By Brian Matthys, DO
In our relentless pursuit of financial success, we often overlook a fundamental truth: wealth without health is meaningless. The correlation between these two pillars of well-being runs deeper than most realize, creating an intricate dance where one cannot truly flourish without the other.
The True Cost of Poor Health
Consider this: the average cost of treating type 2 diabetes, a largely preventable condition, exceeds $9,600 annually. Heart disease? Up to $18,953 per year. These figures represent not just medical expenses, but lost productivity, reduced earning potential, and diminished quality of life. Suddenly, gym membership and organic produce don't seem so expensive.
Essential Health Metrics for Wealth Building
Regular Health Screenings
Annual physical examinations
Blood pressure monitoring
Cholesterol checks
Cancer screenings based on age and risk factors
Diabetes screening
Mental health assessments
Physical Fitness Benchmarks
150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly (8-10000 steps)
Strength training 2-3 times per week
Maintaining BMI between 18.5-24.9
Regular flexibility and balance exercises
7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly
Nutritional Foundation
Balanced macronutrient intake
Adequate hydration (up to 64 oz daily)
Limited processed food consumption
Controlled portion sizes
Strategic meal timing for optimal energy
The Financial Impact of Health Maintenance
When we maintain these health metrics, we're not just investing in our physical well-being— we're making a strategic financial decision. Consider:
Lower insurance premiums
Reduced out-of-pocket medical expenses
Increased workplace productivity
Extended earning potential in later years
Lower risk of disability-related income loss
The Revolutionary Concept: Integrating Health and Wealth Management
What if health considerations were discussed with your wealth manager as part of your financial plan? This seemingly radical idea makes perfect sense when we examine it closely. Your health status directly impacts:
Life insurance rates
Long-term care planning
Retirement timeline
Investment risk tolerance
Estate planning decisions
A wealth manager with insight into your health metrics could:
Adjust investment strategies based on predicted medical expenses
Plan for potential early retirement due to health conditions
Optimize healthcare spending accounts
Structure emergency funds according to health risks
Design more accurate longevity-based financial plans
Action Steps for Integrated Health-Wealth Management
1. Track Your Numbers
Financial metrics (net worth, debt ratios, savings rate etc based on your goals)
Health metrics (Height/weight [body mass index], blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose)
2. Create Dual Goals
Link financial milestones with health achievements
Set combined monthly targets for both domains
Prepare for preventive screenings/treatments (colonoscopy, mammogram, vaccines)
3. Build Your Team
Primary care physician
Wealth manager
Nutritionist
Fitness professional
Mental health specialist
4. Regular Reviews
Quarterly health assessments
Annual financial planning sessions
Combined health-wealth strategy meetings
The Bottom Line
The synergy between health and wealth is undeniable. As we move toward a more holistic understanding of personal success, the integration of health metrics into financial planning becomes not just beneficial but essential. The question isn't whether your wealth manager should know your health status— it's how soon you can implement this integrated approach to secure both your physical and financial future.
Remember: Your wealth may help you live more comfortably, but your health determines if you'll be around to enjoy it. In the end, the smartest investment strategy encompasses both your financial portfolio and your physical well-being.
Measure what matters,
Brian Matthys, DO
Brian Matthys is a guest contributor to Prosperity Planning. Brian’s commentary reflects his views on the crossroads of health and wealth and should not be construed as investment advice.
Investment advice, financial planning, and retirement plan services are provided by Prosperity Planning, Inc., an SEC registered investment advisor. The information contained herein, including but not limited to research, market valuations, calculations, estimates and other material obtained from these sources are believed to be reliable. However, Prosperity Planning, Inc. does not warrant its accuracy or completeness. The information contained herein has been prepared solely for informational purposes and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security or to participate in any trading strategy. If an offer of securities is made, it will be under a definitive investment management agreement prepared on behalf of Prosperity which contains material information not contained herein and which supersedes this information in its entirety. Any investment involves significant risk, including a complete loss of capital and conflicts of interest. The applicable definitive investment management agreement and Form ADV Part 2A will contain a more thorough discussion of risk and conflict, which should be carefully reviewed before making any investment decision.
