When many people talk about financial health, they talk about dollars and cents and debts and payments.

But it goes deeper than that. Changing our financial health is a lot like changing our personal health. It doesn’t happen overnight. Instead it requires:

• An honest assessment of your situation.
• A willingness to replace bad habits with good habits.
• The understanding that finding help isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength.

An Honest Assessment

Understanding your financial health goes beyond just how much money you make. It requires that you take an honest look at your income, expenses/liabilities, planned expenditures, pending liabilities, and your current savings.

Without knowing where you stand it’s impossible to make informed decisions about things in the future. After all, if you have heart issues, you wouldn’t start a rigorous exercise plan without talking to your doctor.

Knowing where you are starting is a critical first step on the path to financial health.

Changing Habits

Financial health doesn’t happen overnight. It’s part of a long process of change and growth. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference, this is why the honest assessment is so important.

The simple act of cleaning out your wallet or purse and leaving your high-interest cards at home can help you resist the urge to make unnecessary purchases.

Maybe your household expenses are too much for your budget. That doesn’t mean that you have to sell your home, it might simply make sense to scale back some expenses.

Cutting the cord on the cable company, or switching from a gym to a home exercise program can easily save you hundreds a month.

Finding Help

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is ask for help. Whether you’re dealing with weight issues, addiction issues or financial issues, the first step is always acknowledging that there is a problem.

Working with a Certified Credit Counselor can be a great way to start. Like a doctor, or a personal trainer or sponsor, they have the experience and the understanding to help you navigate your way toward better financial health.

A Certified Credit Counselor can help you shape a budget that puts you on the road to financial stability. In some cases, they can even work with you and your creditors to put together a Debt Management Plan that can lower your monthly payments without hurting your credit score.

What Does Financial Health Really Mean?

When all is said and done, financial health isn’t about dollars and cents. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about feeling that you control your finances, instead of them controlling you. It’s about being able to live life to the fullest without breaking the bank, or risking your financial future.

Financial health means that when you feel better about your finances, you feel better about your life.