When young and ambitious people—think recent college or trade school graduates—are ready to take on the world, they embody the spirit and willpower necessary to tackle even the most arduous challenges. What they often lack, however, are life experiences and the financial resources to cushion their mistakes. If you asked that same young person whether their health was more important than their potential paycheck, chances are they’d say “no.” Fast forward thirty years, and that answer almost always becomes an emphatic “yes.”
So, what’s more important: health or wealth? The short answer is usually health—both mental and physical. But according to a growing body of research, it’s nearly impossible to sustain one without nurturing the other. Studies consistently show a strong two-way relationship between financial well-being and health outcomes. Poor health can reduce earning potential and increase expenses, while financial stress can contribute to anxiety, depression, and chronic disease. In short, health and wealth are symbiotic—each enhancing the other to create the foundation for longevity, happiness, and a fulfilling life.
Some would argue that money can’t buy happiness—and they’re right, to a point. Material purchases like vacations, cars, or second homes may offer temporary joy, but they don’t necessarily resolve deeper issues of satisfaction or purpose if those experiences aren’t tied to meaningful goals.
From my perspective as a financial planner, the conversation changes dramatically when a client—no matter how successful—is suddenly in the hospital, surrounded by IV drips and machines. They may have the means to buy everything they’ve ever wanted, yet lack the health to enjoy any of it. That’s when the term health span—the length of time a person remains healthy and functional—takes on real significance.
My friend, Dr. Jason Chiriano, a vascular surgeon with over 20 years of experience, has literally seen every part inside of the human body and witnessed the contrast between those who have cared for themselves and those who haven’t. His perspective underscores what both medicine and finance teach us: preventative measures matter. Just as compound interest grows wealth over time, consistent healthy habits—sleep, exercise, nutrition, and stress management—compound to protect the body and mind. Neither health nor wealth can be built overnight, but both can erode quickly without care and attention.
Ways to Address
Five years ago, Dr. Chiriano founded his own clinic – Viva Life Healing Centers – focused on regenerative and preventative medicine. His practice emphasizes approaches like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, which work by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes rather than masking symptoms. Each patient receives a personalized plan that may include lifestyle and nutritional counseling—recognizing that sustainable health begins with daily habits, not just medical interventions.
Whether someone is struggling with joint or chronic pain, sleep disorders, weight loss, or simply wants to extend their longevity and vitality, Dr. Chiriano’s approach underscores a central truth: prevention and proactive care are the best investments one can make. Just as financial compounding grows wealth over time, small, consistent investments in health yield exponential returns in quality of life, productivity, and happiness. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Chiriano right here: “Meet Dr. Jason Chiriano”
Ultimately, financial and physical well-being are not competing priorities—they’re complementary investments. By tending to both, we can extend not just our lifespan, but the quality of that life.
Sources
1. Wealth and overall mortality / longevity
Research shows a clear gradient: greater wealth is associated with lower mortality risk. For example, a longitudinal cohort study of adults aged 50-85 found that those in higher wealth quartiles had significantly lower hazard ratios for death compared to the poorest quartile. Drugs.com+1
2. Financial stress → cardiovascular disease & mortality
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that financial stress (e.g., money worries, lack of savings) is significantly associated with increased incidence of coronary artery disease/major cardiovascular outcomes (HR ~1.19; 95% CI 1.00-1.47). PubMed
Another study in Sweden found that older adults without a “cash margin” (i.e., ability to raise a small sum quickly) had substantially higher risk of incident CVD and all-cause mortality. PubMed
3. Financial strain in acute illness settings
Among older adults hospitalized for a heart attack, those under severe financial strain (not having enough money to make ends meet each month) were ~60% more likely to die within six months compared to those with no financial strain. News-Medical+1
4. Wealth differences in lifestyle, diet, depression
A UK study of adults aged 50-90 found that poorer older adults were much less likely to meet physical activity and dietary guidelines, and were nearly three times more likely to be depressed compared to wealthier counterparts. ScienceDaily
5. Financial hardship (health treatment cost) → higher mortality among survivors
In the U.S., among cancer survivors, those who reported financial hardship (difficulty affording care, delaying or forgoing care due to cost) had higher mortality risk: HR ≈ 1.17 (age 18-64) and HR ≈ 1.14 (age 65-79). PubMed+1