Although the original Six Dimensions of Wellness by Bill Hettler doesn’t include financial wellness, it is seen fairly often. And in fact, financial stress does interact with the other dimensions. Stress can cause you to be emotionally and physically ill. Financial stress has reached such heights that more employers are now adding “financial wellness” programs to their menu of employee benefits. I have been in an area of financial stress, but have learned how to stay healthy. According to Robert Powell in USA Today, financial wellness is having minimal financial stress and a strong financial foundation with an emergency savings fund and living within your abilities. The plan you follow should also put you on track to meet future financial goals like education or retirement. This plan is similar to Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. Are you financially healthy? If you are, what are your tips? If not what questions do you have?
I took Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University course years ago, which taught me about managing debt. I love the debt snowball plan and found it very easy to use. According to Dave Ramsey, when you have credit card debt, the principle is to stop everything except minimum payments and focus on one thing at a time. This is very motivating as you see your debt being paid off. First accumulate $1,000 cash as an emergency fund. Then begin intensely getting rid of all debt (except the house) using his debt snowball plan. List your debts in order with the smallest payoff or balance first. He states, “do not be concerned with interest rates or terms unless two debts have similar payoffs, then list the higher interest rate debt first. Paying the little debts off first gives you quick feedback, and you are more likely to stay with the plan.” You can find the course in your area but it is also available online. Along with learning smart steps to take financially, it is important to have an emotionally positive outlook on life. Positive energy brings positive events. As you have probably figured out by my posts so far, this is really important to me.
In taking a positive outlook emotionally on stress. I found that Making Sense of Cents accomplished this nicely in Learning to Embrace the Positives While Dealing With Debt. Michelle’s guest blogger, Kimberly Farrally is the Co-Writer for Sweet Discord, an inspirational + lifestyle blog. It is difficult to see the positives sometimes, especially when we are dealing with stress. She reminds us of some of the positives, like remembering that we do have a roof over our head even when we have mortgage debt, or with student loan debt, the positive is that we do have an education. If we try and look for the positives, we can find them everywhere.
In addition to dealing with the stress and learning good financial habits, I have also been looking for side income possibilities. I love trying new things as I think it keeps my mind active, which is good at 72 :). I became a professional artist at 63, 10 years ago and this year I have started blogging, using Bluehost as my hosting site, for side income. I needed a substitute for my ballroom dancing that I can no longer do. I have also joined Toastmasters, which will be another blog. I want to become a better speaker so I can start sharing workshops in creativity and wellness. It is important that you do things you enjoy and have fun whether you make money or not. Life should be fun!! This year I also have been selling Arbonne products, which are vegan and all botanical, because I love the product, especially the protein powders and vitamins.
Setting up this blog and my Sami’s Art website was easy with the help of the Bluehost team. I moved my art website over in order to take advantage of the expert help and the wordpress blogging. If you decide to start your blog please use my link to connect to bluehost. I would really appreciate it. I also used Mojo Marketplace for my template.They have also been very helpful in starting me up. I used Sugar for this blog and Eclipse for my art blog.
What are your questions about Financial Wellness and where are you in your financial wellness? What do you do to stay financially healthy? Share with me! Safe journeys until next week :).