Men: Be invested in your health and your wealth

Every November, the sight of moustaches sprouting across workplaces and social feeds signals the arrival of Movember – a month dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health. But nestled in the middle of that same month, on 19 November, is another day with an important occasion: International Men’s Day.

Since 1999, International Men’s Day has been raising awareness on men’s health and well-being. What initially began in Trinidad and Tobago as a day dedicated to addressing issues impacting boys and men has now become a global awareness day.

It’s a day to reflect on what it means to live well – not just physically, but mentally and financially too. Because the truth is, your health and your finances are more connected than you might think. When you look after one, you often support the other too.

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Why men delay action

Many men share a quiet habit: putting things off. The GP appointment? It can wait. The financial paperwork left unopened on the kitchen counter, it’ll get done … eventually. It’s easy to get lost in the now and put off those additional nags. Yet over time, these small acts of inaction can grow into bigger challenges.

When it comes to health, “I’ll do it later” can mean missing early signs that make all the difference. While in finances, delaying a review or failing to plan ahead can turn uncertainty into anxiety. This International Men’s Day, the message is simple – don’t wait. What you do today can shape tomorrow.

The hidden link between health, wealth, and worry

Money stress affects mental well-being. Over 1 in 8 men in England live with a mental health disorder as reported by the NHS¹ – and money worries are often part of that story. According to Fidelity’s Global Sentiment Survey 2024:² 

• 63% of UK men feel confident managing their day-to-day finances.
• But only 35% feel confident about saving for the future. 

That’s a striking contrast - painting a picture of men who are coping now but worrying about what comes next. And that uncertainty doesn’t just affect wallets, it affects well-being too. “I’m fine for now” can quietly become “I wish I’d acted sooner.”

What financial wellness really means

When men talk about being ‘financially well,’ it’s about more than money. It’s about:

• Stability
• Security
• Peace of mind

Financial wellness is as much emotional as it is practical – it’s about how confident you feel, not just how much you have. When you feel prepared, stress drops, and your overall well-being improves.

The cost of delay in health

The same pattern shows up in men’s physical health. Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer among men in England, with around 55,300 new cases diagnosed each year 3 causing approximately 12,200 deaths.⁴

About 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime – and for Black men, this rises to 1 in 4.⁵ The risks increase even more with age or if you have a family history of prostate cancer. And while survival rates are improving, early detection remains crucial.

What many men don’t realise is that the PSA blood test – the primary screening tool – isn’t included in a standard check-up, you have to ask for it. Early detection saves lives. But only if you take the first step.

Tips for taking back control

In both health and finance, the lesson is the same – when we delay taking action, our choices narrow, and our risks rise.

But taking control of your well-being – physical, mental, and financial – doesn’t need to be overwhelming. It begins with small, practical steps.

1. Act now - that might mean asking your GP about a prostate test, even if you feel fine. Or it might mean creating or reviewing a realistic budget and financial plan to make things easier for you in the future. Our principles for good investing page can also help you make smarter decisions and stay on track toward your financial goals.
    
2. Plan for the future - the future isn’t guaranteed, and health is uncertain. Completing your expression of wish and legal documents ensures your voice and intentions are respected. We’ve also created tools and calculators to simplify financial planning
    
3. Seek professional advice - no one has it all planned out. Speaking to a financial adviser or mental health professional can help you start on the right foot and ease some of the pressure you put on yourself.
    
4. Open communication - sometimes the simplest things can help, start having conversations – with a partner, a colleague, or a friend – about how you’re really doing and any concerns. “A problem shared is a problem halved”.
    
5. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques - if things are starting to get difficult, try to focus on supporting your mental health. Practices such as meditation or exercise can help you manage stress.

Each small action builds momentum – and, over time, that sense of control can ripple across other aspects of your life.

What’s next? Live long, live bright…

Ultimately, living well isn’t just about avoiding risk, it’s about building peace of mind. Your health, finances, and happiness are linked, and the effort you invest in one can strengthen the others.
Improving financial well-being and mental health isn’t just a personal journey – it’s a shared responsibility. Taking proactive steps can make a real difference. So, this International Men’s Day, take the opportunity to do one thing that moves you forward. Book that appointment. Review your finances. Start the conversation.

Support is already out there, whether you’re taking the first step for yourself or encouraging someone else to – you’re not alone. Because remember, what you do today could shape your tomorrow for the better.

Resources

If you're experiencing financial difficulties, there are organisations that can help, including:

• The Money Advice Service (money and pensions advice)
• Step Change (Debt)
• Turn2Us (Debt)
• National Debtline (Debt)
• Citizens Advice (Citizens Advice)

We'd encourage you to contact them for wider support with your financial situation. If you need to discuss accessing your investments, you can speak to us. Please be aware that for certain products like pensions there are regulations that have access limitations, but we'll endeavour to help you where we can. that for certain products like pensions there are regulations that have access limitations, but we'll endeavour to help you where we can.

Sources

¹ NHS Digital: Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2023-2024) 

² Fidelity Global Sentiment Survey - UK Working Men, (2024)

³ Cancer Research UK: Prostate Cancer Statistics, (2017-2019) 

⁴ Cancer Research UK: Prostate Cancer Statistics, (2021-2023)

⁵ Prostate Cancer UK: Are you at risk, (12. 2024)

Important information - investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future. Eligibility to invest in an ISA and tax treatment depends on personal circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future. Withdrawals from a pension product will not be possible until you reach age 55 (57 from 2028). This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice.