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<p>Finances are like a garden; if you're not paying attention to them, you might miss small issues that can crop up like weeds and grow bigger. That's why conducting a financial checkup is a smart idea. All it takes is a little time and guidance on what to dig into.</p><p>Regularly monitoring your checking account is helpful, of course, but doing this deeper dive at least once a year can help you manage your money even better. For a well-rounded analysis, ask yourself these six financial questions.<span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </span></span></span></p><img src="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/rcs/lifeandmoney/storage/public/financial-checkup_body-2_1035834404.jpg" alt="A customer meets with a financial planner to review her investments" class="right_image" /><h2 style="margin-bottom: 11px;">How's my credit score?</h2><p>A credit score is the main indicator of your financial behavior to a lender. It shows how likely you are to repay debt or make payments on time. Because lenders look at this number to determine whether they'll give you a loan (for a car or credit card, for example), having a good score — typically 670 or higher — is extremely helpful. If your score is lower than this, you may be able to successfully get a credit card or a loan, but the interest will likely be far higher than it would be for people with good credit.</p><p>Keep in mind that credit scores depend on good credit reports. This means you'll want to occasionally read over your credit report to spot any potential issues such as erroneous information or missed payments, which can drag down your score. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for a free copy of your credit report; you're entitled by law to receive one from each of three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax®, Experian® and TransUnion® — once a year.</p><h2><br />Am I paying off my debt the right way?</h2><p>Most people carry at least some debt, such as a mortgage, car payments or student loans. The key is not only committing to paying it down but also making sure you have an actual <a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/lam/articles/money/managing-money/how-to-pay-off-debt">paying-off-debt</a> plan that you're carrying out.</p><p>There's no magic number for the maximum amount of debt anyone should have, says Lisa Whitley, a Washington, D.C.-based accredited financial counselor and chartered retirement planning counselor. But there is a difference in types of debt. If you have a mortgage or a car loan that you're easily paying off every month, this is "good" debt, according to Whitley. It's the "bad" debt that needs to be taken care of, she adds. For instance, if you've taken out a high-interest payday loan, you'd want to pay that off as soon as possible to avoid the mounting fees that can plunge you deeper into debt. </p><img src="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/rcs/lifeandmoney/storage/public/financial-checkup_body-1_1319763433.jpg" alt="A couple meets with a financial advisor in their home" class="right_image" /><h2 style="margin-bottom: 11px;">Am I saving enough?</h2><p>Even if you are dedicating funds to paying down debt, building up your savings at the same time is also important for your financial future. Consider setting aside money in these three buckets:</p><ul><li>An emergency fund. If you aren't reserving any amount for big, unplanned purchases, like new brakes for your car, you may end up having to borrow money to fix them, which can increase your debt. Generally, experts suggest trying to save at least three to six months' worth of expenses, even if you have to start small and build this up gradually. This can ensure that, if you lose your job or have unexpected costs (for a medical need or otherwise), you could temporarily live off your savings.</li><li>Retirement accounts. You should be saving for your <a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/lam/articles/milestones/retirement/the-new-retirement">retirement</a>, even if it seems like a long way off, because the more time you have to save, the more money you can accrue through employer-sponsored retirement programs such as a 401(k) or 403(b) plans or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to cover your living expenses. Keep in mind that the average benefit amount paid monthly by the Social Security Administration is currently $1,703.98 which may not meet all your needs.</li><li>A savings account. Consider creating a savings account to cover expenses that aren't necessarily an emergency but are nonetheless important to pay, like a replacement kitchen appliance or your child's overnight class trip.</li></ul><h2>Am I investing wisely?</h2><p>If you have retirement accounts set up or other investments (<a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/lam/articles/money/managing-money/money-market-account-or-cd-account">certificates of deposit, money market accounts</a>, <a href="https://marketinsights.citi.com/Financial-Guidance/Investing/Mutual-Fund-Basics.html">mutual funds</a> or stocks, for example), you'll want to look at them, on your own or with a pro, to make sure they're on track and growing your retirement fund. If you don't, this could be a good time to talk to a financial advisor, who can advise you on making investments that could help build wealth for your retirement or, say, a down payment on a house.