July, August & September 2019 Crest Ink 15 4. Be strategic about opening and closing credit accounts. Any time you apply for credit, the inquiry from that specific vendor will show on your credit report. If you have multiple inquiries in a short period, this could be a red flag to lenders. Be diligent when shopping around for the best rate, credit card, loan etc. so you don’t end up with multiple inquiries on your report. Likewise, be conscious when closing out credit accounts. If you close out a credit card with no balance, your credit utilization rate jumps from 10% to 15%. Also, if you cancel a credit card that you have had for a long time, this could also impact your score. FICO takes into consideration how long you have been borrowing money as well as the average age of your Building and maintaining your credit score does not happen over time. It takes time to budget and pay down debt that could be hindering your score as well as taking time to establish good payment history. Likewise, it takes time to actually establish credit if you’ve never had it. Being consistent is key. Also, take the time to periodically check your credit score. Every 12 months you have the right to obtain a free copy of your credit report. Going Outside Can Improve Mental Health by Ashley Koza, LCSW, EAP Counselor, Sinnissippi Centers Better weather is finally on the horizon. Days are getting longer, the sun is coming out. How does this affect our mental health? According to David G. Pearson (University of Aberdeen) and Tony Craig (The James Hutton Institute) going outside and being near “greenspace” may help depression and anxiety. There have been several studies that have found taking a break and going outside can improve attention and energy in the workplace. These researchers have also found that interacting with nature can improve ADHD symptoms in children. “Challenge the Storm” states that there are five mental health benefits to spending time outside. 1. Being outside can reduce your stress. 4. Exercise (walking, hiking, running). 2. Natural light and fresh air can boost your mood. 5. Help fight depression and anxiety. 3. Gives your mind a rest. So whether you are eating outside for lunch, participating in the walking club or going on a hike with family, you are improving your mental health and lessening the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Get Your Financial Game Plan by Kris Lichak, Mass Mutual The new MapMyFinances tool from MassMutual helps you to take control of your finances. Personal and family finances are complicated – we know. The biggest questions people are always trying to solve for are: Am I saving enough for retirement? Am I managing my debt correctly? Do I have enough insurance to protect my savings and/ or family? Whether you are starting out, living paycheck to paycheck, or even if you feel pretty good about your financial situation , you probably wonder how financially well you really are. MapMyFinances can help. What can it do: 1) Give you a financial wellness score based on your personal financial situation. 2) Provide you a step-by-step game plan to help you improve your financial wellness score. 3) Help you ensure you’re covering all your financial bases from budgeting to retirement to insurance Now is a good time to connect to MassMutual. You can log into your account at www.retiresmart.com; download the RetireSMART app or call MassMutual at 800-743-5274. credit accounts. 5. Keep at it!
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