When LeBron James drops $1.5M annually on his body, or Brian Johnson spends $2M on his controversial ‘Blueprint’ protocol, it’s easy to dismiss these figures as celebrity excess. But for these high-net-worth individuals, it represents a mere 0.25% – 0.5% of their wealth. So why aren’t more wealthy professionals following suit? The answer lies in a simple, often overlooked calculation.
the ROI of health
Let’s crunch some numbers for the top 1% in non-athletic fields – doctors, lawyers, financiers. Imagine you’re 55, earning $1M annually (me one day?!?), and considering retirement at 65. What if better health allowed you to work just one more year?
At a 15% discount rate (accounting for risk tolerance, opportunity cost, and economic uncertainties), that extra year translates to a net present value of $247K. Spread over a decade, that’s about $25K per year you could justify spending on health – and that’s before considering the compounding benefits of improved job performance, mental acuity, and overall life satisfaction.
breaking down the health budget
What does $25K get you?
- Weekly private lessons (tennis, golf, personal training): $10K – $15K
- Enhanced nutrition: 25% boost to your grocery bill
- High-quality fitness equipment
- Weekly massages: $12.5K
And this could be on top of existing health-related expenses. For high earners, a $200 Erewohn membership suddenly looks like pocket change (maybe it already did).
While a country club membership can easily consume $25K annually, it’s important to note that such expenditures often serve multiple purposes beyond health. The health-focused spending I’m discussing should be viewed as supplementary to existing lifestyle costs. Moreover, while some might point to expensive quasi-reactive measures like concierge medicine services as health investments, the focus here is on proactive strategies to maintain and enhance health and wellbeing. This approach not only potentially reduces the need for costly medical interventions down the line but also improves quality of life in the present
beyond the numbers: the intangible benefits
While ROI calculations provide a tangible framework for decision-making, the true value of health investment transcends mere numbers. These calculations serve as a strong starting point, especially for many who struggle with long-term planning or quantifying intangible benefits. Yet, the ripple effects of investing in your health extend far beyond financial metrics (hopefully this isn’t news to most). By prioritizing your wellbeing, you can:
- Enhance job performance through improved focus and energy
- Boost mental resilience, reducing burnout risk
- Improve social relationships
- Increase overall life satisfaction, making your wealth more enjoyable (although hopefully it is already pretty enjoyable)
the long game: planning for an extended lifespan
With life expectancy increasing for the wealthy, that extra earning potential becomes even more crucial for retirement planning. While I won’t delve into retirement strategies here, it’s worth noting that a healthier life often means a longer one – requiring more substantial savings.
health as a career investment
Just as we invest in education and networking to advance our careers, it’s time to view health spending as a critical professional investment. Whether you’re aiming to break records like LeBron or build a personal brand like Johnson, optimal health is the foundation for peak performance.
For high earners, the question shouldn’t be ‘can I afford to invest in my health?’ but rather, ‘can I afford not to?’ When you factor in the potential for extended career longevity, enhanced performance, and improved quality of life, suddenly an ‘exorbitant’ health budget starts to look like a good place to spend.
unpublished alpha 