You may already be helping your group benefits clients plan for the 2018 benefits year.

Each new year offers a clean slate and an opportunity to set ambitious goals for the year ahead. Improving spending habits consistently ranks as one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions each year, and it’s safe to say that the same will be true in 2018. However, while many people may set New Year’s resolutions, a staggering 92 percent fail to meet their goals, according to Statistic Brain.

A recent survey from Gallup found that Americans were more worried about finances in 2016 than in 2015. Knowing that financial stress can lead to an employee having poor physical and mental health, advisers can provide clients with the resources to help their employees ease financial stress and increase overall health. Below are a few things to keep in mind as you provide clients guidance to ensure employees are off to a strong start that keeps them on the path to achieving the goals they’ll be setting for 2018.

Decreasing medical spending can increase financial wellness

Health care spending rose 5.8 percent to $3.2 trillion in 2015, which is approximately $10,000 for every person in the United States, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data. Being proactive against rising medical costs is an essential first step in avoiding financial stress and staying on track with health and financial wellness goals. Here are three steps advisers can share with clients to help employees stay ahead of unexpected costs: