Yoga and Financial Inversions

As a business owner and advisor, I value flexibility—especially when it serves my clients. My days start early and end late, but there’s one appointment I never reschedule: my Friday hot yoga class. That 4–6 PM window is sacred. It’s not about skipping work—it’s about honoring something that restores my clarity.

When I started, I was a yoga novice, I had only taken three yoga classes in my life. I am athletic but was new to the discipline. One of the most intriguing elements I learned early on was the inversion—when your heart is above your head. These poses are physically demanding and mentally grounding. They challenge you to view the world from a new angle, requiring balance, focus, and trust.

Turns out, the same concept applies to personal finance. A financial inversion flips common wisdom on its head, offering clarity, peace, and, sometimes, better outcomes. Below are a few of my favorite financial inversions—ideas that challenge convention and invite deeper thinking.

From Spending First to Saving First

Invert: Pay Yourself First

Most people earn, spend, and save what’s left—if anything. Amore effective mindset? Automate savings like it’s your first bill. Live on what remains. This shift reframes your future self as a priority, not an afterthought. This is not ‘fun’ nor what your friends may do but much of this article is taking care of yourself first, and focusing on others’ finances second. A dinner conversation with friends reminded me that life design should come before financial engineering. Define the life you want, then back into the numbers. That’s where financial peace begins.

From Bigger is Better to Simpler is Smarter

Invert: Wealth ? Flash

I’ve met individuals with nine-figure net worths who drive modest cars and live quietly. True wealth is often what you don’t see. Early in my New York City life, I chased “the look.” It was exhausting. Eventually, I returned to saving 30% of my income and rediscovered freedom. Less overhead equals more flexibility. Simplicity is not just powerful—it’s liberating.

From Avoiding Debt to Using It Strategically

Invert: Not All Debt is Bad

Debt, when used intentionally, can be a tool—not a trap. Mortgages, business loans, and other forms of secured credit can serve a purpose. The key lies in understanding the asset behind the debt and having a plan for repayment. It’s about control and clarity. Flip your thinking: Instead of asking how to afford something, ask what happens if you don’t buy it. The space between impulse and action often holds your smartest decisions.

From ROI to Opportunity Cost

Invert: What’s the Trade-Off?

Every financial decision carries an opportunity cost. Each “yes” is also a “no.” Buying time, reducing stress, and protecting your peace can be worth more than a flashy return. Financial freedom isn’t about a number—it’s about options. My personal competitiveness isn’t about beating others—it’s about maximizing my potential. I’m more interested in buying back my time than chasing the biggest paycheck.

From Job-First Thinking to Lifestyle-First Planning

Invert: Design Your Life, Then Fund It

Many people ask, “What job pays best?” A more useful question: “What life do I want, and how much does it cost?” Money is a tool, not the destination. Build an income strategy around what brings meaning, not just money. Skip the Joneses. They're noisy, and they’ll distract you from your own voice.

From Chasing Returns to Managing Risk

Invert: The Best Offense is a Good Defense

Instead of asking how to increase returns, ask what risks can ruin you. My clients are often surprised by this question—it’s not about how high you can climb but how strong your floor is. In both yoga and finance, the strength of your foundation determines the height you can safely reach. Build buffers. Diversify. Have insurance. Protect your downside so you can sleep soundly—and do a taller headstand.

Track Net Worth, Not Just Income

Income is only part of the picture. Net worth—your assets minus your liabilities—is what matters long-term. I know people with high incomes who are financially overextended and others with modest salaries who are truly wealthy. Planning and perspective make all the difference.

In Closing: Inversions Offer Insight

Whether you’re in a yoga studio balancing in a headstand or at your desk reviewing your retirement strategy, inversions ask you to slowdown and reconsider. They’re uncomfortable—but they can also bring powerful clarity. Sometimes, growth comes from viewing the familiar…differently.

So next time you find yourself stuck—financially or otherwise—try flipping the script. You might just see something new.