</p><p>But before you do this, Whitley says, review your objective goals — for example, having enough income for your kids' college education, for your retirement or to put toward a business you've always dreamed of running. Ask yourself: Have your priorities changed? Has your time horizon shortened or lengthened? Have circumstances shifted, affecting how you intend to use this money in the future? If so, you may want to save even more money or reallocate what you're putting into your various goal-focused buckets (say, education, retirement or new business). "Notice that none of these questions have to do with market performance," Whitley says. "You are on the right track when your portfolio matches your investment goals and that does not change with the ups and downs of the market."</p><p>It's worth noting that if investing isn't on the table for you right now, opening an interest-bearing savings account can be a good entry point. You can <a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/lam/articles/money/savings/what-is-systematic-investing">contribute money to it on a schedule</a>, such as at every pay period or monthly. Once that habit is established, you might want to consider more advanced investing.</p><h2 style="margin-bottom: 11px;">Do I have enough insurance?</h2><p>It's easy to forget that insurance is a form of money management. "Insurance in some form or another has existed in human society for millennia for the simple reason that without it, we would not be able to afford to take any risk in our lives," Whitley says. "Without insurance, you have no option other than to absorb the economic consequences of risk yourself."</p><p>Consider homeowner's insurance, for example: If you didn't have it, "could you save enough money to hold in reserve to rebuild your home?" Whitley asks. "Most people cannot, so insurance is a form of leverage that allows you to spend a smaller amount of money, the premium, to guard against a risk that you would not be able to absorb on your own."<br /><br />Look over your current insurance policies to determine whether they offer you enough coverage. If, potentially, they don't, you may want to discuss that with an insurance broker and ultimately change your policy so that you're well protected. Your premiums would then go up, but paying a bit more in the short term may be worth it if it decreases the risk of leaving yourself or your family lacking sufficient coverage in the future. You might also want to explore insurance policies you don't already have, such disability or long-term care (this may cover home health care or assisted living home expenses) and think through how these might protect your finances if something were to happen to you.</p><h2>What estate planning should I be doing?</h2><p>This is another form of financial planning that is commonly overlooked since it requires thinking about topics many of us would rather not consider. It's important, however, because if you pass on without legal documentation such as a will, the courts in your state will decide who gets what, and this can create a mess of red tape for your relatives. Whitley advises thinking about reviewing an estate plan or <a href="https://marketinsights.citi.com/Financial-Guidance/Trust-Estate/">starting one</a> to make sure your affairs are in order. "An estate plan does you, as the deceased, no good at all," she says. "It is an act of love for the people you leave behind."</p><p><em>— With additional reporting by Geoff Williams and Life and Money by Citi editors</em></p>

It's Easy to Give Yourself a Financial Checkup — Here's How

<p>When the inevitable ups and downs of the market hit the headlines &mdash; or your portfolio's bottom line &mdash; even the calmest investor can lose a little sleep at night.</p>
<p>But feeling emotional about your money or the market is not necessarily a bad thing. Emotions around money are natural, and volatility in the market offers you a chance to learn more about the investing strategy that's right for you.</p>
<p>"Your actual tolerance is really tested during times when the market is volatile," says Chloe Moore, a financial advisor and founder of Financial Staples, a financial planning firm based in Atlanta, GA. "One of the greatest values a financial advisor has is acting as a behavior coach," adds Moore. "A lot of times [investors] tend to make emotional decisions when the market is volatile, and a financial advisor can help you work through your emotions and make sure your behavior is in line with your goals."</p>
<p>So, how can you feel empowered to talk through your investment strategy even when the markets fluctuate? Following are seven key questions to ask a financial advisor to help guide you in making choices that are right for your portfolio, no matter what's happening in the market.</p>
<h2>1. How can a financial advisor help me weather a volatile market?</h2>
<p>First, you'll want to have a <a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/lam/articles/money/managing-money/save-money-with-a-financial-checkup" data-link-source="tiny">general financial checkup</a> with an advisor. If you're already working with a financial advisor, they may have created a <a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/lam/articles/money/family/personal-financial-planning-for-families" data-link-source="tiny">financial plan</a> that takes into account not just your <a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/lam/articles/money/managing-money/how-to-start-investing" data-link-source="tiny">investment strategy</a>, but also your <a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/lam/articles/money/family/personal-financial-planning-for-families" data-link-source="tiny">savings goals</a> and <a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/lam/articles/money/managing-money/how-to-set-up-a-values-based-financial-plan" data-link-source="tiny">budgeting</a>. Some financial plans may also incorporate tax strategies and insurance.</p>
<p>"If you have a plan in place before the markets get volatile, it's easier to stay on track," says Moore. Such a plan will be matched to your savings, timeline to retirement and risk tolerance &mdash; meaning that it's formulated to leave you feeling comfortable during a market downturn, but also poised to benefit from market rallies. Having a plan also helps you avoid risky moves such as trying to time the market or panic-selling.</p>
<p>"When it comes to investing I always tell my clients, 'Don't read the headlines,' that's number one," says Jeff Feldman, owner of Rochester Financial Services, a wealth management firm in Rochester, NY. A financial advisor can also help make sense of sometimes confusing or contradictory economic indicators &mdash; say, for example, when unemployment is high but the stock market is rallying, or when pundits are advising you to sell, sell, sell or buy, buy, buy.</p>
<h2>2. What are the pros and cons of a volatile market?</h2>
<p>For every investor who sees doom and gloom in the news, there is another who sees opportunity &mdash; and, the truth is, either outcome is always possible. You can take advantage of buying stocks when prices are low (helping your investing dollars go further in acquiring assets), for example, and partake in a potential comeback. But you could also lose a percentage of your portfolio's value, temporarily or permanently, in a downturn.</p>
<p>But perhaps the biggest risk of a volatile market may be that you abandon your plan entirely &mdash; and for no real reason. "A volatile market itself doesn't warrant changes, but sometimes people feel like they need to do something," says Moore. "And they might make a decision they regret."</p>
<p>This is where your financial advisor steps in. With their help, you can stick to an investment strategy that is individualized for you without having to worry about or reacting to every fluctuation in the market. "It's very hard, but you really have to avoid listening to your gut sometimes," says Feldman.</p>
<p><img class="right_image" src="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/rcs/lifeandmoney/storage/public/Smiling businesswoman using digital tablet.jpg" alt="Smiling businesswoman using digital tablet." /></p>
<h2>3. How can I keep calm about my investments when the market is in flux?</h2>
<p>One way to sleep well even during market volatility is to work with your financial advisor to run various scenarios about your portfolio's performance. That way, you avoid jeopardizing your timelines for your goals but you're also poised to get the returns you want to hit those goals.</p>
<p>"Let's say you're a couple with $100,000, and in five years you need $120,000 to buy a house. What kind of risk are you comfortable with for that money, and what kind of volatility would you be comfortable with?" Feldman asks.</p>
<p>One way to analyze your tolerance for risk is to consider the standard deviation, that is, the variation from the original value, for different investment options, he says. A bond mutual fund, for example, might average a 3% return in a five-year period; but with a standard deviation of plus or minus 3 percentage points, you could get a 6% return on your money &mdash; or no upside at all. Running through specific scenarios with your advisor can help you avoid overreacting to market volatility, simply because you've planned for every possibility.</p>
<h2>4. What if I do want to change my investing strategy in response to market volatility?</h2>
<p>If you've balanced your portfolio to focus on your long-term goals, the common wisdom goes that you should be able to stay the course during market volatility. And that may very well be true. But if your emotions are telling you that your strategy simply isn't working, a financial advisor might help you adapt your plan accordingly.</p>
<p>"Hopefully you would have insulated your portfolio by going through scenarios beforehand," says Feldman. "But if you didn't, and you can't sleep at night because you're concerned about your losses, there's nothing wrong with getting defensive and taking risk out of your portfolio."</p>
<p>If, on the other hand, you are ready to invest more, be wary of trying to time the market. "If you have extra money that you can put into the market, invest a little bit each month using dollar cost averaging, rather than taking a big chunk and trying to decide when to go in," Moore advises.</p>
