W I N T E R PAGE 2 SET YOUR YEARLY FINANCIAL GOALS Invest In Your Future With Your Principal Benefits
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running just fine – that’s a “want.” If funds become tight one month, you know where to put your money. 5. Layer in the current state of your savings Now that you know what you want, what you need to save, and the dates for all your goals, you can add in what you’ve already saved. Some goals may not have current savings, but that’s OK! Now’s the time to start. Now that you’ve set your financial goals, what adjustments do you need to make to retirement savings to get there? To learn more about managing your money, or to talk directly to a representative about your financial planning needs, log in to your Principal account at Principal.com. W m
Do you want to figure out how to save for a down payment, plan ways to pay off your credit card and student loan debt, or just get in the habit of paying all your bills on time? These tips from our partners at Principal can help you organize your thoughts and set your financial goals. 1. Envision your short- and long- term future It’s hard to set financial goals if you haven’t thought about what kind of life you want now – and in five, 10, or 20 years. Once you do that, you can think about how money helps you achieve those hopes and dreams – even if those plans change. 2. Categorize financial goals as short-, mid- or long-term Longer-term financial goals may require more savings and time to plan for. In general: • Short-term financial goals are
from six months to five years. • Mid-term financial goals are from five to 10 years. • Long-term financial goals are more than 10 years in the future. Luckily, you already have a head start on your long-term goals thanks to our Profit Sharing. Even if you aren’t contributing from your paycheck to your retirement fund, Profit Sharing is still contributing to ensure your long-term success. 3. Set a target date for your financial goals Being specific helps, even if you adjust the date over time. If you
have a toddler who will be heading to college in 2035, you have a target date for your college savings goal. Want to take a trip across Europe for your 10th wedding anniversary? You know what time frame you’re working toward. 4. Prioritize your financial goals: critical, need or want Categorize your goals by critical, need, or want so you know what to fund first. Let’s say you have a short-term goal to build up your emergency fund, and it’s “critical.” But another short-term financial goal is to trade your car, which is
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AVOID VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY DURING WINTER Fight Fatigue & Frowns With Sunlight & Sustenance
4. Pay attention to your calcium levels One of vitamin D’s key roles is to help your body absorb calcium. Calcium is important for strong bones. If you are not getting enough calcium, your body will steal the mineral from your bones to keep your blood levels within a normal range. Again, fatty fish and dairy are great sources of calcium. You can also get calcium from soy-based foods, fortified cereals, leafy greens and supplements. 5. Talk to your doctor about your medications If you continue to feel sluggish and experience muscle aches or weakness, low sunlight may not be the only problem. Certain medical conditions and medications can hurt your vitamin levels. For example, medicine for high blood pressure and high cholesterol can significantly hamper vitamin absorption. If you take multiple medications, consider a comprehensive medication review. W m
in the summer, you can still get a sunburn! Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from skin cancer while still producing vitamin D. 2. Eat foods rich in vitamin D Dairy and fish are excellent sources of vitamin D. Fatty fish, like wild-caught salmon, contains nearly double the daily recommended value of vitamin D. And while most dairy products don’t naturally contain vitamin D, food manufacturers began fortifying their products with the vitamin in the 1930s. 3. Take a supplement If you don’t care for fish or dairy, you can receive your daily recommended amount of vitamin D with a supplement. In fact, a supplement is often more reliable for providing your body with the required amount of vitamin D than diet alone! Supplements are available both over the counter and by prescription.
Many of us are familiar with the wintertime blues. The days are short, temperatures are low and you seem to be short on energy. A major cause of your lack of energy could be a lower amount of vitamin D. We produce vitamin D when the sunlight hits our skin. As we tend to stay indoors and in our trucks more often, and cover our skin with more clothing during the winter months, it’s common to have a deficiency of the necessary vitamin. Use these five easy tips to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D this winter! 1. Go outside – even when it’s cold It’s recommended to get 15 to 20 minutes of sunlight each day in order to reach adequate vitamin D absorption. Once you’ve reached your destination or stopped for a break, step out of the cab and enjoy being in the sun for a few minutes! But just like
Wellness Matters 2023
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