According to Enrich.org, "A Northwestern Mutual study found that 44 percent of Americans stated that financial concerns were their number one stressor, with more than one in four feeling depressed about finances at least monthly and two out of ten feeling depressed weekly, daily, or hourly." Whether it be the swipe of a card, or the handing over of a paper bill, people are impacted by finances daily.The toll is not just on one's bank account.Larger effects include physical and mental health symptoms, negative implications within the workplace, and developing a vicious cycle that furthers these negative effects.    According to WebMD, "if your financial wellness is low and you have high financial stress, you're twice as likely to have poor overall health.

Experts found that you're four times as likely to get some sort of condition." A Money and Mental Health survey of nearly 5,500 people with mental health problems found that, while unwell: 93% spent more than usual 92% found it harder to make financial decisions 74% put off playing bills 71% avoided dealing with creditors 56% took out a loan that they would not otherwise have taken out Tips to gain better financial wellbeing, according to HelpGuide.org: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/coping-with-financial-stress.htm Tip 1: Talk to someone Get professional advice Open up to friends and family Tip 2: Take inventory of your finances Include every source of income Keep track of ALL your spending List your debts Identify your spending patterns and triggers Look to make small changes Eliminate impulse spending Go easy on yourself Tip 3: Make a plan – and stick to it Devise a solution Put your plan into action Monitor your progress Don't get derailed by setbacks Tip 4: Create a monthly budget Include everyday expenses in your budget i.e.groceries, gas, rent/mortgage, utilities, clothes, etc.  Remember annual expenses i.e.car insurance, property taxes, etc.  Unexpected/Variable expenses i.e.

medical expenses, car repairs, etc.  Prioritize your spending pay the necessities first, such as covering the electrical bill and buying groceries.After those are covered, figure out where the rest can go, such as debt payments, entertainment, etc.  Start an emergency fund start building up to one month's income Enlist support from your spouse, partner, kids Tip 5: Manage your overall stress Exercise Practice relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga Improve your sleep Eat a balanced diet Boost your self-esteem Practice gratitude Reach out to our own Strategic Wellbeing Consultant, Taylor Hahn, to discuss next steps as many of our other employer groups have found this to be a successful approach.