Is the Economy Making You Sick?

By Renee Hanson, Private Wealth Advisor,
Ameriprise Financial

Since 2009, various reports have shown that the economy is literally making people sick. Some of the most common symptoms are anxiety, changes in weight, sleeplessness, low energy and irritability.

Even if you’re among the fortunate who have had steady employment, the stress of decreased wages, increased workloads, underemployment or a potential layoff can affect your overall wellbeing.

Here are three tips to help you alleviate the stress of financial uncertainty during more challenging times.

• Exercise — You don’t have to belong to a health club to enjoy a stress-relieving workout. Walking, swimming, hiking and running are all good and relatively inexpensive options. And, on days when the weather precludes your ability to be outside, put on a workout DVD. Check your local library for rental options, which may be free of charge.
  
  


• Cut back on expenses — Look for easy ways to reduce your living costs. For example, go shopping with a list and only buy the items that are on it, turn off lights and make sure to unplug chargers and other electrical items when they are not in use. Evaluate, price shop and/or reduce your phone, internet, cable and garbage collection services to make sure you aren’t paying more than necessary.
  


• Create a financial plan — Almost everyone feels a bit better when they have money in the bank. If you don’t already have a financial strategy, now is the time to create one. For assistance with saving and investing in cost-efficient and tax-advantaged ways, consult a financial advisor. He or she can work with you to create a plan to help meet the needs of your financial situation.
  

Want more support and resources to help you get your finances on track? Take our fabulous fiancial courses at www.wehelpwomen.com. Courese include budegting, savings, investing and how to stretch your dollar!

Renée A. Hanson, CFP®, CEP®, CDFA™, CFS, is a private wealth advisor with Hanson, Ayala & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Her passion is in helping women achieve their dreams and financial goals, regardless of life’s many obstacles. Renée is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of AZ, CA, CO, GA, IA, IL, MI, MN, MT, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, WI. Please visit: www.reneehanson.com to learn more.Ameriprise Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney.Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

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