YOU Tip: Be Money Smart

One of the biggest drivers of stress is financial woes. Not coincidentally, health problems are the major driver of bankruptcy, and then bankruptcy cycles back to be a major driver of more stress-related health problems. That’s why it’s important to create some kind of emotional comfort zone with money: Just the feeling that you have some sort of nest egg can ease your stress. Socking away 10% of your income (or at least $100) every month can start giving you a backup plan. And, of course, with credit card debt exceeding the national debt, a healthy frame of mind about your plastic is important. Use your cards as a convenient way of paying your bills, not as a way to avoid paying them.