One of my best read (and Forbes.com Editor’s Choice) articles last year was about how the financial health crisis in this country is hurting our physical and mental health. When this happens, our financial health can be stressed even more, causing the circle to begin again with even worse effects.
We can turn these vicious circles into virtuous ones, starting at the source, by improving financial health (see chart, below). This can mean building:
- control of short-term spending,
- ability to handle unexpected expenses,
- freedom to make decisions to enjoy life and
- progress towards long-term goals.
When we improve these components of financial health, we naturally experience less stress. Reduced stress may improve one’s physical health directly by reducing excess production of stress hormones. It can improve health indirectly by reducing the need for risky coping behaviors, like relying on tobacco, alcohol and other substances. Reduced stress may also improve mental health and well-being, improving our decision-making. All these happy consequences can improve our financial health even more; and the virtuous circle continues as life gets better and better (see chart, below).
We can create virtuous circles by improving financial health. When our finances improve, stress is reduced, leading to gains in physical and mental health, which can then further improve financial health via reduced medical costs and better decision-making.. SOURCE: DECISION FISH LLC
Poor financial health and the stress it causes is a widespread and systemic challenge (78% of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck). Fixing this requires systemic efforts at three different levels: government, employers and individuals.
Government alone has the power and resources to move the needle on financial health as a public good, at scale. This can be done in ways that respect classic American values of individualism and personal responsibility. Let’s have a thoughtful, fact-based and empathetic discussion about what government can do to address the financial health crisis, including policies that:
Address Inequality: We could develop fairer tax, educational and other policies that reduce the widening gap between the opportunities available to the rich and the stressed and struggling.
Strengthen Safety Net: An effective social welfare system reduces financial stress by limiting our downsides and preventing one generation’s misfortune from being visited on the next.
Tighten Consumer Protections: We could make it harder for people to make the worst mistakes, e.g., taking payday loans they can’t afford to repay.
Improve Health Policy: Medical debt is the top cause of bankruptcy in the US. Wouldn’t it be nice to do healthcare reform right and ensure all Americans have affordable and complete coverage of physical and mental health?
Employers are second only to government in the reach and impact they can have on people’s financial health.
Naturally, employers want employees who are loyal, engaged, productive and healthy. The Personal Finance Employee Education Foundation estimates the price tag to an employer for financial distress ranges from $750 to $2,000 per employee annually. A comprehensive plan to address financial health may reduce these costs and improve the bottom line. Employers can consider employee financial health-friendly policies such as:
Living Wage: Saving regularly, even a little, is key to building financial health, and saving is possible only if one is earning enough to achieve food and housing security and other minimum standards.
Regular Schedules: Regular and predictable schedules and incomes are key to building financial wellness and limiting financial stress.
No-Deductible Health Insurance: Reasonably priced health insurance with low or no deductibles is necessary to reduce the risk of unexpected bills.
Generous 401(k) Matching: Low cost 401(k) options with a generous employer match are proven means for people with traditional jobs to build financial health.
Until government and employers step up, what can we do as individuals to improve the state of financial health in the US?
Demand More: Foremost, we can demand the above governmental and employer policies for all Americans, especially the most vulnerable.
Reframe: We can cultivate a growth mindset with respect to personal finances. People are not born good or bad with money; good money behaviors can be developed with deliberate practice, perhaps with the help of a financial coach or advisor.
Focus: Develop pride in those good money habits, such as spending mindfully and saving regularly, which are things we can control, rather than the number of dollars in our bank accounts
Automation and Nudges: Use automation and nudges to build savings, the foundation of good financial health. Direct your bank to automatically transfer a portion of each paycheck to a savings account and set up text message reminders to do the things you know you should.
Create a “Happy Budget”: An effective spending plan is a kind one. It recognizes the legitimate and shared human needs that spending seeks to meet and challenges you to find cost-effective ways to meet those needs.
In sum, we can turn vicious financial, stress and health circles virtuous by improving financial health. It’s neither fair nor helpful to blame individuals for poor financial decisions and outcomes when so many are financially distressed as the result of our political, social and economic structures. Wise governmental and employer policies are key to improving financial health at scale. Of course, there is plenty for individuals to do in the meantime.
Previously published on June 28, 2019 at Forbes.com as “Yes, We Can Improve The Nation’s Financial Health In Three Ways“.