By Eddie from Smart Latino Money
Every morning, I hit the track before the workday begins. Walking clears my mind and gets my blood flowing—it’s been a habit for 15 years now.
It’s also a perfect reminder of something I’ve learned over time: health is wealth. If you want to retire comfortably, travel, enjoy your family, or launch that dream business, there’s one thing that can throw it all off course—your health.
And if you’re Latino like me, this topic gets even more serious.
Health Is a Financial Asset—Don’t Ignore It
We all know health is important, but most of us don’t treat it like the powerful financial tool it really is. When we ignore it, it turns into a liability that drains our energy, time, and money.
The Facts:
- 80% of U.S. adults over 65 have at least one chronic condition.
- 50% of Latinos will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime, more than any other ethnic group.
- The average retired couple needs $315,000 to cover healthcare costs in retirement.
(Sources: CDC, Fidelity)
These aren’t just numbers—they’re red flags. They show just how quickly poor health can rob us of our dreams and our savings.
How Poor Health Hurts Your Financial Life
Let’s get real: bad health isn’t just about feeling tired or skipping a meal—it hits your wallet hard.
- Missed work = lost income
- Chronic illness = high insurance costs
- Disability = early retirement and lower earnings
- Medical debt = delayed goals like buying a home or saving for the future
And if you’re dealing with something like diabetes? You could be spending $16,750 per year on healthcare alone.
(Source: American Diabetes Association)
That’s the difference between building generational wealth and barely getting by.
Let’s Talk About Latino Health: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Our culture is rich, our food is amazing—but we’ve got to be honest. Many Latino families are facing a health crisis.
Quick Stats:
- 40% of Latino adults are obese
- 26% of Latino kids are also obese
- Latino children are 1.8x more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than white children
(Sources: CDC, NIH)
Our community deserves better. That means fewer sugary drinks and snacks, more real meals made at home, more movement, and fewer hours glued to a screen. It’s not about vanity—it’s about vitality.
5 Easy Ways to Start Investing in Your Health Today
Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can make small changes that protect your future.
Move Your Body
Walk 20–30 minutes a day. It’s free, effective, and great for your mood.
Eat Real Food
Build your plate around protein, veggies, and water. Skip the soda and chips when you can.
Visit the Doctor & Dentist
Preventive care saves thousands later—especially dental care, which is tied to heart health.
Prioritize Rest
Sleep and mental health are non-negotiable. Stress is silent—but it’s deadly.
Know Your Family History
Stay ahead of any patterns in your health. Talk to your parents, your tíos, and your primos.
It’s just like building compound interest—start early, stay consistent, and it multiplies over time.
Health + Wealth: A Legacy for Your Kids
If you have children, you’re not just investing for yourself—you’re showing them what’s possible.
- Open a 529 plan for college—even $25/month grows
- Teach them about real food, not just snacks
- Walk together, cook together, laugh together
- Make health and money every day conversations
Raising smart, strong, and healthy kids starts at home—with you.
Dual Investment Strategy: Build Wealth, Protect Health
We hear a lot about building wealth through side hustles, investing, and real estate. All of that is great.
But your body is the vehicle that lets you enjoy it all.
Fact:
Healthy adults have higher lifetime earnings and lower expenses.
(Source: Harvard Business Review)
What’s the point of financial freedom if you’re spending it all on prescriptions and hospital bills?
What You Can Do at Any Age
It’s never too late—and always worth it to start today.
In Your 20s:
Build habits. Walk more, cook simple meals, and start saving—even $10/week counts.
In Your 30s:
Life’s busy, but your health needs attention. Make checkups and sleep a priority. Begin building wealth.
In Your 40s:
It’s time to catch up. Monitor your health and increase your savings and retirement. You’ve still got time to turn things around.
In Your 50s and 60s:
This is where you protect what you’ve built. Keep moving. Make financial plans. Stay strong for what’s next.
In Your 70s and Beyond:
Prioritize mobility, simplicity, and joy. Pass down your wisdom—that’s true legacy.
Final Thoughts: Health Is the Foundation of Wealth
Yes—invest in your Roth IRA, your real estate, your business. But also? Drink water. Eat your greens. Move your body.
Because at Smart Latino Money, we believe financial success is about more than numbers—it’s about a life well lived.
