Saving Money on Healthcare in 2009 and Beyond!

One of the biggest monthly categories of spending that most people deal with is healthcare costs. Health insurance, prescriptions, medications, doctor’s visits – it all adds up. When you’re trying to pay off debt and save on expenses, it may seem like there are very few options for saving on healthcare costs. But I bet that you’re overlooking two of the most obvious ways that you can cut your healthcare costs without sacrificing your health in the process.

EAT BETTER and EXERCISE MORE!

I can hear it now – “Oh man! Come on, what kind of tip is that?” Simple question, simple answer. It’s the kind that will get you results! This is easy in theory, and I’m sure you already “know it”, but there’s no way you’re doing all your can. You’re ignoring something on purpose or by accident, that directly affects all areas of your life – including your wallet!

For most people getting fit and staying healthy is a constant challenge. There are people out there who eat well and stay active. They’ve been able to keep this up through hard work and they’ve made it part of their daily routine. For others it just never happens. I think most people are in the middle somewhere, including myself. You can find lots of different sources of motivation for getting fit and staying healthy, but one you may not have thought seriously about is what it costs to be unhealthy.

Here are a few examples of how getting healthier can change your life.

• If you’re health, you will spend less on health insurance, copays and prescriptions. If you have an HSA (Health Savings Account) health insurance plan, this also means that you’ll be saving lots of money for an serious or emergency medical expense.
• You’ll change your routine to include physical activities. That means that you could start spending less on hobbies and activities by participating in free sports clubs, running, biking, walking, etc.
• You could change your transportation habits and bike or walk someplace you’d normally drive or take public transportation.
• You’ll cut the extra expense of junk food and unhealthy foods out of your grocery budget.
• You’ll teach your children better habits and they will grow up in a healthy, active environment and live healthier lives.
• You’ll feel better! 

You absolutely can’t overlook the last one. You will feel better! Raise your hand if you feel the best you’ve ever felt in your life. I see very few hands. Not even my own! So please don’t think I’m just standing on a soap box telling everyone else to change. I’m doing this too. This post is as much targeting myself as it is offering a challenge to others who are looking for an opportunity to change their lives.

As part of this goal, I’ve been looking for resources that I can use to jump start my health and start getting back on track to living a healthy life. Here are a few that I’ve found, some articles, some tools, hopefully enough to get you started in the right direction. 

• The New York Times – Keeping That Diet Resolution – 8 sites to help you lose weight or at least eat more healthfully.
• The New York Times – The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating – Try this strategy – buy one new food each week and see if you can work it into your diet!
• Divine Caroline – 20 Healthiest Foods for Under $1 - A great list of staples to include in your diet that will fit into ANY budget!
• Men’s Health – 10 Easy Ways to Lose Weight Without Starving
• MyFoodDiary – Subscription tools to help you track your health – activities and diet – via web and mobile. Also includes support forums for users.
• Health.com’s Get Fit Blog
• Discovery Health’s Healthy Living
• Rodale Publications: Men’s Health, Women’s Health and Best Life

I want your support!

Contribute your ideas and resources in the comments for staying healthy this year and in the future! What are the best health & fitness blogs out there? Where can we find the best resources for getting and staying healthy?

 photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

Tweet This Post

Tagged as: challenge, diet, fitness, food, habits, health, saving money, Thrifty Tips

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...