HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Financial Wellness

  • 8 Ways To Be Promotable

    WORK LIFE

    Image of a group of co-workers smiling.

    No matter what the job, there are certain qualities that all top-performing employees share, according to job-placement expert Phil Blair, author of Job Won! Below are Blair’s 8 ways to be promotion-worthy:

    1.Look and act promotable.You’ve got a job, but unless you plan to make it the last job you ever have, think long term. Act like you’re a man or woman on a mission, always prepared to take the next step, to take your career to the next level. Dress accordingly. In fact, dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Showcase your work when you can. Go above and beyond.

    2.Create value in everything you do.Don’t just cross things off a to-do list. If you have a job to do, do it well. Commit your best effort to all tasks, large and small. That might be challenging at times, but people notice.

    3.Be resourceful.Think outside the box. If you’re doing a job and you see a better way to do it, speak up (in a polite, respectful way). Anticipate problems and find answers before they’re needed. Don’t be afraid to do a little legwork, a little sweating before it’s necessary. It will always pay off.

    4.Get noticed.There’s nothing wrong with stepping up and stepping out: Volunteer for extra duties. Look for chances to be part of a team. Likewise look for chances to work with other departments, both to learn about that department but also to meet new people.

    5.Stay informed.Become an expert in your field. That includes staying on top of industry news and trends, company policies, and department memos. Read the company newsletter. Talk to others in the know. The more information you have at hand, the better prepared you will be when opportunity comes knocking.

    6.Keep positive.No matter what’s going on, remain level-headed, upbeat, with your eye on the prize. There are always ups and downs but focus on the long term. If you have a temper, it is your responsibility to never show it at work.

    7.Be a team player.This is about more than just getting along with others or telling a good joke. In meetings or group efforts, you want to be seen as a valued contributor who offers feedback, meets deadlines, and gets things done-all for the common good. Know your teammates, their strengths, and strive to make them look good too.

    8.Conduct effective meetings.The best way to not get anything done is to call a meeting. That’s a little harsh but meetings are probably the most abused aspect of the workday. The best meetings are short, sweet, and to the point. If you’re calling the meeting or running it, make sure you have an agenda and stick to it. Make sure only the people who need to be at the meeting are there. Stay on point. Allow everyone to speak who wants to speak, but keep them focused on the subject. Try to complete all of the tasks of the meeting before the meeting ends. If that’s not possible, assign action items with due dates.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How To Make Fewer Mistakes At Work

    WORK LIFE

    Image of clock with person sleeping.

    Do you want to be your best at your job and avoid mistakes? There’s a healthy and simple way to do this: GET ENOUGH SLEEP.

    The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) says almost half of Americans said poor quality sleep affected their lives in the past seven days. And, many people report getting poor sleep on a regular basis.

    This poor sleep adds up to poor job performance, says the NSF. In one poll, up to a third of people admitted to falling asleep or feeling very sleepy at work in the last month. This can lead to minor errors, such as a typo in a letter to major mistakes that affect your career.

    When your body isn’t rested, it affects your brain and thinking in ways that could hurt your job performance and even hurt others. One study showed that when on-call resident doctors work overnight, they report 300 percent more medical errors that led to death than those who worked a 16-hour shift.

    Experts at the NSF say you should get at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day, and create a relaxing bedroom environment for sleep. If you have chronic sleep problems, see your doctor for help.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Protect Yourself From Medical Identity Fraud

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of money and a stethoscope.

    It’s America’s fastest growing identity crime. DHHS says health care data hacking has affected more than 34 million Americans. Stolen records provide information for tax and insurance fraud.

    “When someone steals your medical identity, they corrupt your individual health record, so the next time you receive care your doctor can be working off a file riddled with bad information,” say ID Experts, a medical software provider.

    Use these wise fraud protection tips.

    *  Protect your health insurance card as carefully as you would your Social Security or credit cards. Theft of these cards allows someone to assume your identity to receive care. Treat their loss as seriously as a missing credit card; notify your insurance company and include it on any police report you file.

    *  Never share your insurance with a friend or family member. When someone pretends to be you to receive health care, your lifetime medical records become compromised. This can lead to a future misdiagnosis, a prescription mistake, or other inappropriate treatment.

    *  Use strong passwords on patient portals and change them often.

    *  Be observant in medical offices. Don’t just fill out the HIPAA policy form and then assume your provider is being careful. Raise concerns, like medical records sitting open on desks or unattended and unlocked computer terminals.

    *  Do NOT provide your medical information to someone who calls or emails you about your “possible involvement in a recent breach.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Talk Smart About Finances

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Image of young couple with laptop and piggy bank.

    Economic flux hurts more than our wallets. Financial woes can lead to emotionally damaging arguments among couples and put unnecessary strain on the family, said Josh Klapow, PhD, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Klapow is the author of Living Smart:  5 Essential Skills to Change Your Health Habits Forever.

