With the start of a new year, many people are motivated to improve on themselves and improve on their overall health. There is no better time to use the extra motivation to make some changes that will benefit both you and your wallet.
Eat out less often
Before you purchase that eighteen dollar salad, consider preparing a similar one at home. Eating out is more than acceptable, but it becomes a problem when you rely on it for one or two meals every day. It can also make a large dent in your wallet in a relatively short amount of time.
A takeout meal can cost between two to five times what it would cost to prepare a meal at home. It’s also hard to know how many portions, calories and what ingredients are in restaurant or take-out food. Stick to homemade meals with vegetables, whole grains, and enough protein to keep you from snacking on highly-processed foods throughout the work day.
Cancel that pricey gym membership if you aren’t using it
Be honest with yourself, is the amount of times you visit the gym enough to justify its cost? If not, consider finding a more affordable gym or opting for a punch card with a set number of uses instead of an annual membership. You can also meet your daily fitness requirements without the gym – playing sports, running, cycling or swimming are all great options. You could also consider putting the money that would’ve been spent on a gym membership towards other forms of exercise: like a group workout pass or personal training sessions, depending on what aligns with your fitness goals.
Save money on health care costs
Some health insurance providers offer discounts on premiums to those who match the fitness criteria that they set, and some have rewards programs for employees that purchase healthy foods. The healthier groceries you buy, the bigger discount you receive on health insurance… sounds like a good deal to us!
Take less sick days
Regular exercise and a healthy diet mean that your body is more capable of fighting off illness and you’ll spend less time in the doctor’s office and taking sick days off work to recover.
Save money on life insurance
When looking to buy life insurance, Insurers will take your health into consideration, including looking at your full medical history and lifestyle, and doing an examination to look for factors that can affect the calculation of life insurance premiums. If you are overweight or a smoker, this can have dramatic effects on your policy, so making changes towards a healthier life at any time could benefit you in the long run.
Take advantage of employee benefits
Many workplaces offer wellness programs that include discounts on gym memberships, provide financial incentives for reaching health goals as well as programs to help you quit smoking or lose weight.
Exercise your way to a higher income
Exercise increases your ability to focus, your energy levels, and boosts your overall mood. Overtime, regular exercise can lead to better productivity and creativity, motivating you to work harder and to have the confidence to ask for things you might not have before. Not to mention, regular exercise improves brain functionality and an increased memory, allowing you to recall information and form decisions more efficiently.
If you have recently made a big change in your lifestyle, make sure that you let your insurer know. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can be rewarded for a healthy lifestyle through your insurance, talk to one of the experts at Fuse Insurance.
Fuse Insurance Ltd. is the evolution of the commercial insurance brokerage, and the first of its kind in Western Canada. Backed by policies from a selection of A-rated insurers, Fuse Insurance can provide coverage for businesses large and small from almost any industry. For further information or to get an online quote now, click here or call us at 1-866-387-FUSE (3873) for more details.