<p>Dollar cost averaging, a tenet of <a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/lam/articles/money/savings/what-is-systematic-investing" data-link-source="tiny">systematic investing</a>, is simpler than it sounds: it's essentially the strategy a 401(k) plan uses, where a set amount of money is invested each month, regardless of the market's performance. That way, you're focused on long-term performance, not short-term ups and downs.</p>
<h2>5. But, with all this uncertainty, should I even be investing now?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Investing in a volatile market is less about the condition of the market and more about whether you&rsquo;re in a financial position to invest at all, experts say. Because as exciting as it is to jump into an investment and see your money grow quickly during a rally, if you don&rsquo;t have some financial safeguards in place, a downturn could be costly.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Understand what is investable money and what&rsquo;s not.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Before investing, your financial advisor may suggest you hit some goals. &ldquo;An emergency fund is a top priority, as well as paying off high-interest consumer debt,&rdquo; says Moore. A long-held rule of thumb is that an emergency fund should hold three to six months of living expenses (though some financial experts as of late have adopted the view that socking away upward of a year&rsquo;s worth of spending money is smart). Moore also recommends raising your 401(k) contribution to max out what your employer will match.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Understand what is investable money and what&rsquo;s not,&rdquo; says Feldman. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t invest your emergency reserve. You might need that money to take a&nbsp;<a href="file:///Z:/lifeandmoney.citi.com/money/productivity/how-to-make-money-online-learning.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-source="tiny">course for your career</a>,&nbsp;<a href="file:///Z:/lifeandmoney.citi.com/milestones/home-buying/how-much-are-closing-costs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-source="tiny">save for a house</a>&nbsp;&mdash; or to pay your rent.&rdquo;</p>
<p>An individual who has a sizable amount of savings and income, however, and who is looking for greater returns, might take the opportunity to invest. &ldquo;When the markets are down, if you have extra money just sitting in cash, and you&rsquo;ve funded short-term goals, it really is a good opportunity to put some money to work,&rdquo; says Moore.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>6. Is my investment mix right for these market conditions?</h2>
<p>"The most important thing a financial advisor can do to help get their client through a volatile market is to make sure the client has appropriate asset allocation ahead of time," says Feldman. Your portfolio should be diversified in a way that will help meet your long-term goals. Consider how the mix of stocks, bonds and short-term investments matches up to your risk tolerance, that is, your comfort level to weather the ups and downs of the markets, and your timeline to and through retirement.</p>
<p>But even if you've had a negative experience in a volatile market, you can use that experience as a cue to rebalance your portfolio &mdash; whether to provide more opportunity to grow your money or lessen your exposure to losses. (<a href="https://online.citi.com/US/JRS/pands/detail.do?ID=portfolio-rebalancing&amp;JFP_TOKEN=CI7A3TN0" data-link-source="tiny">Rebalancing your portfolio</a> periodically may also be advisable in order to maintain a target investment mix over time.)</p>
<p>"If your entire portfolio is subject to large swings, you might not be as diversified as you thought you were," Moore says. Other products, such as fixed annuities (a form of insurance that provides a fixed income) or U.S. Treasury securities, may provide the level of risk you're looking for, or help balance your overall portfolio, particularly when you're closer to retirement or already retired.</p>
<p>Instead, by using those emotions as a bellwether and working with your financial advisor, you can find a strategy that keeps you invested in what matters most: your secure financial future.</p>
<h2>7. How should my goals affect how I invest?</h2>
<p>Whether or not you want to expose your money to market volatility will depend on the specific timeline for the goal that you have attached to that money.</p>
<p>For money you need in three to five years, you might consider a&nbsp;<a href="file:///Z:/lifeandmoney.citi.com/money/managing-money/money-market-account-or-cd-account.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-source="tiny">CD or money market account</a>&nbsp;to be more sensible. But for money that you don&rsquo;t plan to spend for 10 years or more, those are funds that could be in the market, Moore suggests. Either way, with your funds in the appropriate places for your goals &mdash; and being mindful of when you want to reach them &mdash; you can focus less on day to day results and hone in on your long-term plans.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Over time, market volatility does happen, but just maintain that long-term focus to help you keep a level head,&rdquo; says Moore. &ldquo;Remember that market volatility and uncertainty is uncomfortable in the short term, but don&rsquo;t let it drive you to make emotional decisions you might regret in the long term.&rdquo;</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Over time, market volatility does happen, but just maintain that long-term focus to help you keep a level head.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Instead, by using those emotions as a bellwether and working with your financial advisor, you can find a strategy that keeps you invested in what matters most: your secure financial future.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

What to Ask Your Financial Advisor During Market Volatility

<p><span style="font-size: 24px;">Everyone wants to be healthy &mdash; emotionally, mentally and physically &mdash; and feeling good about the choices you make can often play a big part.</span></p>
<p>That&rsquo;s why, when it comes to managing your money, it helps to do it in a way that reflects who you are. "Your plan must be based on your values and vision,"&nbsp;advises&nbsp;Adam D. Straseske, a chartered market technician and co-author of&nbsp;Home Run&nbsp;Financial&nbsp;Planning: Cover All Your Key&nbsp;Financial&nbsp;Bases and Align Your Finances with Your Goals and Values. "If it's not, you'll be taking action based upon others' definitions of wellness, and that's not authentic."</p>
<p><a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/money/save-money-with-a-financial-checkup" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-source="tiny">Positive financial planning</a> can give you greater clarity and make it easier to reach financial goals. To get started, try these simple steps.</p>
<h2>1. Get personal</h2>
<p>Think about your money habits and beliefs, and evaluate your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/money/saving-money-hacks" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-source="tiny">spending profile</a>.&nbsp;Are the things you're doing with your money now in line with what you want to accomplish financially in the long-term? To find out, suggests personal finance expert Amanda Page, "Ask yourself, 'What does financial wellness mean to me?' Then take action:Free up a block of time, sit down with a pen and paper, and write out exactly what you want in your life&nbsp;as it relates to money. Let everything filter through, without stopping to second-guess yourself.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Once you define the dream it's much easier to think about your financial future because you&rsquo;ll know what you value.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Your vision might include goals like this:</p>
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li>Having six months' worth of expenses in an emergency fund</li>
<li>Saving up for a down payment for a home</li>
<li>Turning your side hustle into a business and quitting your job</li>
<li>Paying down credit card debt and student loans.</li>
<li>Setting up a dedicated savings fund so you can travel more often.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<p>"Once you define the dream, it's much easier to think about your financial future, because you'll know what you value," Page says.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>2. Take stock of where you are</h2>
<p>Money is commonly a top stressor, but you can mitigate the pressure by changing the lens through which you view your finances, according to Page. For instance, "the pressure to pay off student loan debt can be reframed as a desire to pay it off," she says. "Once that desire is identified you can start to ask yourself questions about how you might approach paying it off."</p>
<p>The goal is to be curious about your finances without forcing things.&nbsp;"Look at it as&nbsp;an experiment," Page advises. "That way, there's no attachment to getting it done in a certain amount of time."</p>
<p>Another way to flip the script: Make a point of celebrating your accomplishments. Rather than focusing on how far you have to go, you&rsquo;re taking pride in the progress you've already made.</p>
<p><img class="right_image" src="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/rcs/lifeandmoney/storage/public/financial-wellness_body.jpg" alt="A woman looking down at paperwork on table" /></p>
<h2>3. Prioritize and pace yourself</h2>
<p>The best way to tackle multiple money goals is to start with the ones that are most important and work at a pace you&rsquo;re comfortable with.&nbsp;&ldquo;Prioritizing the different steps of your financial wellness journey can help you make meaningful progress toward&nbsp;what you want to achieve,&rdquo; Straseske says.</p>
<p>If you try to do much at once, adds Syble Solomon, a financial behaviorist and creator of Money Habitudes, you can throw your entire plan off-balance. When that happens, "it's time to reassess. "Think about how you can meet your financial needs today while still moving forward along the path of feeling good about &mdash; and in control of &mdash;&nbsp;your money, says Solomon.</p>
