Do you want to get in better shape? Do you like to save money?
If you answered yes to both questions, did you know that being fit can actually help your personal finances?
It’s true! How cool is that?
Follow the five tips below and you’ll soon find yourself with some extra cash in your pockets.
1. Walk
I’m not talking about walking to your car and driving to work, either. I’m talking about using your legs to get to places that are only a mile or two away. Let’s face it, gas is expensive. Driving a couple miles to work or to the grocery store might not seem like that big of a deal. However, those miles add up. With a gallon of gas costing around $3.50, every little bit counts. If the distance is a little too far to walk, make the trek on a bike or rollerblades. Over the long run, it could also help cut down on the cost of car maintenance, too.
2. Cook from scratch
Dining out is expensive. Whether it’s fast food or a nice restaurant, eating out isn’t good for your health. You’re given large portions that taste so good, it’s hard eat only a small amount. Prepackaged food you purchase from the store is also expensive. You can solve this by cooking from scratch. When it comes to ingredients such as salt and toppings such as butter, be sure to use less. You’ll find more money in your pocket all the while becoming healthier.
3. Park far away
When you must drive, park at the far end of the parking lot. This can help you in more ways than one. How many of you are guilty of driving around in circles until you find a parking spot close to front row? I’ll be honest, I do it all the time. For one, it’s a waste of gas. Two, walking an extra couple of minutes won’t hurt anyone. If you carry a large briefcase or purse to work, the longer walk can act as a small, free workout.
4. Skip dessert
This one’s pretty simple. If you skip desert, obviously you’ll save money while also avoiding unhealthy treats. For those of you who crave dessert, reward yourself with it once or twice a week, or turn to a more healthy choice.
5. Quit the bad habits
If you’re a smoker, you could be spending as much as $3,650 per year on cigarettes! What could you do with an extra few grand in your pocket? Quite a bit! Not to mention, kicking the habit will drastically help your health in the long run. Going to the bar two or three times a week is costly as well. The habit of going out and getting a few beers can cost close to 10 bucks. Multiply that by three and you’re up to $30 a week.
Who knew getting in shape could be rewarding both physically and financially? Well it can be. And from the steps listed above, it doesn’t seem like too much to ask, either.
Have any of you taken steps to get in shape and noticed a few extra dollars in your pockets? Let us know in the comments section below!
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK
This post is exactly right; when I stopped eating poorly and improving my diet, I started saving so much. Junk food seems cheap, but because it doesn’t fill you up properly, you have to keep eating (and buying) it. I learned the truth about nutrition from reading “The Great Cholesterol Lie,” which proves that not only is cholesterol good for you, not getting enough of it puts you at risk of heart disease. My review of “Cholesterol Lie” is at my website.