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Many little habits we develop today can save us tens of thousands of dollars down the road. I've listed 5 things that, done regularly, will help achieve a happy, healthy, and wealthy life.
1. Wear Sunscreen
Every article I've ever read about skin care and every dermatologist I've been to have said the same thing: (1) sun ages your skin (think wrinkles, discolorations, loss of elasticity), and (2) one bad burn significantly increases your chances of skin cancer later in life.
Instead of spending big bucks for laser refinishing or wrinkle remover creams later on in life (or worse, have to suffer through the pains of skin cancer), spend some extra time taking care of your skin now.
2. Brush Teeth / Floss
Dental care can add up to thousands of dollars, not to mention hours of discomfort or pain (I don't know anyone who actually enjoys a dental procedure).
By taking care of your teeth now with regular brushing and flossing, you will prevent gum diseases and tooth decay. As an added incentive - if you have healthy teeth, you'll be more inclined to smile. And smiling, as everyone knows, is a good for your health!
3. Invest
Every $100 you can put away now will be working for your financial future. Every $100 you spend on designer jeans or a new car payment will not. That doesn't mean you have to live like a pauper, but recognize that all things being equal, the dollar that you invest when you are 25 will work so much harder for you than the same dollar you invest when you are 40.
Compound interest is a powerful thing, so get started investing as soon as you are able to. Educate yourself on what investments are appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance, then let your money work hard for you.
4. Exercise
Regular exercise can not only help strengthen our immune system and help us fend off illnesses, it also gives us happy endorphins. Sad people are bigger spenders, so being happy and healthy not only improves your mood and help you achieve a more attactive physique, it will improve your bottom-line as well.
Participating in a wellness program can get you decreased medical insurance premiums. Taking part in a physical hobby (say, running or dance), can help you meet new friends.
5. Don't smoke
Using tobacco products can cause or contribute to many diseases. But the benefits of not smoking isn't just limited to the health realm. Cigarettes are expensive! Which means that when you light up a cigarette, you are literally burning money.
Let's say that a pack of cigarettes cost $7. A person who smokes 4 packs a week clocks in at around $30 a week, or $120 a month. That's over $1400 a year! Legislation has made tobacco products increasingly expensive over the recent years (and all trends point to higher taxes on tobacco products in the future), so in 5 years, it wouldn't be surprisingly if the same smoker will be paying closer to $2,000 a year for the habit.
Even leaving the health effects out of the equation, smoking is a financially costly habit.
