Money and Health: Why Having Your Finances in Order Can Lead to a Healthier Life

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 3 years ago · 4 min read

The benefits of getting your personal finances in order are generally pretty obvious. Since very few things in life are free, financial health means having the financial security to make important decisions both now and in the future. A strong credit score can lead to better lending rates, and a low debt-to-income ration leaves room in the budget for vacations and unexpected emergencies. More than just being able to enjoy nicer cars, homes, or the ability to splurge at the clothing store, positive financial health can have a strong impact on your physical health.

The Correlation Between Physical and Financial Health

Back in 2015, a survey conducted by one of the largest banks in the U.S. revealed that 81% of the study respondents found it easier to accomplish their personal goals when their finances were in good order. There were 70% of respondents that also stated a personal belief in the positive impact good financial health made with their overall physical health. Conversely, poor financial health is able to sabotage your physical health. Any worries over money and finances can lead to anxiety and increased stress. The physical symptoms of stress can be manifested in problems with insomnia, increased blood pressures, weight gain, hair loss, and heart problems. Mental and emotional health can also be affected by instability with your finances, with attitudes and behaviors potentially following the instability of your finances. Your relationship with friends and family may be jeopardized by the fears and pressures of your financial situation.

The Struggle for Change

For many people, a sense of security comes from financial stability. However, when your financial state is chaotic or seems hopeless, it can lead to increased frustration and depression. Your financial health isn’t something that can be fixed overnight, just like physical health concerns need time to heal. You visit a physician for help with high blood pressure, diabetes, or stress, so why not look to the professionals for help with your financial health. If what you’ve been doing hasn’t been working, then consider these tips from financial experts that know a thing or two about money.

1. Get a Budget

This is the hardest and scariest part for many people. People feel that their financial problems start with what they earn, but it is more about how much is spent and how much is saved. To be able to get an accurate understanding of your finances, you need to go through your financial records and write down all your expenses. Don’t just look at them. Facing the truth means physically having to account for each dollar spent. The good, the bad, and the ugly will come out, but this is the first and most important part of moving toward financial health. Come face to face with your spending habits.

2. Start Saving

No matter how tight your finances may seem, you can’t afford NOT to start saving. Even something as small as five dollars a paycheck is a start. Saving is a way to pay yourself first. Buying a new pair of shoes can’t help you when the water heater needs to be repaired, but saving those splurge dollars instead of spending them can get you out of a pinch. Don’t resort to credit cards or borrowed funds, either. By creating a strong savings habit, you will have the cash to pay for a new outfit or appliance when the need arises.

3. Deal With Bad Debt

Debt can create serious problems with stress and anxiety, constantly weighing on your mind as payment deadlines draw near. Any debt that you have takes away from money you could be saving or spending on important things like groceries or education. Consumer debt comes with the heaviest load, as interest rates and hidden fees can leave your crippled and unable to get out of the hole. You may rely on your bed debt to help buy Christmas presents or fund your Friday night dinner dates, but these habits just make it harder to get out of your situation. You need to deal with your debt, whether it means cutting up your credit cards, meeting with a debt specialist, or changing spending habits. Allocate extra funds each week to pay the higher interest cards and slowly work to eliminate one account at a time. No amount is too small to put toward getting rid of your debt.

Having financial stability can reduce the headaches and stress that generally accompany payday or your bill due dates. It takes effort to address the seriousness of your financial health, but it is worth the time and energy to make a change since your finances can have a significant impact on your physical health and wellness.

Nu Image Medical® offers a new and futuristic approach to achieving optimal health and wellness. The company has been a weight loss, anti-aging and wellness provider since 2004 and offers medically supervised programs for medical weight loss, peptides, erectile dysfunction, scream cream, and hair loss (NuDew) 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.