The Secret to Thriving Between Midlife and Retirement, Ep #259

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In this episode, inspired by my own family life, I’m exploring the “holy trinity of assets”: time, health, and money. Financial wealth alone does not guarantee a fulfilling future; you also need to be intentional about your health and your relationships. I share practical ways to extend the magical period of life where you can enjoy all three assets, without sacrificing your well-being in the pursuit of wealth. 

Tune in to hear my strategies for prioritizing your health, making the most of your time, and building wealth that enriches every stage of life. Get ready to rethink your priorities and be inspired to make changes that will let you enjoy not just a long life, but a long life full of vitality and purpose.

Outline of This Episode

  • [00:00] My perspective on how to prepare for life’s best stage
  • [05:35] The first stage of Life is youth: abundant time and health, but little money
  • [09:35] Stage two: Prioritize health over wealth, but balance both
  • [11:15] Focus on the big health priorities: exercise, eat better, and sleep better
  • [16:03] How to spend when markets are chaotic
  • [19:44] Prioritize key aspects of life to improve well-being

When you think about building wealth and securing your future, what comes to mind? For most, it’s a picture filled with investment portfolios, retirement accounts, and property. But money is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. To truly thrive and make the most of our time on earth, we must learn to value and actively nurture not just financial assets but also our time and our health.

The Three Stages of Life: Youth, Midlife, and Old Age

Tony Isola’s article, “The Holy Trinity of Assets,” divides life into three main stages:

  1. Youth:

This is a period rich with time and health. As kids, we possess endless energy and countless hours to fill, even if we’re broke. Despite lacking financial resources, we’re wealthy in ways money can’t buy.

  1. Midlife:

For many, midlife brings growing financial stability and, often, good health. The catch? Time becomes scarce. Pursuing career goals, raising families, and climbing the professional ladder quickly fill our calendars.

  1. Old Age:

Retirement can bring a return of time and (hopefully) sufficient money. However, health often begins to slip. The dreams of finally enjoying life can be hampered by physical limitations that decades of neglect may have fostered.

There’s a magical, fleeting window between midlife and old age when you can possess all three assets: health, time, and money. The real goal is to extend this stage as long as possible.

Actionable Strategies for Extending the Best Stage

We need to be disciplined and intentional to maximize this golden intersection of good health, time, and wealth. Here’s how:

Prioritize Your Health Like Your Money. 

Many high achievers invest tirelessly in growing their financial resources, but your health deserves the same, if not more, attention. When illness arises, the most common wish is for more good years, not more dollars. If you wouldn’t neglect your savings, don’t neglect your body.

Make Exercise a Non-Negotiable

Research and my own experience show that consistent movement and strength training are vital, especially as we age. A simple, actionable approach is to aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Walking briskly, resistance training, or even bodyweight exercises can maintain and enhance muscle mass, joint health, and vitality.

Eat to Nourish

Our modern environment makes unhealthy eating easy. Scott emphasizes the importance of choosing whole, protein-rich foods over highly processed carbohydrates. This doesn’t mean an extreme diet is necessary; focus on small, sustainable changes: increase protein, reduce processed snacks, and be mindful of what you put on your plate.

Restore with Quality Sleep

A cornerstone of well-being is adequate sleep. Protecting seven to eight hours each night helps your body repair, your mind recharge, and your immune system function at its best. It’s not just about living longer, it’s about living better, every day.

Control What You Can

While markets, world events, and even certain aspects of our health are unpredictable, there’s much you can control. Be deliberate about where you spend your energy and attention. Optimize your finances, yes, but don’t let that come at the expense of quality time or physical vitality.

Be Ready for Your Best Years

There will always be chaos and things outside our control. But by taking charge of your health, time, and money, you set yourself up to live longer and enjoy more years filled with purpose and joy. As Scott’s wife cheers from the volleyball stands, “Be ready!” Ready to claim the best stage of your life, starting now. 

Resources Mentioned

Connect With Scott Wellens

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Best In Wealth Podcast is hosted by Scott Wellens. Scott Wellens is the principal at Fortress Planning Group. Fortress Planning Group is a registered investment advisory firm regulated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance and compliance with securities laws and regulations. Fortress Planning Group does not render or offer to render personalized investment or tax advice through the Best In Wealth Podcast. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, investment, or legal advice.

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About the author, Scott Wellens

Scott Wellens, CFP® is an investment advisor and founder of Fortress Planning Group. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Scott quickly ascended to become a Vice President of North American Sales at a major regional provider of telecommunications infrastructure. While financially successful in this role, Scott searched for ways to pursue his passion related to financial literacy and providing financial freedom for both his own family and others. During his search, Scott became curious about the significant gap he found in the financial services sector: he was unable to find a comprehensive financial planner that maintained a family stewardship lens without being attached to financial products. Scott decided to fill that gap by creating his own planning firm that maintains a strong passion for comprehensive, unbiased wealth planning that is genuinely client-centered.

Scott resides in Menomonee Falls, WI with his family. He is the father of three active and independent daughters who keep him on his toes. Scott is an active community member, serving on the Hamilton Education Foundation Board, serves as a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace facilitator and leads the All Pro Dad’s group at their local elementary school. Scott enjoys spending his free time visiting state parks with his family, reading, and watching the Milwaukee Bucks and the Green Bay Packers win ball games.

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