Why Finance Majors Are the New Fitness Enthusiasts

Have you ever thought about why finance always seems to come up in conversations about personal well-being? Just like you might mention your fitness routine, discussing your financial health has become a norm. Whether it's tracking your savings, investing in the stock market, or budgeting your expenses, finance plays a crucial role in your overall quality of life. But why is this topic so important, and why are finance majors the new rebels of financial fitness?

Visibility and the Power of Financial Health

Finance, much like a person's physical weight, is often visible. Poor financial habits can lead to a decrease in your net worth, just as poor diet and exercise can result in physical weakness. However, this visibility often leads to a fear of open discussion, primarily due to embarrassment, lack of knowledge, or motivation.

As someone who has grappled with these fears, I realized that achieving financial fitness is just as important as maintaining physical health. My journey into the finance industry began with the goal of helping people start the conversation about money. My hope is to make financial discussions as natural and comfortable as talking about your workout routine or meal prep. In doing so, I envision a world where being financially literate and financially fit is just as important as being physically fit.

The Call to Action: Financial Fitness

It's time to start the Financial Fitness trend! Much like the rise of the fitness industry, we need to encourage people to prioritize their financial well-being. This means educating ourselves, creating and sticking to a budget, and regularly reviewing our financial goals. Just as you might track your steps or calories, tracking your financial goals can help you achieve a healthier financial life.

A Personal Journey: Discovering My Passion

While I never completed a degree in finance, my journey into this field began with a series of practical and personal reasons. As someone with a medically restricted lifestyle, I couldn't continue my previous business venture as a general contractor. This led me to explore careers that would allow me to work from home, so I could spend more time with my family.

I have always had a knack for numbers, which led me to pursue an educational course in bookkeeping. This choice not only aligned with my health restrictions but also allowed me to build a career around my strengths. While others may be motivated by financial gains, my motivation stems from a deeper need to solve important problems using quantitative metrics. This is where the concept of financial fitness comes into play.

From Practical to Philosophical: The Path to Finance

My initial motivation to pursue finance was more practical. I wanted to do something that was both financially rewarding and aligned with my interests. After researching various professions, I stumbled upon the actuarial profession and decided to give it a try. Actuarial science requires a strong foundation in economics, which led me to Columbia University's economics department, one of the best in the world.

However, as life experiences came and went, I discovered a more philosophical reason for loving economics. It offers a framework for solving some of the most important problems people face in their lives. When I solve a problem, I want it to be the most significant one. This desire has driven me to focus on the fundamentals of economics, recognizing that understanding these principles can help me address critical issues in financial health.

A Call for Change

The financial fitness trend is not just about tracking your expenses or investments. It's about changing the way we think about money. By starting the conversation, we can create a culture where financial literacy is valued as much as physical fitness. So, let's embrace our inner finance majors, start tracking our financial steps, and achieve financial fitness together.