Ladies... See It In Writing!

Do you trust your husband to do the right thing?  I do.   That is probably why we are married. When we talk about health children or financial matters, he tells me it’s taken care of. That we are ok.  It will be alright. Those words are often reassuring.  But, you can’t take those reassuring words to the bank.  And, if some aspect of building a strong financial home got overlooked, those sweet words become meaningless.   I’m here to share, ladies it is important to take a proactive role in protecting your household.   There is no room for victims here.

Many of us women still have these old traditional values whispering in our ears.  Perhaps it’s a bit of the fairy tale. Prince charming will save the day. Perhaps it is not a romantic thought at all,  but rather conflict avoidance.  A recent article in the Washington Post on April 12, 2015, Titled “How Couples Can Resolve their Biggest Fights Over Money” By Andrea Coombes stated “Money is one of the biggest sources of marital discord – and it can be one of the toughest to resolve.”  Perhaps the desire to avoid conflict is causing woman to not knowing their financial picture or being as financially prepared as you might have assumed.

Women you need to know where you stand financially. Husband and wives both need to know the household financial picture. Here are some critical items to address:

1.  LIFE INSURANCE:  Do you and your husband have it? How much?  Who are the beneficiaries? And see it in writing.  Review once a year.

2.  RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS:  What types of accounts? Who are they with? Review statements regularly

3.  HEALTH, DISABILITY & LOND TERM CARE INSURANCE:  Who is it with?  Is the policy active and in good standing. Verify!

Don’t assume all is in good standing. Know for a fact.  Life can throw your financial home financial curve balls, better to be prepared and KNOW you are prepared.

The Similarities Between Money and Food

Eat to feel emotionally fulfilled vs. Shop to be emotionally fulfilled

Fear of eating eat as I'll gain weight vs. Fear of spending money for fear we won't have enough

Neither one is ideal. And, I'm not even addressing the unfortunate and appalling reality that there are folks in North America struggling each day with little no food and little to no money.

I'm not advocating for people to deny themselves nice things or tasty treats. But like what we learned through fitness experts, a plan and moderation are key.

Sad reality, over 2/3 of America is over weight or obese (Ogden et al., 2014).  AND....The average household credit card debt in 2014 (of those who where indebted) was $15,611 based on an analysis of Federal Reserve Statistics. Add to that stats from April 22,2015 USA Today article that shared 28% (of 1003 workers and 1001 retirees) have less than $1,000 for retirement and 57% have less than $25,000.

Q: What's the plan?  
Q: What are the obstacles or excuses?

Some folks plan to work until they die. One car accident, an unexpected illness, loss of a job or a sick relative are just some examples where this plan may not work.

Others share I have no extra money to save for retirement. I truly believe there are folks in this category, but have to bet no where near the 57% of those surveyed with less than 25k put aside. While not statistical, the lines each morning while I get my coffee are long.   The restaurants in Chicago are jammed packed with hour or two long wait to get in.  We've all seen Black Fridays. We've seen the long lines for new iPhones. The latest craze for Lily Pulitzer at Target. We choose to spend rather than invest for our own future. Investing just $35 per week ($5 per day) for 20 years with an assumed 5% average return equals 63,189.   Just that small change put you better off than 57% of Americans.  And did that really hurt?

Building a financial home is no different than building any home. It starts with the foundation and one stud or one brick at a time. Excuses won't get you there... a plan will.

Mom & Tango Lessons

My mom hasn't danced freely on over 40 years and look at her now.

For past 40 years she dedicated herself to being a care giver/wife to my father that was struck with MS at such a young age (mid-20's).  Over those 40 years she was inspirational in helping my dad come to terms with his illness and live the best possible life they could.  She did a remarkable job and despite the challenges of being in a wheelchair, they traveled a great deal of the world.

As a caregiver it's not uncommon to lose sight of who you are as you become so focused on taking care of the other person.

My father recently passed away and I'm watching my mom reinvent herself.  At 67 she is taking up ballroom dancing (salsa, tango, the waltz) all fair game.

The plans both my dad and her to put together early on are allowing her not to worry about the day to day expenses but rather embark on the next journey for Margaret Fosse.  That journey most recently included going on a cruise with 40 friends from her dance class.  

Q: Are you setting your loved ones up for the future? Watch the video below:




Watch more Videos Here: https://vimeo.com/user37514114

Are you being proactive with your health?

A few weeks ago, my husband and I went through the executive health program at John Hopkins. What that basically means is that we complete all the checkups each of us should complete each year in an efficient manner: full blood work up, mammogram, stress test, eye exams, hearing test, dermatology exam, and a colonoscopy for my husband to end the two-day affair.

Both my husband and I feel healthy, workout consistently each week and eat healthy. We feel really good and feel blessed that we are in good health up to this point.

As I was getting my eye's thoroughly examined I was touched by what the doctor shared.  Affordable health care is for preventative care.  Now, more Americans can get a better chance for early diagnosis and early treatment.

Aside from the doctor recommending a biopsy of my mole, MG and I having to boost a few vitamin levels, a recommendation to lose a few pounds all was good.  We left feeling good. Five days later I received a call from the doctor saying the mole tested positive for melanoma insight 2.  I was Assured by the doctor that they got it all.  I was also told that I need to come in and have more cells removed and be monitored a few times per year.

While personally relieved, it made me think.... If we wish to live the retirement plan my husband and I desire, than we have an obligation to be proactive in managing our health.

Q: What is the vision for your retirement?   
Q: Do you have the right tools in place to best manage your health care costs/needs?   

To learn more, check out our video.

Watch more videos here: https://vimeo.com/user37514114