make 2016 a great year for you!

Planning for a Future of Financial Stability

Obtaining the peace of mind that financial stability brings starts with reviewing your financial resources. Your financial resources affect not only your ability to reach your goals, but your ability to protect those goals from potential financial crises. Start by calculating your net worth, or the total value of what you own (assets), minus what you owe (liabilities).

First add up the approximate value of all your assets. This includes personal possessions, vehicles, homes, checking and savings accounts and the cash value (not the death benefits) of any life insurance policies you may have. Include the current value of investments, such as stock, real estate, certificates of deposit, retirement accounts, IRAs and the current value of any pensions you have.

Now add up your liabilities – the remaining mortgage on your home, credit card debt, student and personal loans, taxes due on the profits of any investments you’ve cashed in and any other outstanding bills. Subtract this from your assets.

Your aim is to create a positive net worth you can grow each year. Your net worth is part of what you will draw upon to pay for certain necessities as well as your retirement.

After you’ve determined your net worth, identify other financial resources that are not included in your net worth but can help you through tough times. These include the death benefits of your life insurance policies, Social Security survivor’s benefits, health care coverage, disability insurance, liability insurance and auto and home insurance.  Although you may have to pay for some of these resources, they offer financial protection in case of illness, accidents or other catastrophes.

But it’s not just your financial health to analyze in the New Year. Below are some tips for living healthier in 2016.

Healthy Portion Sizes  

For a general idea of the amount of food you should be consuming, use the following recommendations:

• A serving of meat is about two or three ounces – about the size of a deck of cards or the palm of your hand.
• One serving of grains is equal to one slice of bread, one ounce of cereal or a ½ cup of cooked pasta or rice.
• A serving of fruit or vegetables is equal to one piece of fresh fruit or vegetable, ½ cup chopped or ¾ cup of fruit or vegetable juice in general. It’s not as necessary to be vigilant about vegetable or fruit intake, as any amount is healthy – just make sure you’re getting enough while being aware of the sugar content in fruit.
• The key to any meal if to have 75 percent of your plate covered with vegetables and 25 percent covered with meat or pasta.

Making Time for Fitness

Everyone has time for fitness. Even if your life already seems way too hectic with your job, family and other commitments, there’s still room to tend to your health.

• Park your car far away and walk to your destination.
• Participate in a charity run, walk or bike event.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
• Squeeze a stress ball while at work to relieve tension, burn calories, increase flexibility and improve blood flow.
• Exercise during your lunch break, even if it’s just a walk around the block or up and down a flight of stairs.

Getting even 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day will improve your health. It will also make you feel better overall and can be fun. Get out there and get active!