Three Benefits of Reading That Can Also Benefit Your Budget

Did you know March is National Reading Month?  Just as important as being financially literate is being literate in general.  Reading is important, no matter how old you are.  Here are three benefits of reading that can also benefit your budget:

1. Mental Stimulation – Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.  Studies have even shown that just as exercise can help prevent physical ailments, reading can slow the progress of (or even prevent) some mental illnesses such as Alzheimers or Dementia*.  A sharp mind can approach life and finances with a more focus.  Help your mind and your pocketbook and pick up a book instead of turning on the TV tonight.
2. Stress Reduction – Stress is present in so many different areas of our lives, including for many their finances and budget.  A well written story, be it fiction or non-fiction, can have the power to drain the tension from your body and relax.  When you approach your budget with a calm mind, you may be able to make better decisions and see your long term goals come to life.
3. Memory Improvement – Brains are marvelous things and can remember things with ease.  Reading helps you forge new memories with every page or article you read, which actually contributes to strengthening existing memories, assisting in short term memory recall and stabilizing moods*.  A sound memory will help you make and stick to your monthly budget as you go about your busy day to day. 

Honor Credit Union understands the importance that reading can provide to our communities.  Next Tuesday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day!) we will be teaming up with United Way of Southwest Michigan and dozens of other volunteers to read to kids throughout Berrien & Cass counties with Reading Day of Action 2015!  We know the power that reading can have not only on life in general, but specifically financial success, and we can’t wait to share how exciting and fun reading can be with kids K-5^th grade next Tuesday!

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter @honorcu and let us know what you want to hear about next week using #askhonorcu!  

Listen to 97.5 Y-Country's Wild Bill and Honor's Scott talk about the benefits that reading can have on your budget in last week's Mason Jar Monday! 

* http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html