3 Things That Are Financially Healthier Than Looksmaxxing
Looksmaxxing has a whole internet subculture built around it: routines, rankings, procedures, all in pursuit of maximizing your appearance. It takes a lot of time, money, and mental energy to optimize something that, at the end of the day, doesn't compound.
Here's a better use of that "maxxing" energy — three moves that actually build wealth, and unlike a jawline, they get better the longer you stick with them.
1. Benefitsmaxxing
Before you spend another dollar chasing an aesthetic, book 30 minutes with your HR Benefits Manager. Most people leave real money on the table simply because they never asked what's actually included in their total compensation package.
Depending on your employer, that conversation might surface:
Company match on your 401(k) — this is free money, full stop. If you're not contributing enough to get the full match, you're leaving part of your compensation on the table.
HSA or FSA contributions — some employers seed these accounts directly.
Student loan repayment assistance or tuition reimbursement
Fertility, adoption, or family-building benefits
Mental health stipends, wellness reimbursements, or gym subsidies
Legal or financial planning services bundled into your benefits package at no extra cost
Companies have gotten more creative here, and the only way to know what you're sitting on is to ask. Your first move: get the maximum company match locked in. That's the highest guaranteed return you'll find anywhere.
2. Contributionmaxxing
Once your benefits are dialed in, the next lever is how much you're putting into tax-advantaged accounts to take care of future you. The IRS adjusts these limits every year, and 2026 brought some meaningful increases:
Full details and any updates live on the IRS's official retirement plan contribution limits page — always confirm current numbers there before you file.
3. SavingsRatemaxxing
Here's the pattern behind almost everyone who's accelerated their path to financial independence: they didn't necessarily earn the most. They put the highest percentage of what they earned towards future them. I’d rather it be called your Future Rate vs your Savings Rate, but here we are.
Your savings rate is simply the percentage of your income you're putting toward savings and investments, rather than spending. The higher the rate, the more choices you’ll give future you.
The national savings rate average is 3.9%. That’s $195 if you earn $5,000/month (or $60k net per year). That is practically living paycheck-to-paycheck.
But if you can hit 10% or $500/month towards your investing. If you put that into an investment account earning (on average) 8% per year over 35 years, you’ll get to $1,000,000 (estimated, not guaranteed). And assuming you don’t get increase your earnings.
For those who really want to accelerate becoming a millionaire, get that savings rate to:
- $1,000/month (or 20%), it will take 26 years
- $2,500/month (or 50%), you’re looking at 17 years!
You can literally be taking working years off your life!
Your action step: calculate your current savings rate this month. Then pick one number to aim for over the next quarter — even a 2-3 percentage point increase compounds meaningfully over time.
Tools like Monarch Money even calculate your Savings Rates in their cash flow tool.
Looksmaxxing optimizes for how you're perceived today. Benefitsmaxxing, contributionmaxxing, and savings rate maxxing optimize for the life you're building. One of these gets better with age.
Ready to go deeper on your numbers? Book a coaching session with Jenn Uhen CFEI to talk through your numbers!