    He said financial discussions, and even disagreements, can have a positive impact on families struggling through uncertainty. The key is to make those discussions productive, not destructive. Dr. Klapow offers 5 talking tips:

    1.Keep a cool head.When your emotions are high-be it anger, sadness, frustration-thoughts get cloudy. Relax, breathe, wait 2-10 minutes, then start to talk.

    2.Start easy.Arguments often start because of a critical remark or an angry tone. Try to bring up problems and mistakes gently and without blame.

    3.Don’t assume.Talk about your feelings, not what you think your spouse or partner is feeling. Describe your feelings in first person with “I” and explain why.

    4.Think then speak.The goal of the conversation should be to problem-solve, not to win. Remember, once the words are out, you cannot take them back.

    5.Repair and recover.Don’t let the discussion get out of control. End on a positive, or at least neutral, note. Lean on patience, change the topic, or offer a positive comment to let the other person know you’re part of the same team.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 6 Ways To Boost Productivity

    WORK LIFE

    Three co-workers sitting at table working.

    When you feel productive, getting tasks done can seem effortless. But, productivity often doesn’t happen on its own. Boost productivity and crush your to-do list.

    Cut out distractions

    Silence your phone and turn off email notifications. Give yourself 15 to 30 minutes of uninterrupted work at a time. Check your phone or take a stretch break every time you finish a work block.

    Write goals down

    Take a moment in the morning to write a clear to-do list. Focus on the things you must get done, not wishful thinking. A clear goal is more likely to be achieved.

    Break tasks up

    Instead of trying to tackle the whole project at once, break it up into smaller tasks. Each piece should feel manageable, making the entire project easier to achieve from start to finish.

    Collaborate

    Team meetings may seem like a time-waster, but in reality, collaborating with others boosts productivity. Regular check-ins keep everyone on track and hold you accountable for getting positive results.

    Take a break

    Working pedal to the metal is a recipe for burnout. Regular breaks refresh and energize you making you more productive in the long run. A 10-minute break every hour is a reasonable goal.

    Move more

    Physical activity during the workday can make you more productive. Movement increases alertness and energy. Try a standing desk, stretching, or walking breaks to get the blood flowing.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Are You Addicted To Shopping?

    WELL-BEING

    Image of couple holding shopping bags.

    Whether you like to look at clothing, housewares, tools, or electronics, shopping is a favorite pastime for many people. As the holidays approach, shopping becomes even more popular. Big sales, special deals, and promotions all seek to get more people to buy, buy, buy.

    But for some people, shopping is more than just fun around the holidays. It can actually be an addiction, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

    Signs of Shopping Addiction

    Many people think addiction is only for drugs and alcohol. But many behaviors including shopping can become an addiction. Access to online shopping can make the problem worse. You can buy whatever you want from the privacy of your home and just a few mouse clicks.

    It can be difficult to know if you just like to shop, or if it’s really a problem. If three or more of these statements apply to you, you may be addicted to shopping:

    *  You frequently buy things you don’t need.

    *  You have many unopened packages of items or clothing with the tags still on.

    *  You purchase things you can’t afford by using credit cards.

    *  You hide your purchases from your spouse or family.

    *  You feel a strong need to shop when you’re sad, angry, or anxious.

    *  You have secret credit cards or open new cards when others ones are maxed out.

    *  You think obsessively about shopping and money.

    *  You buy much more than planned, and feel guilty or ashamed afterward.

    *  Your relationships with family or friends have been affected by your shopping.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How To Make The Most Of Your Lunch Break

    WORK LIFE

    Image of co-workers having lunch.

    It can be tempting to skip your lunch break if you’re swamped. But taking a midday break can renew your energy and productivity through the afternoon and into the evening. Try these tips to make the most of your break:

    *Plan your afternoon.If you’re stressed about work, make a quick list of what you want to accomplish. If there’s too much to do and not enough time, determine which things are top priority and which can wait.

    *Get up from your workspace.A change of scenery can refresh you, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Staying in the same place all day can leave you feeling burned out.

    *Stop thinking about work.Take a few moments, if you can, to take a deep breath and do something you enjoy. That might be listening to a song, a quick walk outside, or having lunch with a friend.

    Lunch break naps: good or bad?

    If you get a 30 or 60 minute lunch break, should you nap during this time? The National Sleep Foundation says you can consider it. Be sure you:

    *  Keep the midday nap to 20 minutes or less.

    *  Keep it early in the day. Late afternoon or early evening naps could make it hard to fall asleep at night.

    If you find that napping interferes with your nighttime sleep, skip it. It’s more important to get good sleep at night.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Financial Planner

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Image of women writing different types of investments.

