Hey everyone!
I hope you're having a WONDERFUL week and so far, a great 2009!!
As my friend/client, I value your opinion! So, please let me know what you think! All comments and constructive criticisms are welcome!
Keeping with the "healthy" theme for 2009, this week we're talking about "America's Biggest Health Threats" and how YOU can overcome them, "9 Reachable Fitness Resolutions for 2009", AND tips on keeping your wallet healthy with your "2009 Personal Finance Resolutions" and also, Wendy's "Featured Listing" of the week!
(and how YOU can overcome them!)
Provided by FitnessMagazine.com
Get Fit to Survive!
If you had to scale a cliff to get help or run down 20 flights of stairs to escape a burning building, could you do it? For too many people, the answer is no. That's why health-and-fitness guru Pamela Peeke, MD, is on a mission to toughen us up -- before disaster strikes. Use her get-fit strategies to make sure you're ready for anything.
Hurricanes. Car crashes. Forest fires.Health Risk #1: Your Couch
The Culprit: Your couch. "Our culture gives us every excuse not to move," Dr. Peeke says. "We're either glued to our computers, driving someplace, or vegging in front of the TV." And with every step we don't take, we get more and more out of shape.
The Fix: Work in a little exercise whenever you can -- do biceps curls while reading e-mail, get in some lunges while waiting for your laundry to dry. Or do as many bent-knee push-ups as possible. You'll strengthen five muscles at one time.
Health Risk #2: Your Snacks
The Culprit: Your snacks. With a coffee place on every corner, a burger joint on every highway, and pizza just a phone call away, resisting can be tough. (Especially when those cinnamon buns at the mall smell so good!)
The Fix: "Make sure you're never starving," Dr. Peeke says. "Keep healthy food with you at all times -- in your bag and at work -- so you can munch on a banana or have a yogurt instead of buying a fattening snack."
Health Risk #3: Your Job
The Culprit: Your job. Most of us spend the majority of our waking hours chained to our desks and computers. We e-mail coworkers instead of getting up and talking to them.
The Fix: "Squeeze in a very brisk 15-minute walk during the afternoon and you'll burn off an extra 95 calories," Dr. Peeke says. Do that every single day for a year and you'll lose 10 pounds.
Health Risk #4: Your Alarm Clock
The Culprit: Your alarm clock. When life gets too busy, the first thing to go is pillow time. "But the sleepier you are, the more you'll eat, because your body thinks the extra calories will help it overcome the exhaustion," Dr. Peeke explains. Your willpower will also be weaker when you're tired, making you that much more likely to chow down and less likely to go out and exercise.
The Fix: Aim for seven to eight hours of shut-eye every night. "Sleep deprivation is just as bad for your body as smoking cigarettes or drinking heavily," Dr. Peeke says. "It also puts the aging process on fast-forward. The result? You'll not only develop wrinkles before your time, you also won't live as long as you would if you were well rested."
Health Risk #5: Your Bank Account
The Culprit: Your bank account. Stress is another thing that makes us eat too much. And we don't need to tell you there's plenty of it going around these days. (Thanks, Wall Street!)
The Fix: A little exercise is one of the best ways to relieve tension. Plus, getting in better shape will help you feel more empowered. "Can't afford a gym membership? Walk or run, and do some calisthenics in front of the TV," Dr. Peeke suggests. Or get an at-home workout DVD. "Eat as much fresh food -- including lean protein like chicken -- as you can, and stay away from the processed stuff."
To see this article and other helpful "healthy" articles, visit FitnessMagazine.com
If you're trying to get fit for 2009, you're certainly not alone. When setting New Year's resolutions, sometimes you'll have better luck focusing on several small goals than one major one. Sure, it's easy to say you'll be running a 5k by February, but just in case something gets in the way of your big aspiration, add some easily reachable resolutions to your list as well.
- Drink one extra glass of water a day
- Cut out soda, diet or otherwise
- Spend five minutes a day on a relaxation exercise
- Take the stairs whenever possible
- Floss once (or twice) a day
- Work out at least three times a week
- Eat an extra serving of fruits and vegetables every day
- Go to bed one hour earlier
- Make an effort to improve your posture
With every new year we set resolutions. Losing the weight of debt on your shoulders, trimming the fat from the budget and toning up assets should rank at the top of lists for 2009.
Let’s face it - 2008 was a real financial stinker. 401k’s lost value, home values fell, credit card debt skyrocketed, unemployment, salary cuts… drink a dixie cup of cheap champagne and say good riddance to 2008. 2009 is the year to get your personal financial house back in order.
Here are some resolutions for thought:
Cutback on Credit Card Usage
Tuck the plastic away and pay cash. Yes, cash. It’s that paper and coin stuff in your wallet or purse. Become friend again with George, Abe and Andrew. If you aren’t a cash-carrying fan, use your bank debit card. You’ll be less likely to spend the extra $5-$50 if you know it’s coming directly out of your bank account.
Make a Budget
Strange as it may seems, many people don’t know where their money goes each month. If this happens to be you… it’s as easy as a notebook and a pen. Write down what you spend every day for a month. Track every penny from the electric bill to tipping the parking attendant. Once you know where you spend, you can start making adjustments. Be realistic and be ready to cut things - even if it’s for a month - to see if you really miss it.
Make a Commitment to Know and Improve Your Credit Score
If you don’t know what your credit score is, you need to. It’s like knowing your weight. If you don’t know what the number is and set a goal, how will you know when you get there? Find your credit score using sites such as MyFico which is free an provides you with a full credit report. Improving your credit score by paying bills on time and lowering debt will save you money in the long-run by being rewarded with lower interest rates. Tip: Mark your calendar to order a credit report every six months to track your progress.
Pay More Than the Minimum
Yep. If you are only making the minimum payment on accounts, not only are you paying more in interest but you aren’t taking the opportunity to improve your credit score. Try and pay and extra $10-$15 on credit cards and if you are extremely disciplined, try and pay an extra 5-10% on your mortgage payment (if not each month, every few months). Over time these extra few dollars can save you hundreds if not thousands in interest.
Create a Snowball Debt Payment Plan
If you don’t know what a snowball debt payment plan is, read past entries to get started. It’s quite simple to do and will provide motivation and a great deal of satisfaction in addition to saving you - - - - money! More for you, less for the credit card company.
Create “Found Money” Situations
Maybe it’s participating in a few focus groups over the year or cleaning out the garage and selling items on Craigslist or eBay. Maybe it’s finding a job on the weekend or a freelance opportunity. Make 2009 the time to earn some extra income to apply to your snowball debt plan.
Contribute the Maximum to Retirement Plans
The stock market is in the tank but we know it will come back so why not be buying when stocks are on sale? Invest in yourself and put the maximum you can towards retirement. If your company has a 401(k) contribution match - take advantage of the free money. Don’t forget to contribute to your IRA too!
Start an Automatic Savings Plan
Even if it’s $25 a paycheck, put it aside in an ING savings account. Having it set aside for emergencies will provide a great deal of comfort.
Get Smart About Your Personal Finances
Don’t assume you know everything or stick your head in the sand trying to hide from it. Face your fear in the comfort of your own chair or in the library. Read a few self-help personal finance books. You will learn a few tips along the way and stay disciplined.
Wendy's Featured Listing -
4310 Jasmine Cove Way - Wilmington, 28412
This is a great townhome in the Silver Creek Village neighborhood! It is an end unit home situated next to a pond. Recent upgrades include a new roof, new HVAC, and new carpet with upgraded padding. The home also has new vinyl floors in the kitchen and bathrooms, new front and back doors, new front and back storm doors, a new kitchen sink and faucet, new ceiling fans and blinds, a partly floored attic, new stove and dishwasher and has recently been freshly painted. A one year American Home Shield home warranty is also included. The Silver Creek Village neighborhood is located off South College Rd , only 1 mile from Monkey Junction and several shopping centers which include Super Wal-Mart, Lowes Home Improvement, Lowes Foods, Home Depot, Cold Stone Creamery, Blockbuster and many more! There are also plenty of restaurants and fast food nearby. The home is also located just 10 miles from Carolina Beach. It is a MUST SEE home in a great location!! All you need to do is move in...
| Townhome | |
| Bedrooms: | 2 |
| Bathrooms: | 2 Full |
| Square Feet: | 1,081 |
| Year Built: | 1995 |
| MLS Number: | 427653 |
Did you know that I can help your family and friends buy or sell real estate anywhere in the United States! Since Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty is affiliated with CARTUS- the world's largest relocation network - I can connect your loved ones with a relocation expert ANYWHERE in the country!
So, the next time you know someone thinking of buying or selling, CALL ME!
I'll make sure they receive the same courteous and professional service I provide for my clients!
As always, if I can help with any of your real estate needs, please don't hesitate to call or email!
Cell - (910) 279-3983
Office - (910) 202-3627
Fax - (910) 795-4268
Wendy@SeaCoastRealty.com
WendyInWilmington.com
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