Let me tell you about my buddy “Ulysses.”

Not his real name, of course. But let’s be honest—if you’ve lived long enough, you probably know a guy just like him. Charismatic. Sharp as a tack. Can calculate compound interest in his sleep. The kind of guy who gives TED Talks on diversifying your portfolio, but breaks into a sweat walking up the stairs.

This man’s got it all:

• A $10,000 Rolex
• A $90,000 Land Rover
• A multi-million-dollar oceanfront property with more bathrooms than people
• And enough frequent flyer miles to invade a small country

But one thing he doesn’t have?

His health. He’s the “funny fat guy.” You know the type. Always cracking jokes about his belly—"Hey, this gut’s not a six-pack, it’s a full keg!" Big laugh. But deep down, the man’s struggling. Recently diagnosed with pre-diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It’s like his pancreas and liver held a secret meeting and decided to go on strike. Now here’s the kicker—he knows better.

I mean, Ulysses is in the financial advising business. This guy will move sky and earth to save 0.003% on an ETF fee. But when it comes to cutting back on frappuccinos or saying no to boardwalk fries? Suddenly he’s got the willpower of a toddler in a candy store.

The $240 Wake-Up Call

So, we go to a baseball game together. Just two longtime friends catching up, dodging foul balls, and trying not to get sunburned. And out of curiosity (or maybe concern), I started mentally tallying everything he spent that day.

Here’s how it shook out:

• Tank of gas: $120
• Game ticket: $65
• Starbucks caramel frappuccino: $5
• Boardwalk fries: $12
• Diet soda (irony alert): $5
• Craft beer: $8
• Branded ballpark t-shirt: $25

Grand total: $240—all gone before the seventh-inning stretch.

That’s the thing about modern life: We burn through money faster than calories from a funnel cake. And it’s often on stuff that doesn’t serve us. A sugary drink here. A greasy snack there. Before you know it, you’ve traded $240 for a bloated belly and a food coma. Meanwhile, Ulysses still says he “can’t afford” to join a structured health coaching program.

You Can't Outrun a Bad Diet—Even in a Range Rover

Look, this isn’t about shaming anyone. Far from it. I like a good ballgame and overpriced fries as much as the next guy. But when someone tells me they can’t invest in their health because they’re “too busy” or “money’s tight,” while wearing designer sunglasses and sipping a $6 latte, I gotta raise an eyebrow. And I’m not judging—I'm observing.

If we’re being real, most people don’t have a money problem. They have a priority problem.

$14.14 Per Day

That’s what it breaks down to—$14.14 per day for access to personalized coaching that helps you:

• Lose excess weight
• Eat clean, without starving
• Move better and feel stronger
• Sleep deeper and wake up energized
• Reverse lifestyle diseases like pre-diabetes and fatty liver

And yet some folks still hesitate. For the price of a daily latte and a muffin, you could be transforming your health. But instead, we keep paying for momentary comfort while our bodies quietly protest.

Why Smart People Delay Getting Healthy

I’ve noticed a pattern. Successful folks—especially those over 40—tend to delay getting healthy until something breaks. You know, the ol’ “I’ll start on Monday” routine. Then suddenly Monday turns into next quarter. And next quarter turns into "after the kids are grown." And by then, your back hurts just putting on socks.

Smart people are often too smart for their own good. They overthink it. They research diets for six weeks instead of starting one. They analyze workout routines on FaceTube like they’re decoding the Dead Sea Scrolls. Meanwhile, their health keeps declining. It’s like owning a Ferrari but never changing the oil because you’re too busy looking for the best synthetic blend.

Here's the Truth:

• You don’t need to be perfect
• You don’t need six hours a day to train
• You just need a system—and consistency

Where Is Your Money Really Going?

I’m not a financial advisor (though I play one when I analyze the deals in Costco Connection magazine), but here’s what I know: We spend money on what we value.

If your bank statement says you value fried chicken and online shopping but your mouth says you value health and longevity... something’s off.

Let’s break it down like a fitness budget:

How to Live the Good Life After 40

(The only thing in that chart that gives you energy instead of taking it away? Coaching.)

Consider the ROI of feeling good in your grownup years. You wouldn’t hesitate to invest in a new roof or upgraded appliances. You budget for car maintenance and home insurance. So why does your body—the one thing you live in every single day—get bumped down the priority list? Because unlike a leaky roof, your declining health doesn’t always make noise—until it does.

• That afternoon slump that makes you need another coffee?
• The joint pain when you get out of bed?
• That extra chin in your Zoom meetings?

These are all whispers from your body saying: "Hey, can we talk for a second?" The good news? You can turn it all around. No matter how far off track you’ve gone, you’re never more than a few good choices away from momentum.

Start With These 5 Simple Fixes

1. Walk Every Day. Start with 10 minutes. Work up to 30. It’s free. It’s easy. And it works.
2. Eat Protein at Every Meal. Helps build muscle, manage hunger, and support liver function. Think eggs, salmon, chicken, beans.
3. Cut Liquid Calories. Say goodbye to sodas, juices, and frappuccinos. Water and black coffee are your new best friends.
4. Lift Heavy(ish) Things. Strength training 2-3x per week boosts metabolism, strengthens bones, and improves insulin sensitivity. Yes, even at 50. Especially at 50.
5. Prioritize Sleep. 7–9 hours. No screens an hour before bed. No, you don’t need to answer that 11 p.m. email.

When You Pay, You Pay Attention

Listen, I get it. You’ve got responsibilities. A mortgage. Kids. Business meetings. Maybe even aging parents. And in all of that noise, your health has taken a back seat. But let me remind you: You are the linchpin. You are the glue. If you go down, the whole operation suffers. So let’s stop pretending this is optional. If you had a machine in your house that printed money, you’d do whatever it took to keep it running smoothly. Well guess what? You’re the machine. And unlike a Rolex or a Range Rover, you don’t get a replacement.

There’s something powerful about putting skin in the game. Free workouts? Free advice? You’ll treat it like background noise. But make an investment—even a small one—and suddenly you show up on time, eat your vegetables, and actually listen to your coach. Because now you’ve got a little sweat equity.

And here’s what happens next:

• You start seeing results
• You feel more energized
• You become the role model your kids/grands can look up to
• You perform better at work or in retirement
• You live longer and better

That, my friend, is what I call a high-yield investment.

Summary:

My buddy Ulysses spent $240 at a baseball game, all while joking about his declining health. He’s got the watch, the car, and the beach house—but his body’s waving a white flag. This post is a wake-up call for successful adults over 40: Don’t be a health pauper in a wealthy life. For $14.14 a day—less than your daily coffee habit—you can invest in fitness, nutrition, and longevity coaching that actually works. Skip the excuses, ditch the bloating, and stop Googling free advice. When you pay, you pay attention—and your future self will thank you.

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online longevity personal trainer, or you want to visit the best age-management personal trainer in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.