    1. How are you paid? Is it by a fee and commission? Do you fully disclose the fees and the commissions you earn on every investment you make or service you offer? If paid by fees, what is the average fee your clients pay?

    2. How many years have you been in the business? How long have you been a financial planner?

    3. Can you give me some references of people you have worked with for more than two years?

    4. What is your typical client like? Income levels, issues, investment amounts?

    5. What training did you have to be a planner? What requirements were needed to attain this degree or title?

    6. How many hours of continuing education must you have to keep your degree/designation?

    7. What does a completed financial plan look like?

    8. What is the most important difference your work made in someone’s life?

    9. How many clients do you have?

    10. How many support staff do you have? What are their credentials?

    11. Do you have a privacy statement?  May I have a copy?

    12. Is there an agreement among you and your staff to keep information confidential? Have there ever been any violations of that agreement?

    13. Do you have a copy of your Form ADV (a required disclosure form from the securities authorities)? Have you been responsible for any securities violations?

    14. Do you have a formal contract to define the responsibilities of the clients and those of the planners? Does it also address a protocol to settle differences and to terminate the relationship? How long does the contract last?

    Answers you will get to these questions can vary suggests Lynn S. Evans, CFP, author of Power of the Purse: Fear-Free Finances for Baby Boomer Women. You may have other questions that are important to you. Examples include if the offices are nearby and if you can communicate by email).

    A question regarding the planner’s investment performance is absent. For good reason: the planner’s average return on an investment is not the key to his or her success. The ability to meet the clients’ goals is what really counts.

    Lost without cyberspace?

    What if you couldn’t get a Wi-Fi signal on your smartphone? How anxious would you be if you forgot your phone or lost it? Worry about not being able to see instant news and weather? Or freak about a low battery? If you say yes, you may be a nomophobe (that’s having no mobile phone phobia), according to Iowa State University researchers, in the journal Computers in Human Behavior. Take the 20-question test and judge for yourself atwww.news.iastate.edu/news/2015/08/26/nomophobia. It’s not an addiction but an obsession, they say.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Teaching Kids To Manage Money

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Image of boy holding money in one hand and thumbs up with the other hand.

    Good money management habits start early. In fact, even preschool age children can begin to learn about money and how to use it responsibly. Parents and caregivers have the power to teach children about proper spending, saving and sharing from a young age.

    Preschool age

    *  Use play money to “buy” items.

    *  Teach children about work. Tell them how your job helps you pay for things like food and clothes.

    *  Take them to the grocery store and talk about what items cost.

    *  If children get money for a birthday or holiday, have them put it in their piggy bank instead of spending it right away.

    School age

    *  Discuss the prices of items while shopping. Show your kids your shopping receipts and explain how much items cost.

    *  Have kids help you clip coupons and talk about how much you can save.

    *  Open a savings account for your child.

    *  Consider giving an allowance for chores. Talk to them about saving their allowance to buy something later, rather than spending it all now.

    Teenagers

    *  Show your teen how to balance a checkbook.

    *  Discuss responsible credit card spending and avoiding credit card debt.

    *  If your teen has a job, talk about taxes and help them fill out their income tax form.

    *  Explain how automobile and health insurance works.

    Don’t feel pressured to give your child a complete course in finances. Children learn by watching others, so setting a positive example for spending and saving is a great way to teach.

    Source: University of Minnesota Extension

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • An Annual Financial Review

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Women writing on paper with laptop next to her.

    Managing your finances is a long-term investment. Following a budget is the blueprint for financial health. But, how do you know if it’s working?

    A yearly financial review provides a snapshot of how well your financial management achieves your financial goals. And it allows you to identify and adapt to changes in your financial health.

    Step 1: Review your debts

    Begin by making a list of all your debts and their interest rates. Evaluate your progress in reducing your debt burden in the past year. Determine if your current payoff plan is working or if you need to allocate more resources to reduce debt.

    Step 2: Reevaluate your budget

    Compare your budget to your actual monthly expenses. Make adjustments so it accurately reflects your current bills and income. It’s normal for things to change over the course of a year. Identify areas where you are overspending and need to adjust either your budget or your spending habits.

    Step 3: Assess your savings

    It’s wise to have a rainy-day fund set aside in a separate savings account. That account should be paid into each month to provide a safety net in case of unexpected expenses. Check to see how well you did contributing each month.

    Step 4: Review retirement accounts

    Check in with any retirement or investment accounts and consider whether they are growing at a comfortable pace. Make sure you are taking full advantage of any matching retirement funds from your employer. Double-check how the maximum IRA contribution may affect you in the coming year.

    Step 5: Update your financial goals

    Using all the information you have gathered, set both short and long-term financial goals. Paying off debts, reducing expenses, increasing savings or retirement, or planning for a large purchase can all be part of your updated goals. Keep the goals specific and measurable.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine