Being financially healthy is a crucial component of our mental health. When we feel financially stable, we’re less likely to feel stressed in the moment or about our future, but what does financial wellness look like? It involves putting aside money for retirement and savings.

How to Improve Your Financial Wellness This Year

The road to financial wellness must be taken in several steps, usually in order. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to reduce overall spending to improve your nest egg.

1. Improve Your Financial Education
The single best thing you can do for your financial wellness is to take a course about how to manage your finances. 65% of Americans have no idea how much they spent last month, which can lead to impulse spending, overspending on necessities (groceries), and missed bills.

Although it isn’t possible for everyone, you can bring down your debts slowly by paying close attention to your finances. Reducing your student loans by $100 each month is better than $50, no matter how insignificant it may seem. You need to budget to meet your financial goals.

2. Switch to Public Health Insurance
Health insurance is a major cost that will eat into your savings every month, but you still need it. Consider switching to a public health plan to reduce your administrative costs and co-pay.

When you compare private and public health insurance, you’ll notice that public healthcare is less expensive. However, public health insurance providers have strict eligibility requirements, meaning people who aren’t US citizens or have pre-existing conditions won’t qualify.

However, if you can manage to get on a public plan, you can save thousands of dollars per year, depending on the nature of your coverage. Keep in mind the paperwork is pretty expensive.

3. Lower Your Monthly Student Loan Payments
There are only two ways to successfully pay down your student loans: make more money or reduce your payments. We recommend reducing your payments until you make enough to pay more than the minimum per month. This will give you one less bill payment to worry about.

You can lower your student loan payments by applying for repayment plans. For example, an extended payment plan allows you to repay your loan over a period of 25 years. Enrolling in automatic payments will afford you an 0.25% interest discount and overall peace of mind.

4. Pay Yourself First With Automatic Payments
It can be hard to set up a savings account and stick with monthly payments. Between expenses and bills, you may feel like you have to go without when you pay into your rainy day fund. The trick is to take money right off the top, so you won’t see it before it’s transferred out.

Start by transferring money you would have spent on lunches or coffees over a two-week period. As your savings account grows, consider putting some of this money towards retirement accounts, a home, an emergency fund, investments, childcare, college, and much more.

5. Consider an Annuity Instead of a 401(k)
It’s understandable why young people don’t want to invest in a 401(k). Not only will that money be unavailable to them for several years, but they may die before they can even use it.

Fortunately, we’re living longer and longer. The average life expectancy in the United States is 79 years, but many health seniors could live well past 80. Is a 401(k) a good idea? Maybe not. It depends on how much you invest, your tax bracket vs. the withdrawal, and how long you live.

Instead of a typical retirement plan, consider an annuity. An annuity is guaranteed lifetime income paid out through equal intervals, like a pension or insurance payment.

On March 21, 2022, at 1:53 pm, Gallatin County 911 received a call for an injured snowmobiler in the McAtee Basin area, south of Big Sky. The caller found the victim unresponsive and immediately started lifesaving efforts. The caller was unable to resuscitate the victim and ultimately had to leave the area for cell service to call for help.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Big Sky Section and the Heli Team responded and recovered the victim with a helicopter due to the difficult terrain. A Gallatin County Deputy Coroner responded for the investigation.  The victim’s name has not been released at this time.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to pass on his condolences to the family and friends during this difficult time.

BOZEMAN — Montana State University, the American Indian Council at MSU and the MSU Bookstore have partnered to launch a collection of apparel featuring the AIC Club logo. The logo includes a bobcat, a blue and gold Native pattern and a feather.

The collection will feature short-sleeved and long-sleeved T-shirts, crew neck and hooded sweatshirts, a face covering and headwear. The merchandise will be available for purchase at the MSU Bookstore. Proceeds from the sales of the products will support the American Indian Council and its programs.

“We are excited about our collaboration with the MSU Bookstore to create AIC merchandise that will help support our students and appeal to alumni and the community,” said Lisa Perry, director of American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success and co-adviser to the American Indian Council.

The American Indian Council supports American Indian students in their adjustment to college life so they can be successful at the college level and beyond. Through the implementation of cultural heritage, the club fosters knowledge, integrity, tradition and achievement.

One of the oldest student organizations at MSU, the American Indian Council hosts the annual spring powwow, nurtures community, raises awareness and uses its platform to highlight current issues such as missing and murdered Indigenous people and Every Child Matters, an initiative that addresses the missing and murdered Indigenous people epidemic across the United States. 

Products may be purchased at the MSU Bookstore or at msubookstore.org/AIC.

Living slowly is a philosophy that includes everything from how you eat to how you plan a vacation. This became much more evident when, after the pandemic, the virus completely slowed down our lives, and that's when we understood that: faster is not always better.

Most people believe that being busier all the time is synonymous with success, with being successful in our professional fields, with being more important and in demand.
 
Learn to live slowly
 
The reality is that learning to live in the present requires us to pause along the way. We need to be able to enjoy the moment. We spend our time thinking about the future, our goals and objectives, without realizing that we have to impact the now to achieve them.

It is important to accept that things do not happen overnight and that to enjoy the success you long for, you must be willing to work for it and dedicate time to it with constancy and discipline.

Even when we talk about discipline, we understand that it is a repetition of daily habits that will take us little by little to the point where we want to get there.
 
How to practice the art of slow living
 
If you lead a very hectic life or are used to time not yielding to you because of the multiple commitments you have assumed, it is often important that you ask yourself how much you want to continue living this way.

If you want to live more slowly, choose to enjoy life and share with your loved ones, even think more about your well-being, it is important that you put into practice some tips.

You can do it gradually. You don't have to change your lifestyle overnight. You can even think about automating a business that does not need you in person.

For example, you can start practicing different hobbies that you previously considered time-consuming or time-consuming, giving them the importance of other activities in your day-to-day life.

Small actions represent big changes; for example, becoming more conscious of breathing, not doing things automatically, thinking them through, enjoying them more.

Eating can even become much more satisfying when you start living slowly. You find flavors you may have overlooked or discovered that you didn't know you could enjoy.
This is a concept that is largely based on the principles of minimalism and simplification.
 
Habits that lead to living slowly
 
1. Eat your food consciously:
Pay attention to the flavors and textures of your food, without watching TV or on your cell phone. This healthy habit will even allow you to be better nourished.
 
2. Take frequent breaks from technology:
Turn off all notifications for a block of the day.
Sometimes we do not realize it, but we are immersed in a world that demands speed for everything, even for answers, when in truth, we are human beings with different times.
 
3. Limit the time you spend on social networks:
This is key since we spend our lives observing realities different from our own and often just wishing to have what others have or live.
Unfortunately, we forget that the reality we see on social networks is often nothing more than a biased and fictitious image of what is happening.
 
4. Take advantage of downtime during the day:
An example of this is the time you spend on transportation to work. Take advantage of this time to read a book, meditate, listen to an audiobook or a podcast. You could even write in a journal stories or anecdotes that you can share with someone else.
 
5. Say no to things you don't enjoy:
You must learn to say no responsibly and above all with clarity. We often feel obligated to do things we don't want to do, and we don't know how to say no.
 
6. Work in blocks of time on a single activity, avoid multitasking:
Indeed, having the ability to do several things simultaneously can be beneficial at times. It is better to concentrate on one thing at a time and make sure you do it well. Suppose you are a student and you need to do lots of assignments. Don't try to do everything at once: choose some of them that you think you'll do your best. Other ones you can delegate. If it's writing an essay, you can find lots of cheap essay writing services and find an author to help you.
 
7. Take frequent breaks during your workday:
Burnout is becoming more and more evident and real in our society. Thousands of people suffer from chronic fatigue and cannot even identify why.
The fact is that we naturalize overwork and notice the negative consequences of this.
 
8. Invest more time outdoors:
Seek your well-being through activities that generate better physical conditions, such as exercise or connecting with nature.
There is so much variety that you could choose from hundreds of healthy habits; for example, yoga, meditation, simply going for a walk, or jogging makes a difference.
 
9. Organize your spaces:
To have peace of mind, your outside must reflect what you have inside. It's simple, dedicate yourself to eliminating excesses and simplifying your environment.
It may take time at first, but it is not something you should constantly do because once you have made a general order will be in the long term.
 
If you have heard of Marie Kondo's advice, you will understand that her method has helped millions of people worldwide achieve this particular goal.
 
You just need to keep the following in mind:
 

 
Here are some unique benefits of the art of slow living:
 
You will certainly live with less stress: the more consciously you live, the less external pressures you will feel.
You will have more time: by saying yes, only to the things you enjoy in life, you will free up much more time.
You will suffer fewer illnesses: not only physical but also mental. Many illnesses today are a product of the lifestyle we lead. This also includes stress and anxiety.
Improve your efficiency and effectiveness: the myth of multitasking keeps us on the wheel of unproductivity. Simplify and focus on finding your most productive self.
You will be much happier: focusing on living slowly is about allowing yourself more moments of happiness in your life.
You will have better personal relationships: prioritizing what is most important to your life includes putting your family, friends, and work in the right order.
 
Living slowly is living better:
 
Now that you know the benefits and ways to achieve this, you are able to choose what lifestyle you want to lead.
No matter what your routines are like right now, you can always incorporate simple dynamics and get used to making better choices for your own well-being.

Read also: Fantastic 4: Best Paper Help and Writing Services to Use in 2022

HELENA – After reviewing 243 applications, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has selected 12 individuals to serve on a citizens advisory group to address the future of elk management. The 12-member group will help craft a new future for elk management and elk hunting in Montana.

Members are Ian Wargo, Heath Hansen, Brent Race D.V.M., Stephanie Prater, Scott Tinklenberg, Matt Wickens, Race King, Chuck Rein, Druska Kinkie, Staci Ketchum, Scott Van Dyken, and Aaron Iverson. This group represents a broad range of viewpoints and experience and will use that diversity to focus on two broad tasks – developing a set of recommendations to address elk management issues and improving relationships between stakeholders.  

The members were selected for the diversity of viewpoints they represent and their expressed eagerness to make progress on the complex challenges facing elk management in Montana. The members were selected irrespective of group affiliation.

“I was blown away by the interest in this effort. The quality of applicants was tremendous. With so many groups interested in helping out, the fairest way to select members was to focus on the experience each applicant had and their willingness to work with others to find a solution,” said FWP Director Hank Worsech. “The work I’m asking this group to take on will be tough, but I’m convinced lasting solutions will come with folks like these working together. I’m grateful for all of the people who applied to be a part of the working group.”  

The first meeting, which will be held virtually and streamed online, is scheduled for the afternoon of March 22. The group’s recommendations will be presented to Director Worsech by July 31.

The applicants who weren’t selected for the advisory group, will serve as a sounding board. This board will be invited to attend every meeting and will review and provide input on the advisory group’s work throughout the process.

For more information about the advisory group and sounding board and to watch the March 22 meeting, go to https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/elk-management-citizen-advisory-group.

HELENA – Gov. Greg Gianforte is seeking applications from people interested in filling a vacancy on the Montana State Parks and Recreation Board. The vacancy was created when former board member Mary Moe announced she was stepping down.  

BOZEMAN — Montana State University Extension is conducting a statewide needs assessment and is gathering feedback from community members to improve its resources, programs and services for Montanans.

All Montanans are invited to complete an online survey and participants can enter a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card.

MSU Extension agents in local offices will host community listening sessions or conduct one-on-one interviews from March through May in an effort to hear from as many people as possible. Feedback will directly inform prioritizing community needs.

To find a local MSU Extension office go to www.msuextension.org and select “County & Reservation Offices.”

MSU Extension works in collaboration with local partners to improve the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased, research-based education and information that integrates learning, discovery and engagement to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals, families and communities.

For questions or information about the survey or listening sessions, contact Carrie Ashe at  carrie.ashe@montana.edu or 406-994-3293.

On Monday, March 14, 2022, at 12:54 p.m., the West Yellowstone Police Department received a 911 call from a group of snowmobilers reporting that a member of their group was possibly having a heart attack. GPS coordinates from the call indicated that the group was 11.27 miles south of West Yellowstone.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, Gallatin Custer National Forest, National Park Service, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire Department and a helicopter from Air Idaho responded to assist with the rescue.

Rescuers located the patient who was experiencing stroke-like symptoms. Rescuers loaded the patient into a specialized rescue snowbulance and met the helicopter at a more suitable landing site. The helicopter transported the patient to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for further evaluation.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to thank the snowmobilers in the group who rendered aid to the snowmobiler while waiting for rescuers to arrive.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Let’s celebrate March Madness Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks style with Marias River March Migration Madness, aka #FWPFishMadness.

What is FWP Fish Madness? A fun way to learn about fish species in Montana, and this year we are focusing on eight species (or teams) in the Marias River. Just like March Madness, these teams will go head to head to compete for the title in the Caudal Fin-al.

Fluvial Four
How does it work? Starting with the first round, the Otolith 8, which begins on March 18, teams compete against one another to advance to the Fluvial 4 (March 25 and 28) and the Caudal Fin-al (April 4). Game winners will be decided by fan polls and votes on social media. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram and vote for your favorite teams.

How to play along? To play, fill out the bracket and enter submit or email it to FWPFishMadness@mt.gov by March 17. You can also take a snapshot of your bracket and post on social media using #FWPFishMadness, make sure your post is set to public so we can see it, or upload online. Games will be posted weekly and fans get to vote on Facebook and Instagram to determine the winner of the match-up.

What do you win? The best bracket (most accurate) wins! You will be showered with respect from your peers, fame, adoration of fans, and even some special gifts from FWP.

>> DOWNLOAD BRACKET <<

Follow along on social for expert reviews, game match-ups (don’t forget to vote for your teams) and all things #FWPFishMadness!

Questions? Contact Kelsey at KAllison.mt.gov

The Big Sky Country State Fair is now accepting entries for the various competitive
events taking place in the 2022 Fair. These events range from the much-loved Barnyard Brawl (think Calf Scramble, Mutton Bustin’, and more!), the hair-raising Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo, and the traditional competitive exhibits with fun NEW classes!

Open Class Competitions in horticulture, photography, fine arts and quilts – to name a few – are a mainstay in Fair programming and connect directly to the cultural landscape of the region. The Big Sky Country State Fair is excited to see these skills passed down through the generations and is proud to be able to provide a platform where they can be showcased to the public and next generations.

The Big Sky Country State Fair is pleased to offer all new Divisions and Classes this year! Creative Arts Division has a new High School Related Projects Division and Digital Arts Division for both youth and adults, new classes include leather and metalwork classes. Culinary Division has a new Healthy Baked Goods Division, Homemade Beer and Wine Division, with all new themed classes this year! Horticulture Division added new classes including Kale, Berries, Cilantro, Petunia, Flavored Basil, Themed Classes, Edible Landscape, and Team Container Grown Plants. Photography Division added a NEW Wedding Photography Division along with a Videography Division! The Big Sky Country State Fair is also taking Digital Photography entries this year!

Information on all competitions, as well as entry forms, are available at 406StateFair.com. Big Sky Country State Fair is held Wednesday, July 20 through Sunday, July 24 in Bozeman, MT. The Fair opens to the public Wednesday, July 20. Tickets and admission packages are available starting Friday, May 27, 2022. Check out 406StateFair.com for continually updated information on entertainment, tickets, and competitions.

The Big Sky Country State Fair is managed by the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, under the direction of  Gallatin County. The first fair – called Inter-State Fair – was held in 1902 and morphed over the years to its function today. The Fair serves citizens of the Gallatin Valley and regional visitors from agricultural, urban, rural, and tourist backgrounds.