The Top 5 Benefits to Investing in Yourself

This post was last updated on June 29, 2025, to reflect all updated information and best serve your needs.

Investing in yourself is one of the most important things you can pursue. It’s more than setting up a retirement account or buying a home. Self-investment comes in many forms, including:

• Investing in your well-being through exercise and a healthy diet.
• Investing in learning new skills.
• Investing in self-improvement through coaching or therapy.

More importantly, a habit of self-improvement can help you continue to find meaning and purpose throughout retirement. It also enables you to be a better mentor and guide to those around you. You can help others because you improved yourself first.

Why Don’t We Invest in Ourselves More?

Investing in yourself can feel intimidating or selfish. You might feel like you don’t have time or should be working on something else. But what’s wrong with prioritizing your growth and happiness?

We’d argue the answer is nothing. You’ve worked hard your whole life, and investing in yourself only helps you do more of what you’re best at. We can show up as better people for our loved ones and friends.

Wealth is more than simply having money. Wealth offers choices and freedom. It can empower you to invest in line with your values, purpose, and goals. Learn more about how to create your own rich life.

Boiling Down the Top Five Benefits of Investing in Yourself

Taking the leap of faith in yourself sometimes requires a push. Let’s get motivated to make the change by looking at the top five benefits of investing in yourself.

1. Investing in Yourself Helps You Invest in Others

The idea of investing in yourself might require serious reflection. Am I worth the investment? Wouldn’t it be better to help others first?

Self-investment isn’t selfish. It’s true, you’re using your money and time to focus on yourself. However, you can’t pour from an empty cup. You’re not the only one who benefits when you invest in yourself.

Self-Improvement Has a “Ripple” Effect

To positively impact the people in your life, you need to invest in your development, health, and well-being. Your new talents, perspectives, and overall well-being positively impact the lives of others in practical and meaningful ways.

Exercising, getting proper rest, and eating healthy will give you more energy. Higher energy levels will make you more productive at work and rub off on others. Plus, it’s always satisfying to show the “young’uns” how things are done as they struggle to keep up.

Learning New Skills Has a Direct Impact on Others

Taking cooking classes to make a favorite dish can bring everyone together. Investing in yourself often leads to stronger relationships, giving you opportunities to share, teach, and be a positive influence.

The skills, experience, and insight you gain from self-improvement always stay with you, no matter what. A diversified skill set means you can always land back on your feet.

2. Investing in Yourself Helps You Stay Mentally Sharp and Engaged

Lifelong learning keeps your brain active and engaged, which is a great way to maintain your cognitive health. You can do this through reading, taking classes, or actively pursuing new hobbies.

Preventing cognitive decline can help you live a more fulfilling retirement. We all want to be physically and mentally present for the people we love. Luckily, these can go hand in hand.

Enhancing Health and Longevity

Investing in your physical health can also improve your mental health. Research suggests regular exercise might reduce the risk of dementia by as much as 20%. Maintaining moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, gentle cycling, or swimming, for 20-30 minutes daily can make a significant difference.

Regular exercise not only helps you feel better but also enables you to stay active longer and enjoy more years of independence. Taking care of yourself reduces the need for assistance from family members as you age. Your investment in your physical and mental well-being will pay dividends for you and your family.

Not sure what a rich life means to you or if you need advice on how to enjoy the wealth you've built while protecting your future? Learn more about how to create your own rich life.

3. Discover New Purpose and Passion When You Invest in Yourself

Retirement is not the end; in many ways, it’s just the beginning. Many people hesitate to leave their comfort zone and start something new. However, you’ll be surprised at what you can still accomplish.

Self-doubt can make you question if you’re worth the investment or have what it takes to pursue your dreams. Once you’re financially secure, there’s no reason not to try the things you’re curious about. If you don’t allow yourself to pursue a life true to yourself, you have a high chance of regretting it later.

Examples of Late-Life Successes

There are several famous examples of very successful people who didn’t start until later in life.

Kentucky Fried Chicken

Harland Sanders, most well-known publicly as Colonel Sanders, didn’t open the first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant until he was 62. He continued to expand the international sensation until he sold KFC to investors in his mid-seventies.

Little House on the Prairie

Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t publish her first book, Little House in the Big Woods, until she was 65. She went on to author many other books afterward. Her writing inspired the award-winning television series, Little House on the Prairie, which wasn’t aired until 17 years after her death.

Don’t Let Age Limit You

These famous examples never let age define what they would and wouldn’t do. So, why can’t you try the things you’ve always wanted to? In the worst-case scenario, you’ll be wildly successful. At least you can rest assured you gave it your all.

4. Improve Financial Confidence When You Invest in Your Growth

Investing in your own money management skills can help you feel confident about retirement. Learning more about when to draw Social Security, how to implement tax-saving strategies, or getting smart on estate planning can give you peace of mind.

Strategizing how to help your grandchildren pay for college can give them the head start you wish you had. Maximizing your finances can help you spend more time traveling to support your family during important life events, such as graduations, weddings, and family vacations.

Finding Opportunities in Market Downturns

When you commit yourself to developing a mindset of opportunity and abundance, you can see opportunities where others feel fear. Market downturns can create opportunities. It’s very scary to see large swings in the market, but these can also be an opportunity for growth.

If you have a properly diversified portfolio, you can build the confidence to stay the course. It takes time to control emotions sparked by overhyped headlines in the news.

5. Investing in Yourself Enables a Richer, More Connected Life

Retirement is a great time to build relationships, join groups, travel, and try new things. Investing in yourself expands your social circle and adds meaning to your day-to-day life. We often get wrapped up in earning a living and forget to put time, money, and energy into our relationships.

You’re often exposed to new and interesting people by prioritizing your personal growth.

Renewed Friends and Relationships in Retirement

Many people find retirement can feel a bit lonely. However, it doesn’t need to be. It’s best to start engaging in hobbies, joining community organizations, and reconnecting with friends and family you lost touch with.

There’s a good chance others are just waiting for an excuse to spend time with you. Even a random phone call or a text out of the blue can go a long way. Sometimes, starting a project and inviting others to help or follow along can be a lightning rod for new or renewed relationships.

Strong Relationships are Good for Your Health

Studies have shown stronger relationships offer numerous health benefits. Benefits include lower stress levels and a longer lifespan. Healthy relationships can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

It might not take as much as you think to develop stronger relationships in your community. You can build relationships by leading a bible study, volunteering at a local charity, or joining local clubs and organizations. Consistent interaction focused on shared goals can help foster stronger relationships.

Be a Connector in Your Family

It seems complicated to get everyone to slow down and spend time together. However, you can experiment with different ways to bring your family together. It might take time, but it’s worthwhile to rekindle old family traditions or make new ones.

With services like Airbnb and VRBO, you can rent unique venues and create fun and inviting experiences. You might not hit a home run right off the bat, but others will notice your efforts. It could also be as simple as running a family newsletter or reaching out to others for input on a scrapbook or memoir.

Relationships are Worthwhile Investments

Regardless of how you invest in your relationships, it’s a worthwhile endeavor. By pursuing your interests, you often become more interesting to others. If you can invite them along for the ride, even better.

Not sure what a rich life means to you or if you need advice on how to enjoy the wealth you've built while protecting your future? Learn more about how to create your own rich life.

Rethink Investing in Yourself

We’ve covered a lot about investing for your future, and it absolutely should be a top priority to ensure a fulfilling life through retirement. Investing in yourself does not take away from your retirement success. Instead, it enriches the journey and could make the difference in living a comfortable retirement.

At NextGen Wealth, we work as a valuable partner in your growth, offering support and financial guidance. We work closely with you to enhance investment strategies, maximize wealth, and live a richer life. Contact us today to schedule your financial assessment and build the retirement lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.