On the surface, healthy is hard; it takes extra effort, time, and money. But what if we told you that healthy is easy, like a job that pays you in more time, more money, and more energy?

We just did. :)

10 Ways Being Healthy Makes Money!

1. 7 in 10 Americans take one or more prescription drugs per year with 20% taking five or more per year at an average yearly cost of $1,200. Most are pain killers, anti-depressants, and meds to manage chronic diseases. You could save $1,000s per year in the future on meds, hospital visits, and other medical costs by being healthy.

2. Unhealthy habits are actually more expensive than healthy ones. Just take into consideration habitual smoking, which can cost you $234,512.5 over 50 years at one pack per day. For comparison, the cost of taking care of one child is about $250,000 total and the cost of a gym membership is $500 per year, on average.

3. When you cook most of your meals at home, skip the fast-food line and avoid conveniently packaged foods, a healthy diet can cost 50% less than an unhealthy one! NOTE: the biggest food bill savings come from eating home cooked meals vs dining in or choosing take-out (a light, healthy meal from a trendy restaurant could cost you over $100 for four people nowadays).

4. Being outdoors and active is essential for both your health and mood. And guess what? It's fun and free! Did you know that Americans spend almost $18,000 on non-essential luxuries, most of which involve sitting on their A$$.

5. Healthy people pay less for life insurance because they are considered less risky (e.g. costly) to insure.

6. Especially for aging women: being healthy equals less money spent on cosmetics. Why? Because healthy women have better skin and retain their youthful features longer. Did you know that women spend, on average, $1,380 per year on beauty treatments and $3,000 on skin care products every year?

7. Healthy is linked to higher pay! Healthy workers have better on-site performance, endurance, focus and take fewer sick days. They also live longer. And more time equals more money, right? :)

8. How about this: cash reward programs for employees who compete in health-related challenges. 

9. Exercise has been directly linked to a $2,500 savings per year. Enough said.

10. Healthy people walk and cycle more. A "get-around-naturally" attitude builds strong habits and helps save money on transportation costs, like gas and Lyft. Did you know that Americans fork out $2,000 to $5,000 each year to drive instead of walk?

BONUS: Better health, better brain/IQ, better you.

We hope you found this email interesting and inspiring! So many great reasons to keep making healthy choices!