Fight the Flu Through Your Finances

It’s flu season, and many people are trying to fight off the illness before it ruins their holidays.  With the majority of people complaining about financial stress, and the APA reporting that stress leads to all kinds of health issues, focusing on financial wellness could be a game-changer when it comes to building immunity and keeping sickness at bay.

Why Finances Play a Part in Your Health

Money is the top stressor for most Americans (72%), and it has been for nearly a decade.¹  In addition, the stress of it all will have you sick in bed, weeping over your money woes and fighting off an army of symptoms.

• 67% of people said their stress causes emotional symptoms.²
• 72% of people said their stress causes physical symptoms.²

It’s plan and simple:  people with high financial stress feel sick more often.³  Unfortunately, poor finances also keep people from getting the help they need.

• 32% of Americans say they are unable to live a healthy lifestyle because of poor finances.¹
• One in five people skip going to the doctor’s because of financial challenges, even though they need health care.¹

So what can you do to protect yourself from the money stressors that threaten your well-being?

A New Kind of Doctor: Your Money Coach

Poor finances lead to poor health, which lead to more financial issues.  If you don’t get help with your problems, you may find yourself in a never-ending cycle.  That’s why our Money Coaches dedicate themselves to eradicating financial stress.  Their sole purpose is to help you improve your financial wellness, so your overall well-being isn’t at stake.

Money Coaches are financial professionals with experience in all areas of finance, and they have certifications like Certified Public Accountant and Accredited Financial Counselor.  No matter the challenge, your Money Coach has the expertise to get you back on your feet and build “immunity” for future financial problems.

What Kind of Outcome Can You Expect

8 in 10 employees use the well-being programs provided by their employer in order to reduce stress, and more than 80% see a positive difference.⁴  The MSA Financial Wellness program is no different.  Hundreds of thousands of employees across the country are benefiting from the help of a Money Coach through MSA.  Take it from people just like you:

• “After the first three months, I was already on my way to great financial wellness, and as of right now, I am pretty satisfied with my overall financial health.  All thanks to MSA!!!”
• “I think this is a fantastic benefit to employees.  I know my past financial stress has affected my health, state of mind, and work performance.  [Now] I feel totally in control of my money and spending, and now see the light at the end of a very short tunnel.”
• “[My Money Coach] takes into account the myriad of issues affecting finances, from a holistic point of view.  My health both physical and mental is better, and it is not a surprise that this has gone along with my financial wellness.”

A Few Ways to Get Started

Here are a couple tips on how to move forward, before you even meet with your Money Coach.

The first step is about clarity and control.  Financial stress often stems from feeling like you don’t have control of your money.  Start tracking your expenses to see where your money is going.  Whenever you pay for something, whether it’s as big as a mortgage bill or as small as your morning coffee, write down the cost and how you paid for it.  This will give you a good idea of where your money is going, and a chance to decide if it’s the best way to use your money.

The second step is about knowing your resources.  Take some time to assess your current health insurance benefits.  If you have a particular plan, is it still working for you?  Too expensive?  Are there resources like a Flex Spending Account that you could be taking advantage of right now?  Your Money Coach can help you make the most of what’s available to you, and prepare you to make good decisions if new coverage is needed.

Stay happy and healthy this holiday season with financial wellness.  Your Money Coach can help you build “immunity” against money problems by providing professional guidance and support for whatever challenges you may be facing.  Start taking care of yourself by calling 888-724-2326 today.

¹Stress in America

: Paying With Our Health.  APA, 4 Feb. 2015.  Web.  16 Feb. 2015.  PDF.

²“A Stress Snapshot.”  apa.org.  APA, 2007-.  Web.  1 July 2014.

³“AICPA Survey: Money Stress Taking Toll on Many Americans’ Waistlines, Friendships, Sleep.”  aicpa.org.  New York: AICPA, 23 Apr. 2013.  Web.  11 Jun. 2015.

⁴Moore, Rebecca.  “More Employers Using Holistic Wellness Programs.”  plansponsor.com.  PLANSPONSOR, 1 Jun. 2015.  Web.  21 Oct. 2015.