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LIKE OTHER WRITERS for this site, I blog often about what’s happening in my own life—my financial mistakes, early retirement, health scares I’ve had, my mother’s death and more. Here are four updates:
Spending. When it comes to parting with money, I have a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality. I sit home at night wearing three layers of clothing, two pairs of socks and a hat because I’m too cheap to turn on the furnace—and yet I don’t hesitate to spend hundreds of dollars to be pampered at a five-star hotel.
I guess it’s the same reason people spend thousands of dollars to ride in comfort in a luxury vehicle, while also dealing with the inconvenience of waiting in long lines at Costco to save on gas. We all pick our battles when it comes to cutting expenses. But ultimately, you need to pick at least some battles if you’re to win the ongoing war between spending and saving.
Caregiving. After my mother passed away, I found I had more time for myself. I was able to develop closer relationships with friends and family, and that brought more happiness to my life.
But that also led to feelings of guilt. I often asked myself, “Is it okay to enjoy my life after losing a loved one? Does that mean I don’t really miss my mother that much?” Of course not. I imagine that is something that’s always in the back of your mind when you lose someone close to you.
Estate planning. As the successor trustee for my mother’s trust, I’ve learned four lessons as I settle her estate:
Annual checkups. I just made an appointment with my primary care physician for my annual checkup. I often wonder why more people with health insurance don’t get checkups every year.
Perhaps it’s because they’re unaware that they should. In a 2015 survey of insured adults conducted by Cigna, “45% of Americans say they don’t know that they should have an annual checkup—and half are unaware that if they have insurance, there is no cost for the annual checkup. In fact, most Americans are more in tune with when their pets need to have their shots than when they should go for their own checkup.”
Preventative care is not only the first line of defense in combating illness, but also in protecting you from costly medical bills. That’s important to remember as you save for retirement and other financial goals.
Dennis Friedman retired from Boeing Satellite Systems after a 30-year career in manufacturing. Born in Ohio, Dennis is a California transplant with a bachelor’s degree in history and an MBA. A self-described “humble investor,” he likes reading historical novels and about personal finance. His previous articles include Turning the Page, Journey’s End and So Many Benefits. Follow Dennis on Twitter @DMFrie.
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Thanks for the tips on Trusts, that’s helpful.
As someone with a full range of family demands on my time, I realize I am blessed in that respect – but part of me also really looks forward to having more self-directed time.
Pound foolish? Anyone who monitors their blood pressure may be interested in this recent study. The temperature in your home may affect your blood pressure: https://www.ibtimes.com/lower-your-blood-pressure-reading-implementing-minor-change-your-home-2898493
I hope your pipes don’t freeze.
There’s really no evidence that an annual checkup has any advantages, medically. The kinds of screens performed are either insensitive to medical problems, or have many false positives, which result in worry and unnecessary procedures. The cost may be born by insurance, but you still need to invest your time and the time of your doctor. I personally target an every-three-year schedule, and sometimes wonder if that is too frequent.