March Wellness Tip: Financial Wellbeing

Take a look below to get some tips and tricks to managing your financial wellbeing! 💰🤑

Budgeting, financial independence, savings, retirement funds. What do you think of and feel when you read these words? Maybe excitement, relief, anxious, or more commonly stressed. Unfortunately, stress about money and finances may have a significant impact on Americans’ lives. Nearly 72% of adults report feeling stressed about money at least some of the time and nearly 25% say they experience extreme stress about money.1

Financial wellbeing, often described as the state of being wherein a person can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, can feel secure in their financial future and is able to make choices that allow them to enjoy life. While this may seem like a big goal, understand that just like your personal health, financial wellbeing is specific to each person.

The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes financial stress as the leading cause of unhealthy behaviors like smoking, weight gain, and alcohol and drug abuse. Other behaviors linked to financial stress are gambling and overextending credit balances. Each time an individual turns to these temporary stress relievers, the APA concludes that the stress returns and often at even greater intensity.2

Whether you have financial stress or not, there are always opportunities to improve, just like any area of wellness. Follow these tips to for a healthier financial plan:

• Budget your money: Here are 4 simple steps to help you get started on a budget:

  • Step 1: Figure out your goals

  • Step 2: Calculate your income and expenses

  • Step 3: See what’s left

  • Step 4: Monitor your budget

• Save for emergencies: Expect the unexpected and plan for financial emergencies

• Seek guidance: A financial planner may help you develop an overall strategy for approaching your financial goals. Check out the several financial AWEsome Offerings to help in this journey and offer free financial planning

• Plan for retirement: Establish your retirement needs and goals

  • Save early and often

  • Establish the proper retirement savings accounts

AWEsome Offerings available to you through PetSmart to help in your financial journey:

US associates:

• SaveSmart 401(k)

• Fidelity Financial Guidance

• Ally Financial Guidance

Canada associates:

• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

• Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP)

• Ally Financial Guidance

Sources

1. American Psychological Association, Stress in America™ Paying with Our Health.

2. American Psychological Association, Stress in America™ Paying with Our Health,