Lawrenceburg, In. — According to the U. S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “There are many definitions of what constitutes being financially well, but, overall, Financial Wellness involves things such as income, debt, and savings, as well as a person’s understanding of financial processes and resources. A person’s satisfaction with their current financial situation and future prospect also comes into play.”
As part of its campaign to highlight its Eight Dimensions of Wellness created and publicized by SAMHSA, Community Mental Health Center, Inc., Lawrenceburg, is focusing this story on Financial Wellness.
According to the website DimensionsofWellness.com, “Financial wellness is an intricate balance of the mental, spiritual and physical aspects of money . . . Financial wellness is having an understanding of your financial situation and taking care of it in such a way that you are prepared for financial changes. Maintaining that balance consists of being comfortable with where your money comes from and where it is going.”
At some time in everyone’s life, there may be stress caused by financial concerns – credit card debt, unemployment causing a drain on savings and other resources, substantial bills with insufficient income to pay those bills, and, particularly at this time of year, significant due or overdue income or other taxes. On occasion, these stresses can become overwhelming. This is why being aware of and taking care of your financial wellness is so important.
Working to achieve financial wellness likely will involve learning about how to overcome personal financial challenges at some point in your life. Areas of focus in these efforts often include such topics as debt reduction, asset management, and saving for current and future needs. Budgeting and keeping records based on your budgeting also are important. Many times, resources for addressing financial planning and wellness needs are available through your employer or through an independent financial planner. Check with your employer, then seek outside guidance, as needed, if you believe this will help you with your plans to achieve financial wellness.
Taking the steps outlined above will help you reduce stress caused by debt, substantial bills, or other financial challenges. There may be instances when you have been under significant stress for some time while working to address and solve your financial challenges. This may cause issues for individuals or families that require outside assistance to help resolve.
“Striving to achieve financial wellness is a lifelong endeavor,” said CMHC Executive Director Tom Talbot. “There are many ins and outs to addressing financial matters, and we often need expert advice. Seeking help can establish a sound plan for today and for your future. This also will help reduce stress caused by financial challenges.”
CMHC provides comprehensive behavioral health services in Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties. For more information about our services, or for information about an office near you, please phone (812) 537-1302 or visit our website at www.cmhcinc.org.
All services of Community Mental Health Center, Inc. are provided without regard to race, religion, disability, gender, color, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, political belief, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
