Every year, second Wednesday of March is marked as No Smoking Day. This serves as a reminder of the importance of kicking the smoking habit for good.
Smoking not only poses serious health risks but also takes a toll on your finances. As we observe No Smoking Day, let’s delve into the health hazards of smoking and explore how quitting can not only improve your well-being but also boost your financial future by investing the money saved into mutual funds or health insurance.
The Cost of Smoking
Smoking comes at a hefty price, both in terms of health and finances. According to Smoking Calulator from Aditya Birla Capital, the annual cost of smoking cigarettes in India amounts to approximately ₹ 21,600. This significant expenditure can strain your budget and have long-term repercussions on your financial stability.
Health Hazards of Smoking
Beyond the financial burden, smoking poses grave health risks. It increases the risk of developing various life-threatening conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory illnesses, and more. Smoking also affects overall fitness levels, diminishes lung capacity, and can lead to premature aging and decreased quality of life.
Investing in Health Insurance
One way to mitigate the financial impact of smoking-related health issues is by investing in health insurance. For instance, you can obtain comprehensive health insurance coverage for approximately ₹ 8,852 annually. By investing in health insurance, you safeguard yourself against the high costs of medical treatment associated with smoking-related illnesses, ensuring access to quality healthcare without depleting your savings.
Redirecting Funds into Mutual Funds
Furthermore, quitting smoking presents an excellent opportunity to redirect the money saved from not purchasing cigarettes into investments that can yield long-term benefits. Consider investing in mutual funds, which offer the potential for wealth accumulation and financial growth over time. By harnessing the power of compounding, even small contributions can grow substantially, providing financial security and stability for the future.
One can invest as low as Rs. 10 in some schemes of mutual funds. If anyone had invested as low as Rs. 3000 per month in plain vanila Index fund e.g. SBI Nifty Index since March 2010, he/she could have accumulated more than 13 lakh rupees wealth till today.
Encouraging Quitting
On No Smoking Day, let’s encourage smokers to take the courageous step towards quitting. It may not be easy, but the rewards are immeasurable – improved health, increased longevity, and enhanced financial well-being. Seek support from loved ones, explore smoking cessation programs, and embrace healthier lifestyle choices to kick the habit for good.
Conclusion
As we commemorate No Smoking Day, let’s recognize the detrimental effects of smoking on health and finances. By quitting smoking and investing the money saved into mutual funds or health insurance, individuals can not only protect their well-being but also secure their financial future. Let’s take this opportunity to prioritize health, make positive changes, and embark on a journey towards a smoke-free and financially secure future.