<p><img class="right_image" src="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/rcs/lifeandmoney/storage/public/financial-wellness_body-2_1326512290.jpg" alt="A couple is shown a house by a realtor" /></p>
<blockquote>
<p>You have to learn to train yourself to not listen to what everyone is saying or doing.</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>4. Tune out distractions</h2>
<p>One of the best ways to practice financial wellness is to stay&nbsp;focused on your own personal finish line so that you&rsquo;re not influenced by the crowd. "You have to learn to train yourself to not listen to what everyone is saying or doing," Straseske says.</p>
<p>Instead, commit to making financial decisions based on your needs, goals and objectives rather than measuring yourself against anyone else.</p>
<h2>5. Aim for progress, not perfection</h2>
<p>We want to feel good about our money and where we're going financially, which is why it&rsquo;s crucial to remember that it's the doing that matters, even if it's not always 100% flawless. "An okay plan that's implemented is better than a great plan you never pursue," Straseske says.</p>
<p>Keep your goals reasonable and actionable, and above all, enjoy the process, he adds. "Financial wellness is a journey, not a destination."</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>&mdash; With additional reporting from Life and Money by Citi editors</em></p>

5 Key Steps to Financial Wellness

<p>The start of the new year is a natural time for a reset, but in order for those resolutions to stick, they need to feel realistic and doable. That&rsquo;s why we asked pros to share actionable ideas for improving mental and physical fitness. Try their tips to help boost your wellness.<span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2>Flex your gym plans</h2>
<p><span xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Finding time in a packed schedule can be one of the biggest barriers to exercising regularly, but the rise of on-demand workout platforms and streaming services has made it substantially easier to get your heart rate going. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve seen so much creativity, growth, innovation and collaboration to make it happen at home, outdoors or safely in person,&rdquo; says Aryan Rashed, CEO and owner of the Miami-based Pilates brand Tremble.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span><span xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">From programs providing flat-rate access to studios, gyms and virtual workouts to platforms loaded up with live and on-demand classes, the broader offerings mean you can craft a workout schedule that&rsquo;s more flexible &ndash; and potentially more motivating. &ldquo;I never have to select the same class twice, which challenges my mind, body and spirit,&rdquo; says Chelsea Williams, a wellness expert who specializes in plant-based eating.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Fitness gear can help you make the most of that exercise time too. Slip on ankle or wrist weights for added resistance during cardio or try an under-the-desk elliptical to squeeze in a workout without ever logging off.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2>Tap into technology</h2>
<p>To improve your memory, increase your focus and help you feel sharper, consider adding&nbsp;online games or puzzles to your daily routine. Or subscribe to self-help podcasts or a guided-meditation app to start your day or wind down with a calmer mind. If you find it challenging to make it to appointments with healthcare practitioners, consider going digital &ndash; a number of networks offer experts in various areas, including craniosacral therapy and Ayurvedic medicine, who can conduct sessions virtually.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<div><span data-ccp-props="{}"><img src="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/rcs/v1/media/lifeandmoney/akpublic/storage/retrieveMediaFile/65a436e68d583e1bc9dcada8" alt="mind-body-tools_body_1272443156.jpg/"></span></div>
<h2>Fuel yourself wisely</h2>
<p><span xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Eating mindfully means not only paying attention to portion sizes but also understanding  <a href="https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/well-being/food/foodie-guide-to-farmers-markets" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-source="tiny"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"><span xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">where</span> your food comes from</span></a> so you can be sure you&rsquo;re buying grass-fed or locally raised meats, for example, if that is important to you. One way to get to know growers in your area is to sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture subscription; CSAs connect people with in-season produce sold directly from local farmers, and there are meat and fish versions too.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></p>
<p><span xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><em>--With additional reporting from Life and Money by Citi editors</em>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Set yourself up for a healthier year with this advice on workouts, eating habits and more.