We all make New Year’s resolutions… but how many of us actually keep them? Well here’s some incentive for you…. stick to your resolutions, it could save you money.
New Year’s resolutions typically revolve around giving up bad habits or forming better habits. For example: giving up smoking and losing weight. Making the resolutions is easy; fulfilling them however isn’t always as easy. If you can stick with it you’ll be rewarded with a happier healthier you. After 12 months of healthy living you might be eligible for lower life insurance premiums too.
Life insurance rates are based on your individual health. The healthier you are, the less you pay. The main factors in determining your level of health are blood pressure, cholesterol level, and body build. If you are a smoker, heavy drinker or an alcoholic, your health is impacted greatly.
Smoking– A non-smoker in the eyes of the insurance companies is someone who has not used any form of tobacco (cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum, patches, etc) in the previous 12 months. The same rules apply for marijuana or hashish use. Plus think of all the money you could save from not buying cigarettes!
Alcohol– Just like with smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol has both short and long term effects on health. Over time it can lead to increased blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, and even cancer. If an insurance company feels its warranted they may require blood tests or criminal checks to ensure you haven’t been convicted of alcohol related offences over the past 5 years to ensure you are on the right side of the line.
Weight– Insurance companies look at your body build (height to weight ratio). If you weigh considerably more than your ideal weight, you may fall into a higher risk group due to weight related health risks. These risks can includes type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and kidney disease.
Get out there and take that first step. Who knows you might even grow to love it. Mike from our office started running last year, and at first he said it felt like a chore. After a few months he was loving it and was on well on his way towards running a half marathon which he hopes to complete in 2015!