Strong financial discipline linked to better health

Springfield, Mass. (Nov. 5, 2025) – Americans with strong financial habits are significantly more likely to report better physical and mental health, according to the MassMutual Health & Wealth Habits Report.

MassMutual’s popular earlier research revealed that in order to achieve happiness in retirement, it is crucial to work on financial and physical health prior to retiring. The MassMutual Health & Wealth Habits Report builds on this research and examines the relationship between health and financial wellness.

“This research reinforces what we see across our platforms: when individuals build consistent habits and have access to the right tools, they’re more confident, more resilient, and more optimistic about living longer, healthier lives,” said Sears Merritt, head of enterprise technology & experience with MassMutual, who oversees the company’s wellness program. “At MassMutual, we recognize the interconnectedness of financial, physical, and mental health and how prioritizing health and wellness can influence one’s longevity.”

Notable report findings include:

THE WELLNESS PARADOX: Most Americans believe that prioritizing health improves their financial decision-making, but many struggle to maintain wellness due to financial pressures.

• 80% of Americans say they make better financial decisions when actively investing in their health and wellness, yet 36% report sacrificing aspects of their health due to financial constraints.
• 39% of Americans have skipped at least one health appointment or purchase in the past 12 months due to cost concerns, most commonly dental cleanings/check-ups (21%) and vision exams (20%).
• When it comes to wellness in the past 12 months, 45% have gone without wellness care such as healthy groceries or meal planning (24%), medication/vitamins (21%) and gym or fitness membership (20%).

THE HEALTH-WEALTH CONNECTION: Americans with strong financial habits are significantly more likely to report better physical and mental health, suggesting a powerful link between finances and well-being.

• Those who rate their financial health above average are nearly four times more likely to rate their physical health above average (68% vs. 18%) and over three times more likely to rate their mental health above average (72% vs. 22%) compared to those who rate their financial health below average.
• They are also more likely to maintain healthy routines such as regular exercise (70% vs. 34%), getting 7+ hours of sleep (67% vs. 49%), and eating a balanced diet (66% vs. 33%).

GENERATIONAL WELLNESS DIVIDE: Younger generations are struggling to maintain healthy habits, with Gen Z and Millennials falling behind Gen X and Baby Boomers in nearly every measure of physical and financial wellness.

• Baby Boomers are most likely to rate their physical (57%), mental (71%), and financial (59%) health above average compared to others their age, while Gen Z ranks lowest across all three (38%, 36%, and 35%, respectively).
• Boomers also lead in healthy behaviors: 63% exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet, compared to 43% of Gen Z.

THE SLEEP DEBT CRISIS: Financial stress is keeping Americans up at night—and worsening their financial and emotional health in the process.

• One-third (33%) of Americans say they lose sleep due to financial worries, with Gen Z (59%) and Millennials (42%) most affected. Among those losing sleep, 54% say they miss 2–3 hours or more per night on average, and 39% report worsening financial situations as a result.
• More than half (55%) say their mental health has declined, 43% spend on short-term fixes like energy drinks, and 35% report strained personal relationships.

THE LONGEVITY GAP: Most Americans expect high costs in old age but aren’t planning for the possibility of living to 100 despite widespread concern.

• 60% find the possibility of living to 100 scary vs. 40% who find it exciting. Those who find it exciting report above average physical, mental and financial health. Many also have a financial plan and make a habit of contributing regularly to a retirement savings account, investing in stocks, and reviewing their credit report at least once a year and addressing errors.
• 64% say they need to consider financial options to support longevity, yet only 20% have done so and another 18% report that they are in denial.
• A quarter of Americans estimate it will cost over $100K annually to maintain good health at age 100.

“People who are successful in the various areas of their lives typically take an active role in building that success. They are not passive. They take steps, develop habits, and carry through,” said Paul LaPiana, CFP, head of brand, product, and affiliated distribution with MassMutual. “This report shows that intention and action go hand in hand. When people invest in their health and finances, they’re not just planning for the future. They’re shaping it.”

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