There is much more to saving money than financial planning. Taking on a healthier lifestyle will not only make you feel better but also lower your expenses in the long run. If you are concerned about living a healthier lifestyle but don’t want to break the bank on a gym membership and expensive organic foods, consider these simple tips.
Get Creative With Your Workout
You don’t need a gym to get in a good workout. Save money and work out at home. If you don’t have the equipment, don’t worry. Workouts using your bodyweight require nothing more than your body to create resistance and build muscle. Implement cardio by going for a walk outside or simply doing chores around the house. If you’re not sure where to begin, take advantage of employee wellness programs. Many employers offer free health classes, such as yoga. You can even download free health apps on your smartphone.
Change the Way You Access Food
It is easy to associate healthy food with a higher grocery budget. One study shows that healthier food is almost three times more expensive than less nutrient-rich foods. However, you can fuel your body with healthy foods in a more affordable way. Buy your healthy nonperishables in bulk. This is great for canned foods and snacks that you keep in the pantry. Cut back on meat and supplement legumes for protein. Only buy seasonal fruits and vegetables. If you have space for a garden, grow your own produce and save big money.
Go Green
Going green might sound expensive, but there are simple changes you can make that will decrease your utility bills and better your way of living. For example, clean your home using chemical-free DIY cleaners with things you have around the house, such as lemon juice and vinegar. Shop at your local farmer’s market and avoid driving when you can. Buy a bicycle or walk when your destination is nearby.
Turn Your New Life Into a Business
As you create your new lifestyle, consider the ways that you can turn your healthy hobbies into a business venture. If you’ve gotten into biking, you might open a bike repair shop, or if outdoor sports are your main form of exercise, consider starting a sports gear store. Maybe others will love your DIY cleaning products. You could start selling them with little cost. Use a label maker to create bottle labels for every product. Speed up the label-making process by using free online tools and templates to customize a logo for your brand.
Before your business takes off, consider making it official by forming an LLC. It will protect you from potential liability lawsuits and allow you more tax advantages and flexibility. LLCs also require very little paperwork. You can register online in under an hour. Be sure to check Florida LLC requirements before you get started.
Being Healthy Actually Saves Money
In the long run, you’ll notice that creating a healthier lifestyle will actually save money on expenses like health insurance premiums. Biking saves on gas money and vehicle repair costs. Cooking from home allows you some quiet time to enjoy a meal with a good book and avoid the cost and noise associated with eating out.
Personalizing your wellness plan often turns into finding things that you enjoy and expanding on them in your life. If it becomes a business opportunity, then you live better and make money. Living a healthy lifestyle is so much more than tedious exercise and expensive grocery bills.
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 