When we talk about wealth management for high-income families, we often focus on numbers: returns, tax rates, and retirement savings. But increasingly, the conversation must shift toward something far more personal and impactful: your health. The intersection of personal wealth and personal health is becoming the most critical battleground in modern financial planning.
Longevity: The Game-Changer in Health and Wealth
We’re living longer, and that’s good news. But longevity isn’t just a medical milestone; it’s a financial challenge. With longer life spans come longer retirements, increased healthcare needs, and a greater need for purposeful living. Wealth management – your wealthspan – must align with longevity goals, which include not just income security, but also healthspan – how long we stay healthy, active, and engaged.
The New Retirement: A Choice, Not an Exit
Retirement today isn’t about withdrawing from life, it’s about staying engaged on your terms. Many of our clients report being busier and more fulfilled post-retirement than during their working years. The evolving definition of retirement means your financial plan must support continuous engagement, reinvention, and contribution.
Risk: Capacity vs. Tolerance
One of the most misunderstood aspects of investing is the difference between risk tolerance (how much volatility you’re emotionally comfortable with) and risk capacity (how much risk your financial situation can actually absorb). As longevity reshapes your timeline, understanding this difference becomes essential for making decisions that withstand both emotional and financial stressors.
Health Investments Pay Dividends
Too often, health spending is viewed as a cost. In reality, it’s a high-return investment. Nutrition, fitness, mental wellness, and preventative care directly affect your energy, productivity, and lifespan—making them essential inputs in any comprehensive wealth strategy.
Personalized Strategies for a Changing Landscape
Whether you’re a first-time wealth creator or a multi-generational family office, the need for personalized, adaptive strategies has never been greater. From investment approaches that adjust to market dynamics to tax strategies that anticipate shifting legislation, flexibility is key.
The Rise of AI and a Shifting Job Market
Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries—and with it, careers, income streams, and the very concept of retirement. Financial plans must now account for job disruption, reskilling needs, and multiple career pivots. This is especially true for younger generations building wealth in an unpredictable employment landscape.
Smarter Investing: Avoid Market Timing
Trying to time the market is a common pitfall—even for seasoned investors. Dollar cost averaging offers a disciplined, lower-risk approach that’s especially valuable in uncertain times. It’s a strategy we often recommend as part of a broader, goals-based investment plan.
Tax Strategy: Not Optional—Essential
Planning for taxes isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Tax efficiency fuels your ability to fund longevity-related services, such as long-term care or concierge health services. Asset location—placing investments in accounts that optimize for tax—can significantly improve outcomes.
Estate Planning for Long-Term Vision
Estate planning must evolve alongside your longevity and health goals. A good plan doesn’t just distribute wealth — it protects it, preserves family harmony, and ensures values are passed along with assets. Family offices are uniquely positioned to offer this comprehensive, intergenerational guidance.
A Holistic View of Health and Wealth
Ultimately, health and wealth must be viewed holistically. Personal health insights —from genetic testing to biomarker tracking — can and should inform financial decisions. If your projected healthspan changes, your plan should, too.
Final Thoughts:
The future of wealth management lies in personalization, adaptability, and the integration of well-being into financial decision-making. As we live longer and navigate a more complex world, the old playbooks no longer apply. By aligning your financial strategy with your health and longevity goals, you’re not just preparing for a long life — you’re setting the stage for a better one.
If you haven’t yet listened to Navigating Longevity and Finance podcast with Dr. Gladden and myself, I encourage you to dive deeper into these insights. And if you’re ready to rethink your wealthspan plan with longevity in mind, let’s talk.
Advisory services offered through Veracity Capital, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial advisor and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.