Your Money or Your Life? It's a Healthcare Choice You Shouldn't Have to Make.

How to Spend Less Money on Better Healthcare for a Happier Future

Which is more important? Saving money or being healthy?  

If you think about it more than a second, you’ll realize what a difficult question that is to answer.  For most people, especially young families, the cost of healthcare is skyrocketing.  There is only so much money available to each of us.  Yet, most of us would never make a financial decision at the expense of our own or our kid’s good health. 

The cost of everything has gone up, and so your money doesn’t go as far anymore.  You can try to make more money, but you can’t buy health.   And no doctor’s visits are free.  

The challenge is to figure out a way to be healthier so that we spend less money. Or…to make money by being healthy!  

Either way, we think it makes sense to adopt a work ethic toward being healthy.  Make “being healthy” your side hustle!

Here are five ways you can become healthy, with a specific goal to save money. 

Preventive Care and Routine Check-ups

This sounds expensive.  But an unknown issue down the line that festers and grows will be far more expensive then than it will to address now.  Regular checkups, dental cleanings, vaccinations, and well-child visits simply shouldn’t be missed.  

Utilize Preventive Dental Care

Research shows that dental health is a good indicator of overall health.  If your gums and teeth are unwell, perhaps you are too.  Don’t miss your checkups.  And listen closely to a Dentist if they suggest fluoride or sealants.  Again, you can pay a little now, or a lot later.  You might view it as an investment, instead of an expense. 

Healthy Lifestyle and Nutrition

This is a biggie.  Yes, fruits and vegetables cost more than snack foods in a box, but the extra expense is far less than the price your body pays.  Also, cut back on sugar.  It’s expensive to eat sweets!  Cookies, candy, and junk food are expensive and unhealthy.  That is the opposite of what we are going for!  Cutting back on sugar saves dental issues and can keep you at a healthier weight.  

Exercise and Activity

This is the easiest tip of the bunch to activate.  You don’t need to buy a gym membership or bring expensive equipment to your home.  You don’t need fancy workout clothes.  You just need to move.  Get off the couch, get the kids away from the TV sets.  It’s fun, it’s healthy, and it costs nothing to move your body. 

Understand payment methods and Insurance

Insurance isn’t cheap.  Your premiums are expensive, deductibles add up, and total out-of-pocket expenses can be high.  Consider self-insurance, especially with dental care, vision, chiropractic, and other individualized services.  Some folks find it less expensive to go without Dental or Vision insurance.   It can save you money, without sacrificing your health.  

Money matters.  But nothing matters more than your and your family’s health.  Make saving money AND getting healthy an important part of your routine to make every dollar and every day count.