Happy, healthy, wealthy and wise for 2014

Originally Published:  January 2, 2014

Hard to believe, but the holidays are over, and we are already into 2014. So, let’s begin anew with a fresh start and a clean slate.

Happy

This time of year in the Midwest can be depressing. The weather plays a huge role in our attitude. The lack of sunshine, and the cold gloomy days — along with the end of the holidays — can get anyone down. One way lift your spirits is through exercise. If it’s too cold to walk outside, head inside to one of Orland Park’s two indoor walking/running tracks. Sixteen laps around the track at the Franklin Loebe Center equal one mile, while 10 laps equal a mile at the Sportsplex track.

If you are feeling a bit of cabin fever, then color your world. “Re-feathering” your nest may be just the cure you need. Scour magazines, consult decorating books or visit model homes for inspiration. Repositioning your furniture or bringing in a pop of color can do wonders for your mood.

If you are considering purchasing furniture, many furniture stores offer free design and decorating consultation. Still not confident about where to begin? Hiring an interior designer or staging professional may point you in the right direction.

Healthy

Have you joined a gym and are paying a membership? If so, get there! Members of the Sportsplex have an additional incentive — the Sportsplex Weight Loss Challenge pays out a cash prize of $500 to the winner. The runner-up gets their entrance fee refunded ($50). This 10-week contest begins Jan. 13. The winner is chosen by the highest percentage of weight loss.

If you are a member of a gym but cannot find the motivation to get there regularly, invite a friend along and challenge each other to make a routine of attending a certain number of times each week. Can’t find anyone to go with you? Attend a few classes, and you will meet some new friends who will have similar motivation.

Several months ago, I spoke with Kelly Kenny, a fitness instructor at the Sportsplex, who shared her thoughts on exercise. She explained how socialization is an important part of exercise.

“People want to be with other people who share their fitness goals; classes at the Sportsplex provide that,” Kenny said. “Even if you don’t know someone in the class in the beginning, you make friends that share your interests.”

Wealthy

This is a great time of year to check your credit report. The government allows you to check your credit report for free, up to three times a year, once each from the three nationwide credit-reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

The three agencies “sell the information in your credit report to creditors, insurers, employers and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment or renting a home,” according to the Federal Trade Commission website.

The three agencies have set up a centralized website, a toll-free telephone number and/or an address through which you may order your report(s). Visit www.annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228 or complete the form and mail to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

The FTC website recommends that you do not contact the three credit companies individually. They provide the free annual credit reports only through the website, phone number and address listed above. You may order your report from each of the three credit-reporting agencies at the same time or you may order from each at different times.

Wise

If you can’t take a vacation during this winter, discover Chicago! There are so many museums, galleries, tours and experiences just 30 miles away. Visit www.choosechicago.com or www.discoverillinois.org for events, schedules and special attractions.

Some of the lesser-known exhibits are the most interesting. The Peggy Notebaert Museum (just north of Lincoln Park Zoo at 2430 N. Cannon Drive) has an amazing butterfly museum, the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven. It’s a 2,700-square-foot greenhouse where it feels just like a summer day. Check out their exhibits at www.naturemuseum.org.