Saving money is not as simple and straightforward as you may think. There are the obvious things you can do to save money like cook, shop less, and work more, but there are some ways you can help save money too. It all starts with saving yourself from unexpected costly situations. Below, I’ll list two of tips to avoid unexpected costs that can really add up!
1. Avoid getting sick.
It’s flu season, and it seems like the entire UF campus has caught the bug, but don’t be fooled… Sick isn’t cute. Or cheap. Getting the flu or a virus costs more than you may think. First, there are doctor’s bills that come along with a diagnosis. Plus, you’ll have to pay for whatever prescription drugs your doctor prescribes. You may be thinking: “but I have health insurance.” Even so, co-payment costs add up, and before you know it, you’ve spent an entire week’s pay on medical bills.
To avoid the flu the Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests getting a flu shot and limiting contact with people who may be sick. Lastly, as old and tired as it may sound, the best thing you can do to ward off those expensive flu germs is wash your hands well and often.
2. Try to be happy.
Researchers at Harvard, Columbia, and University of California Riverside recently coined the term “myopic misery,” which they defined as “sadness creates a myopic focus on obtaining now versus later.” The researchers came to this conclusion after performing a study on 600 people. The study proved what most of us already know to be true: when we’re sad, we spend. Whether it’s on food, clothes, accessories, technology, or travel, we are more inclined to spend money and acquire that instant gratification we’re searching for when we’re not feeling healthy and happy.
Instead of dwelling on whatever is bringing you down, smile instead. Studies have shown that sitting up straight and tall and smiling more can instantly improve your overall mood.
So take your daily vitamins, and make sure you get your daily dose of happiness because a healthy body and a sincere smile may save you more money than you even realize you have!