Financial Health: The Third Pillar of Wellness
We hear it all the time: prioritize your mental health. Don’t neglect your physical well-being. Eat better. Meditate. Move your body. All of these are essential, no doubt. But there's a critical part of your overall wellness that’s often overlooked in the conversation: your financial health.
The truth is, your ability to care for your mind and body is often closely tied to your financial situation. Whether it's therapy sessions, gym memberships, nutritious food, or preventative healthcare—money enables access to these vital tools of well-being. And when your finances are out of alignment, it affects everything else.
So why don’t we treat our financial health with the same care and attention?
The Overlooked Pillar of Wellness
Mental and physical health are talked about openly and widely now—thankfully. But financial health still tends to live in the shadows, wrapped in shame, confusion, or avoidance.
And yet, money is one of the top sources of stress for adults today. According to the American Psychological Association, a majority of Americans cite financial worries as a primary source of anxiety. It's no surprise: when we’re unsure how we’ll pay for upcoming bills, fund our future, or manage debt, that uncertainty spills into our emotional and physical lives.
It’s hard to focus in a therapy session when your mind is racing about credit card bills. It’s hard to prioritize healthy meals when your grocery budget is maxed. It’s difficult to take time off when you feel like your income stream is one missed paycheck away from disaster.
Financial health isn’t a luxury—it’s a foundation.
What Is Financial Health, Really?
Let’s clear something up: financial health isn’t about being rich. It’s not about having a six-figure salary or an investment portfolio that rivals Wall Street.
According to the Corporate Finance Institute, financial health is about having clarity, control, and confidence in your financial life. It means:
Knowing where your money is going
Having a plan for your short- and long-term goals
Feeling prepared for emergencies
Living in alignment with your values
Being free from constant money-related stress
In short, it’s not about perfection—it’s about being intentional.
The Real Cost of Ignoring It
When financial health is neglected, it doesn’t just affect your wallet—it affects your entire life.
Relationships can suffer from financial stress, misaligned goals, or debt-related tension.
Mental health is deeply impacted by financial insecurity. Money stress is a major contributor to anxiety and depression.
Physical health may decline when you delay care, skimp on nutrition, or miss out on movement due to financial barriers.
And beyond that, there’s the opportunity cost: the dreams deferred because you didn’t have a plan.
So, What Can You Do?
The good news? Just like physical and mental health, your financial health can be improved over
time—with small, consistent steps.
Here are a few to get started:
1. Check In With Yourself
Start by getting honest. How do you feel about your money? Anxious? Confused? Avoidant? Empowered? Awareness is the first step toward change.
2. Know Your Numbers
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Review your:
Monthly income and expenses
Debts and interest rates
Savings, emergency fund, and investments
Net Worth
3. Set a Clear Goal
Whether it’s building an emergency fund, saving for a home, paying off debt, or planning for retirement, goals give your money direction.
4. Build a Plan
A plan is your financial workout routine. It gives structure to your efforts and helps you stay focused. A good plan is personalized and sustainable—not restrictive.
5. Ask for Help
Just as you’d see a doctor, therapist, or trainer, a financial advisor can help you build a customized plan and walk with you through every season of life.
Financial Wellness Is Self-Care
Taking care of your money is taking care of you. It’s a way of showing up for yourself—of saying, “I deserve clarity. I deserve options. I deserve peace of mind.”
It’s easy to push money matters to the back burner, especially when life feels busy or uncertain. But think of it this way: you wouldn’t ignore symptoms in your body or persistent emotional stress. Your finances deserve the same attention.
The Bottom Line
While money plays an undeniable role in creating stability, it isn’t the sole source of happiness. In his article “The Economics of Happiness: Can Money Buy True Joy,” Cary Smith of Client First Capital states, “In exploring the economics of happiness, it becomes evident that true joy is derived from a combination of factors beyond financial wealth, including relationships, personal fulfillment, and a sense of purpose.” Financial health gives you options and peace of mind, but without meaningful connection and purpose, even financial success can feel hollow. It’s the combination of financial security and emotional fulfillment that creates a truly rich life. If you don’t have a financial plan yet, you’re not alone—and it’s not too late.
Start where you are. Take one step forward. Whether that’s building a simple budget, scheduling a consultation, or just getting clear on your numbers—your future self will thank you. Ready to take control of your financial well-being? Reach out and let us know you liked this article and let’s talk about what’s possible—because your financial wellness deserves just as much care as your mind and body.
Because financial health is more than numbers. It’s peace. It’s power. It’s freedom.
