The #1 Predictor of Health & Happiness (It's Not Your Net Worth)

Two people fishing in the ocean at sunset.

Hey Reader,

I used to believe building wealth was the path to building a good life.

Then I started paying attention to the people who had both—and the people who only had one.

Harvard researchers spent 85 years tracking what actually makes people happy and healthy, following over 700 men from their twenties into old age.
They expected wealth, IQ, or achievement to predict who thrived—but they were wrong.
The single greatest predictor of health and happiness at age 80 wasn't cholesterol levels or net worth; it was how satisfied people were in their relationships at age 50.

As the study's director put it: The key to healthy aging is relationships, relationships, relationships.

This isn't just feel-good wisdom. Loneliness damages your health roughly as much as smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day, while strong social connections are linked to longer life, faster recovery from illness, and reduced cognitive decline with age.

Scripture has been saying this for thousands of years—we were made for relationship: with God, with each other, and with our communities. Money is a tool. But people are the point.

Open bible in front of a decorated christmas tree.

As a financial planner, I spend my days talking about TSP contributions, VA benefits optimization, and tax strategies. That work matters because it creates the stability that allows families to thrive.

But no client has ever found meaning in a spreadsheet. Meaning shows up in the freedom to be present for their kids, in the generosity to support their church or a fellow veteran in need, and in the peace of knowing their spouse is protected.

The goal isn't wealth for wealth's sake. The goal is aligning your finances with what actually matters—your family, your faith, your community. That is what stewardship looks like: not hoarding, but holding resources loosely so they serve the relationships that make life truly rich.

If you're feeling the tension between building wealth and building a meaningful life, you're asking the right questions. The answer isn't choosing one over the other—it's integrating them, so your finances support your purpose rather than compete with it.

In faith and finance,

Joshua Brooks, CFP®

P.S. Wondering where you stand?

Take the free Veteran Financial Freedom Score—a quick assessment that evaluates your VA benefits, TSP strategy, family protection, and tax planning.

It takes about 5 minutes, and youwill receive a personalized scorecard showing exactly where you're winning and where there's room to grow.

Take the Assessment →

https://joshua-ysydpqzd.scoreapp.com

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Disclosure: This email is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Financial planning and investment advisory services are offered through Exponential Advisors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

Joshua Brooks

The #1 Predictor of Health & Happiness (It's Not Your Net Worth)

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