You know that feeling when everything in your life just seems to click? When your health is on point, your relationships are thriving, and you wake up each morning with a sense of purpose. 

There’s another piece to that puzzle that often goes overlooked—your financial wellness. It’s a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it mean? And, more importantly, how does it affect your overall well-being?

Let’s examine how financial health is crucial to your day-to-day happiness and long-term quality of life and how a financial advisor can help you keep everything in balance.

Financial Wellness: The Cornerstone of a Balanced Life

Financial wellness entails more than just the balance in your bank account. It involves being prepared for unexpected financial emergencies, having confidence in your financial future, and, most importantly, feeling in complete control of your finances.

Near the end of 2023, about 72% of adults reported that they were at least doing okay financially, with 33% saying they were living comfortably. That leaves (28%) who are either just getting by or finding it difficult. Regardless of where you currently fall in this financial wellness spectrum, achieving and staying in the “doing okay financially” group is the real challenge. This is where a financial advisor can be incredibly helpful.

Getting started on the path towards financial wellness can feel overwhelming. From establishing a budget, setting savings goals, and selecting investments to researching insurance and planning for retirement, doing everything yourself can be exhausting. 

A financial advisor can give you the tools needed to improve your financial wellness and, in turn, your overall well-being. By working with an advisor, you can develop a comprehensive plan that addresses immediate concerns and aligns with your long-term goals.

How Financial Wellness Impacts Your Health

Let’s talk about the connection between your financial well-being and your health. The link is stronger than you might think. Financial stress can lead to various physical and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, poor immune system response, and even heart disease. 

Not only can financial stress directly affect your physical and mental health, it can affect it in other ways. In 2018, nearly 3 in 10 Americans reported delaying healthcare because of the cost, often for serious illnesses and medical conditions. 

Delaying care because of financial concerns can be seriously harmful to your health. Excessive financial stress can also lead to negative coping mechanisms, like overeating, spending more, and increased alcohol and drug use.

On the flip side, when you feel secure in your finances, you’re better equipped to handle unexpected financial emergencies with less stress. Plus, you’re more likely to invest in other areas of your life that contribute to your overall health—like a gym membership, healthier food, or regular check-ups with your doctor.

Why a Financial Advisor is Your Secret Weapon

Improving your financial wellness doesn’t have to be a solo journey. A financial advisor can be your guide, helping you cut through the complexities of managing your money. A good financial advisor will work with you to create a personalized financial plan that aligns with your long-term financial goals. Whether building an emergency fund or planning for retirement, they provide the expertise needed to help you make informed decisions.

For instance, if you’re unsure about how to start saving for retirement, a financial advisor can guide you through setting up a retirement savings plan, maximizing employer matches (often referred to as free money), and taking advantage of compound interest to grow your savings over time. 

A financial advisor can also help you assess other retirement strategies and ensure you’re on the right track to meet your long-term goals. Beyond just numbers, a financial advisor can offer peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what matters most.

Simple Steps to Boost Your Financial Security

Let’s get practical. Enhancing your financial security doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple steps you can take:

1. Build an Emergency Fund: Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a savings account. This fund will be a financial cushion for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs.

2. Create a Personal Budget: Budgeting is crucial for managing your finances effectively. Track your income and expenses, and adjust as needed to ensure you’re living within your means.

3. Invest in Your Future: Start investing as early as possible, even if it’s just a small amount each month. Thanks to compounding interest, your investments in retirement accounts, mutual funds, or other assets can grow significantly over time.

4. Review Your Insurance Policies: Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage to protect your assets and financial future. This may include health insurance, life insurance, and property insurance.

By taking these four key steps to improve your financial security, you can avoid succumbing to financial stress and better protect your overall health and well-being.

The Aligned Perspective: Financial Wellness

Improving your overall well-being through better financial wellness involves more than just managing your expenses. By taking control of your finances, planning for the future, and seeking professional advice, you can reduce stress, improve your health, and enjoy life with greater peace of mind.

A financial advisor helps you see the big picture, align your financial decisions with your values, and keep you on track to achieve your life goals. Remember, financial wellness is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making small, consistent steps toward a better life for you and your family. With a financial advisor by your side, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving.

Simple, strategic, and designed to give you clarity as you grow.