“Your Blueprint for a Healthier Body, Mind, and Budget”
Essay Prompt:
Write about a time when money affected your health or the health of someone you know, (physical, mental, or both).
In 500–750 words, share: What happened (the situation)
What you learned about the connection between health and money
Your blueprint for moving forward: 3–5 steps you will take (or have taken) to build a healthier body, mind, and budget
End by explaining how your blueprint could help you (or someone like you) in the future.
Did You Know?
-A 2022 systematic review published in PLOS ONE (Public Library of Science, a nonprofit expanding public access to scientific research) found that financial stress is consistently associated with higher depression in adults.
-A 2024 American Medical Association (AMA)-published article reported that among adults with current depression, 36.9% of those with medical debt delayed mental health care vs 17.4% without medical debt. Among adults with anxiety, 38.4% with medical debt delayed care vs 16.9% without.
-A 2024 peer-reviewed article in BMC Nutrition (a publisher specializing in nutrition and public health research) highlighted that healthier eating can cost about $1.48 more per day, and research links food insecurity (often tied to financial strain) with poorer psychological health outcomes.
These facts are included to support this year’s theme and encourage deeper reflection. Writers may include their own research, but personal experience and the blueprint are the most important parts.
Email ben@houstonmoneyweek.org with any questions you may have.
