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There are some things in life that we think won’t effect us long-term, but that may not be the case.

There are a number of things that we can do right now to save money in the future.

This list is so important and can help you to create a well-rounded life!!

Take Care of Your Health

Get regular exercise

Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your body. However, it seems to be one of the most neglected things for most people.

Exercise and movement are known to prevent many chronic diseases.

Get your body moving and blood flowing by walking, lifting weights, doing yoga, dancing, going for a jog, etc. You don’t even need to spend money to take advantage of something with so many benefits.

Of course you can’t avoid all illness in your life, but you can prevent many health issues with exercise. Health issues that will require you to spend thousands on doctor visits, medication, and procedures!

Eat healthy

Similar to exercise, the food you eat can help prevent many diseases which will also save you money in the long run.

I know those fried foods and sweets taste so good, but enjoy them in moderation. Stick to whole, clean foods and cooking from home.

This still applies to you when you’re young!! The food you eat will take a toll eventually.

Take care of your oral health

Dental care is SO expensive and never a good time. Trust me, I would know.

I’ve had countless dental procedures due to my poor enamel despite rigorous care for my teeth.

First off, it is so important to visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and check ups. You don’t want a small cavity to turn to a big one!

Then of course brush your teeth, floss, use mouth wash, scrape your tongue, wear your retainers after your braces, drink plenty of water, and NEVER open things with your teeth! The health of your mouth has a huge impact on your whole body and will save you a lot of money.

Manage your mental health/stress

Your mind is very important and unfortunately is often neglected by most people.

It’s important to manage your thoughts/stress in order to prevent any long-term health affects (which again, will cost lots of money).

You can do this by meditating, journaling, talking to a therapist, having healthy conversations, and fitting things in your life that make you happy.

Take Care of Your Possessions

Your home and car

Your home and car are two big things in your life that you will spend a lot of money on. However, you can also prevent spending unnecessary money if you care for them properly.

Keep them clean and keep up with regular maintenance.

In regards to your car…avoid speeding and always pay attention! Obviously speeding tickets and accidents can cost a lot of money or even your life.

Once your rent/lease is up for either, you won’t have to worry up extra fees. Or if you own them, you’ll be able to profit more from them!

Electronics and other belongings

Are you prone to cracking your phone screen? Get a case.

Do you keep losing your ear buds? Put them in the same spot every time and pay attention.

It’s sad to me how much people don’t respect their things. Even if you can afford to replace it, wouldn’t you rather save/invest that money? It’s also very wasteful and adds to the growing trash in the world.

Build a Solid Emergency Fund

What would you do if a $1,000 emergency popped up and you didn’t have the money?

You would probably charge it to a credit card or take out a loan, right?

Then you’ll pay interest on that debt until you can pay it off. Once it’s paid off, you’ll have paid hundreds in interest.

Building a solid emergency fund helps to prevent that because you’ll have the money if necessary.

It’s up to you to decide how much money you want in your emergency fund. I suggest at least one month of expenses, but you may want to increase/decrease depending on whether or not you have dependents and your job.

Emergency Fund tip: To get the ball rolling on your savings, start by looking around your home and seeing what you can sell. If there is nothing, check out Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, or neighborhoods nearby for free things. Sell those free things online and boost your savings!

Start Investing Now

When should you start investing? Yesterday.

Investing can seem scary or maybe you think it is even unnecessary if you are young, but the sooner you start, the better.

The longer your money sits in the market, the more time it has to compound and grow.

Even if you can only put a few bucks a month into an investment account, do it. Then aim to increase your contribution as much as you can.

Do Your Research/Educate Yourself

There are a lot of things that can fall under this point.

First of all, I think it’s important to do your own research when it comes to making decisions that involve/could involve money.

Taking advice from the first person you ask isn’t very wise.

Second, the more you expand your knowledge on finances in general, the more you will make and save.

For example, had I not focused so much on my money and debt I probably wouldn’t have learned about the ‘FIRE’ movement. There’s a vast world out there when it comes to finances, so take advantage of the books, articles, and videos!!

We can’t control our futures, but it’s an amazing thing that we can help shape and create them. This is why it’s so important to think long-term when making decisions.