February 2025
Friends and Clients,
I love sharing things that have changed my life for the better. Healthy Wealthy Wise provides applicable and to-the-point info to educate you on your health and finances and inspire your heart and mind. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for following along!
Jon
Healthy
FISH OIL FOR TREATING DEPRESSION!? Yes, it’s true.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, are well-known for their benefits to the brain, heart, and overall health. But one lesser-known advantage is their potential to help with depression—something I found particularly compelling. So this month, I wanted to dig into those benefits a little deeper.
Fish oil is one of those supplements where I don’t always notice a big difference when I’m taking it, but I definitely feel it when I stop. If I had to pick one of the top supplements that packs the most bang for the buck, it’s Fish Oil. But not just any fish oil - a high-quality, third-party tested brand (which I have linked to below.) Make sure if you buy it you pay close attention to dosage and quality. The research on its mental health benefits convinced me to reevaluate my approach, and I’ve outlined some of the key findings including the dosage needed to see improvements.
(Reminder: I’m not a medical professional, and this isn’t medical advice. Just sharing research that I found interesting and potentially useful. Always check with your doctor before adding new supplements to your routine.)
More About Fish Oil
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EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) helps reduce inflammation in the body and has been linked to benefits for heart health and mood regulation.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is a major structural component of the brain and eyes, playing a crucial role in cognitive function and nervous system development.
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Fish oil, especially the EPA type of omega-3, has been linked to improving symptoms of depression. But here’s the key: studies show that for fish oil to help with mood, EPA should make up at least 60% of the omega-3 content, and you need about 1 gram of EPA per day for the best effects. (The brand I like is Nordic Naturals 2x Strength and meets this criteria) A few studies published in PubMed found that this type of omega-3 can help reduce symptoms of depression in some people. Source1 Source 2
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Your brain is made up of a lot of fat, and DHA (another type of omega-3) is a big part of it. Some studies suggest that taking fish oil may help keep your brain working well as you get older, especially when it comes to memory and problem-solving. While research is still ongoing, getting enough DHA may help slow down mental decline in some people. Source
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Inflammation in your body can lead to joint pain, autoimmune diseases, and other health problems. Omega-3s have been shown to help lower inflammation and even reduce symptoms of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. A study found that people taking omega-3s had less swelling and pain in their joints. Source
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Omega-3s have been studied for their effects on the heart and blood vessels. Research suggests that people who take fish oil regularly may have a lower risk of heart attacks and other heart problems. In one study, omega-3 users had a slightly lower risk of major heart events, but there was also a small increase in the risks with people who have heart conditions already so always check with your Doctor . Source
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To get the recommended 1G+ of EPA Dose to combat depression symptoms, I use the Nordic Naturals 2x Strength. Not all fish oil is the same and some products may contain contaminants like mercury or not have the right amounts of omega-3s. So always look for a third-party tested supplement and seals from organizations that check for purity and accurate labeling, so you know you’re getting the good stuff.
Adding fish oil to your daily routine might improve your health in several ways, but as always, talk to your doctor before making any big changes.
For an even deeper, more comprehensive look. I love Dr Rhonda Patrick - https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/omega-3
Wealthy
TAXES ARE A DRAG! How your investments are taxed can DRAIN Your wallet! Find out how —>
Click here to schedule a free assessment if you’re unsure about how much tax you’re paying on your investments.
“Tax Drag” & Why It Matters
Taxes can quietly chip away at your investment returns—a hidden cost known as tax drag. This happens when capital gains, dividends, and interest trigger tax liabilities, reducing your overall earnings. Many investors focus on pre-tax returns, but the real goal should be maximizing after-tax returns. We work with Investment partners that have spent over 35 years developing tax-managed strategies designed to help investors keep more of what they earn.
How Taxes Impact Your Investments
Every decision you make in your portfolio—whether it’s buying a stock, selling one or switching funds, or rebalancing— can create taxable events if you’re investing outside a Qualified Account (IRAs & 401(k)s. The cost of which is not calculated until you get your 1099 at the end of the year. Selling stocks or funds at a profit leads to capital gains taxes, and frequent portfolio adjustments can result in higher short-term tax rates. Without proper tax management, these ongoing tax hits can significantly lower your long-term growth potential.
While a statement of market returns can look attractive in the years like we most recently had, the tax bill could look quite scary - but are you connecting the dots between the two?
Approach to Tax Management
Together with our portfolio managers and investment partners, we work to provide tax-managed solutions through a disciplined, research-driven approach that helps keep more of your money working for you.
IF you are unsure or unaware of how your investments can be causing you additional taxes, please schedule a free consultation to talk with me (just reply to this email) or go to this link to book a time.
Wise
Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being isn’t just a book—it’s an experience. Rather than offering a step-by-step guide to being creative or productive, Rubin presents a collection of reflections that read almost like proverbs that beg for reflection. They invite the reader to explore creativity as a way of life and not just a skill to be honed. He breaks down the creative process not as something exclusive to artists, but as a universal force that anyone can tap into.
Through
simplicity, awareness, and presence, he teaches that creativity isn’t about forcing ideas; instead opening yourself to receive them.
As an artist and musician, I’ve always seen the world through the lens of creativity—sometimes without even realizing it. Writing and music have been my way of capturing personal experiences and emotions and shaping them into something others can connect with.
Rubin’s book put words to a perspective I’ve always felt but never fully articulated. It’s almost as if he was taking my inner dialog and putting it on the pages for me to examine. Each chapter feels like a moment of clarity from the many years he spent working as a producer, encouraging artists to refine their craft while also showing non-artists how creativity can enrich their lives in unexpected ways.
Whether you’re a seasoned creative or someone looking to invite more artistry into your life, The Creative Act is a must-read. It strips away the pressure to create for an outcome and instead encourages creating for the sake of discovery. Rubin reminds us that creativity isn’t about talent or skill—it’s about tuning in, paying attention, and letting inspiration flow through you.
What I’m Listening To - Leif Vollebekk
I heard this guy’s song on the show “Shrinking” a few weeks ago and I’ve been obsessed with his music ever since. He writes great songs, has a really smooth but dynamic voice, and balances his sounds on the albums so well. All the instrumentation is so tasteful and nothing is over or underdone with the production. All his albums are good IMO. But here are a couple of my favorite tunes from him.
Into the Ether - Leif Vollebekk
