Discussions about financial planning often revolve around investments, savings and strategies to secure a stable future. However, one aspect that's equally crucial, yet sometimes overlooked, is prioritizing your personal health. Beyond the obvious physical and mental advantages, there’s a correlation between prioritizing your health and realizing financial benefits.

5 tips for a healthier you

Keeping yourself healthy can prevent extra costs and help make your goals easier to achieve. Making smart wellness choices today can be a prescription to a healthier future. Use these helpful tips to promote personal and financial wellbeing:

1. Healthy habits can lower your medical bills and the need for prescriptions, lab tests and surgeries. Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses can quickly add up, but eating a healthier diet, staying physically active and learning how to effectively deal with stress are all ways to minimize your need for non-preventative doctor visits and tests.
2. Fewer sick days reduces the risk of needing to take time off work without pay.Sick leave policies vary between organizations and can often be different for salaried or hourly employees. But once you use up your allotted days, missing days of work means you don’t get paid.
3. Staying healthy can help you be more productive, leading to more opportunities on the job and more energy outside of work to do what you love. By making healthier choices, you can improve your mood, performance and quality of life.
4. Avoiding bad habits, like smoking or excessive drinking, can reduce spending and lower life and health insurance premiums. According to the Insurance Information Institute, these healthier habits will help you qualify for a more favorable rate class, which means a lower premium.
5. Save money on less expensive food tabs. A big portion of the average person’s budget goes toward food. You can lower your household food costs by buying generic brands or in bulk, purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables when they’re on sale — or even cooking more, compared to dining out.

Employer incentives and financial benefits

Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of a healthy workforce, too. According to Harvard Business Review, a positive work environment leads to dramatic benefits for both employees and employers alike. Many companies offer a range of incentives that you can utilize to focus on your health, including these:

• Health insurance premium reductions:Some employers provide incentives such as reduced health insurance premiums if you participate in wellness programs, undergo health screenings or meet certain health-related goals.
• Gym memberships and wellness programs: Many companies offer free or subsidized gym memberships, wellness programs or access to fitness classes as part of their benefits package, encouraging you to stay active and maintain good health.
• Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs): These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. You’re able to invest and grow this money tax-free for future medical needs. You can use your HSA to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and some other expenses, and you may be able to lower your out-of-pocket health care costs.

Health and wealth go hand in hand

Prioritizing your health isn’t just about feeling good; it’s a strategic financial move that can reap rewards in various aspects of your life. In a world where financial planning takes center stage, it’s crucial not to overlook the symbiotic relationship between health and wealth. Prioritizing your health isn’t an expense but a smart, long-term investment that pays dividends in both your personal wellbeing and financial stability.