The Northwestern Mutual/LLuminari landmark study conducted by Marketing Analysts, Inc., included nearly 2,400 individuals who were surveyed online in January 2008. Working with LLuminari’s health experts, Northwestern Mutual developed a questionnaire that focused on understanding the link between financial and physical health, if any. Specifically, how financial behavior and attitudes of relatively affluent individuals (HHI $50,000+) are related to health and wellness perceptions and behavior. A random sample of respondents between the ages of 25 and 69 were surveyed, balanced by gender.

The study assessed individuals’ (self-reported) health status and level of financial preparedness. The health assessment included questions on physical activity, nutritional behaviors, use of alcohol and tobacco, sleep habits, emotional well-being, quality of life, work issues, stress levels and other health-related measures. Financial measures included individuals’ financial priorities, degree of actively taking steps to achieve goals, confidence in meeting goals, progress toward goals, use of a financial advisor, assets accumulated and other financial measures.