Blogs

Start your day off with water (and keep the drinks coming) When was the last time you reached for a glass of water first thing in the morning — instead of getting your caffeine fix? You probably already know that staying properly hydrated throughout the day is a basic rule of a healthy lifestyle. It balances chemical processes in the brain, keeps your organs functioning properly and aids in recovery after a tough workout. In addition, there may be something extra beneficial to drinking a glass of water right after you wake up. Top of the Morning Your body cannot produce enough water through...

Tapping Your Retirement Account for Other Financial Needs Can Have Costly Consequences According to a December 13, 2022, article in The New York Times, hardship withdrawals from workplace retirement accounts are rising — “another sign, along with rising credit card debt, that many Americans have been feeling financial pain from inflation.” At some point, most people find themselves in a situation where they need access to cash quickly. If that happens to you, you may think about taking money out of your retirement plan account through either a loan or distribution. While those are both...

Your body’s clock can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle Ever wonder why you feel out of whack some days? Maybe you lack an appetite for some reason or feel like you’re just too tired to get out of bed in the morning. Or perhaps you feel slightly overheated or chilled during part of the day. And what about jet lag? It may be that your circadian rhythm is off. Circadian rhythm is the natural cycle of physical, mental, and behavioral changes that the body goes through in a 24-hour cycle. Circadian rhythms are mostly affected by light and darkness and are controlled by a small area in the...

Managing your blood pressure is a key component of a healthy heart. In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly half of adults in the United States (47%) have hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 millimeter of mercury (mmHg) or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg (or are taking medication for hypertension). Having hypertension puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States. Here are some best practices for managing your blood pressure and staying heart-healthy...

Despite all the budgeting and cash flow tracking apps available, many people still struggle to manage their spending habits on a daily basis. What if there was a simple blueprint you could follow that could help you manage the way you spend your money and hold yourself accountable? The 70/20/10 rule of thumb helps provide a framework for managing your finances, limiting your spending, and assessing any debt that you plan to take on. According to the 70/20/10 rule, you should spend: 70% of your after-tax income on living expenses, such as food, childcare, insurance, discretionary expenses, and...