Who can help me do it?
As it pertains to taxes, many people consult a CPA or
Certified Public Accountant. Others may visit a Jackson-Hewitt or H & R
Block location. For health and fitness, one would hire a certified and insured
personal trainer or health coach. This method is similar to consulting a
mechanic for auto repairs or licensed contractor for home repairs and projects.
The main benefits experienced here are the safety
and comfort that come with having a trained eye looking over things and the convenience and
efficiency of having all of the 'thinking' removed for you. No need to worry
about: Is this a deductable expense? Or, what exercise do I perform to target
my stomach or legs? No IRS penalties for
mistakes. No painful injuries from poor exercise choices or performance. These
professionals are properly trained to sort through the mounds of information
and misinformation to employ only what is useful, while discarding the rest. The objective is to keep things safe, simple,
and effective.
How can I get the
largest return?
We all want the largest return as fast as possible, right?
It doesn’t matter if it’s the money in our tax return, or the return on
investment from our time and effort spent in the gym in the form of looking and
feeling better. Consulting a professional will ensure that this is exactly what
happens.
The trick is to consult a professional whose expertise
matches your individual lifestyle and limitations. If you have a six-figure
income, the professional at the nearest H & R Block may not have the
sufficient experience and education necessary to handle your unique needs.
Similarly, if you are a 50+ year old adult with orthopedic concerns, hiring a
fitness professional whose experience is primarily with bodybuilders and
athletes may not be the best fit either. Efficiency
is the priority here; making the most out of every dollar made or minute
invested.
I can do it myself!
Wait. If I hire a professional then I’ll have to pay them.
If I do it myself, I’ll save money! Or will you? It’s woven in our DNA to be
self-reliant and self-sufficient. Indeed, these are good traits to possess. The
truth is, however, it’s just not possible – or wise - to be that way all the time.
Sure, you could wade through our complicated tax codes and
forms or an exercise and diet regimen yourself. But what if you could have
received a $2000 return instead of $1200 had you consulted with a professional
who saw two or three deductions you weren’t aware of? Would that extra $800 be
worth a $100 fee? You betcha. Perhaps you could have achieved the same weight
loss or strength gains in three hours a week instead of six. Money isn’t the
only currency. Going at things alone is
a risk in safety and efficiency. Maybe you only need to consult a tax pro when
you experience a major life change such as marriage or starting your own
business which would substantially change your filing procedures. Maybe you
just need a training session here and there to review your program, check exercise
technique, or what to change due to a new medication or orthopedic restriction.
What is your time worth to you?
Conclusion
Obviously, not paying your taxes or making no effort in
terms of diet and exercise is a poor choice that I think everyone grasps. What
many people fail to realize is doing either of these incorrectly also incurs a
cost just as great, if not greater. Ask someone who has been audited or had
their wages garnished. Ask someone who tore their rotator cuff bench pressing
or blew out their knee squatting.
You have two choices on how you will spend your healthcare money:
proactively or reactively. Spending proactively includes buying healthier foods
or hiring a fitness professional. Spending reactively means more medications,
more doctors’ visits, more hospital stays, or more physical therapy.
You can pay now or pay later, but only one of those choices increases
your quality of life along the way.
“You must choose, but choose wisely.” – Indiana
Jones and the Last Crusade
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