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New habits are easier to maintain if you make them automatic.
When you do something automatically, you don't think twice about it.
You don't have the opportunity to second guess your decision or talk yourself out of it.
Make personal finance and health habits as automatic as possible.
Automate Health Habits
Develop a set exercise routine that's a regular part of your schedule.
Walk 20 minutes on your lunch break. Go to the gym for weight training on Tuesday
and Thursday mornings. Play racquet ball every Saturday morning.
Have routine health screenings. Mark the dates for your annual physical, eye exam, and dental
check-ups. Use menu planning templates to make sure that
you're eating the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, protein, and dairy.
Download the free template from www.arfamilies.org
Automate Money Habits
Use direct deposit for your paycheck and have part of it automatically deposited into your
savings account. Enroll in automatic payroll contributions
to your employer provided retirement plan or direct deposit to an IRA.
Establish automatic bill pay for regular, fixed expenses. Never pay a late fee again.
Be sure to have the bills deducted at a time of the month when you know there will be enough
money in your account to cover them.