By: Joey Casolaro, CFP®
As I approach my thirties, I've noticed that my body doesn't bounce back from workouts as quickly as in my high school and college years. The days of waking up fresh after an intense workout without a second thought are behind me. Now, I realize the importance of adding mobility work and stretching to my weekly routine. Lower back pain and tightness have become recurring issues, mainly due to sitting more throughout the day and most likely lifting too heavy without perfect form.
However, the most significant lesson I've learned isn't just about mobility or recovery—it's about understanding the source of the pain. I've seen that when you experience discomfort in a specific area, it's rarely because that area is the problem. Often, the pain is a symptom of an issue somewhere else in the body.
For instance, I initially thought my lower back pain was due to a direct injury to my back. But as I explored further, I discovered the real culprits were a weak core and tight hamstrings. Once I focused on strengthening my core and doing mobility stretches regularly, the lower back pain started to fade away.
This concept doesn't just apply to physical health—it's equally relevant in managing your finances. Just as lower back pain can stem from weak core muscles or tight hamstrings, financial stress often arises from underlying issues that aren't immediately obvious. You might think your financial woes are due to overspending on small luxuries. Still, the root cause might be something more profound, like a lack of long-term planning, insufficient emergency savings, or not fully understanding your investment options.
For example, many people believe their financial troubles come from not making enough money. While that might be part of the problem, the real issue could be poor budgeting habits or an over-reliance on debt to cover day-to-day expenses. You can alleviate the symptoms by addressing these underlying issues—just like strengthening your core or stretching your hamstrings—and start building a stronger financial foundation. Working with a financial advisor can help you identify potential obstacles and help you make the best-educated decisions going forward.
Looking beyond the surface and addressing the root causes is essential in fitness and finance. Focusing on the underlying issues will lead to better health and a more secure future, whether it's your body or your bank account.
Joey Casolaro is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ at HIGHLAND Financial Advisors, a Fee-Only fiduciary wealth advisory firm that offers comprehensive financial planning, retirement planning, and investment management. Joey graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in personal finance and successfully passed the CFP national exam in 2021. Joey enjoys working out, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with family and friends in his free time.