Prepare for the unexpected, financially

This post is inspired by a video I watched yesterday where a woman shared her story of not being financially prepared if she lost her husband. It made me think about my own finances and the areas where I need to buckle down and clean up.

Many times we are so wrapped up in the moment when things are going great that we can forget life happens. But when it does, we want to be ready. It's easier to get through hard times when we've been preparing for it. Think about your finances should an unexpected health crisis or loss of job occur. Are you in a position to keep living the lifestyle you are accustomed to? If you are not the primary bread winner and your partner was unable to work, can you carry the load? I was speaking with a friend today who shared an experience with me of his wife being diagnosed with cancer and how that impacted their finances. And dwindled down the savings he had built up because the treatments were so expensive. It's given him a new perspective on managing his money after retirement and thinking of ways to generate income for the future. Often we see people who may be considered "retirement age" still working, not by choice but my necessity. Because they were not prepared for life after work, some didn't know but many didn't prepare. I think about how some use the phrase," the have's and the have not's." I've come to realize two people can work the same job, but make different choices and sacrifices. One will come out successful and the other will say the company did not pay enough. Instead of looking over the decisions they've made in regards to their money. Often it comes down to our choices. What can we do different today now that this has been brought to our attention? I would suggest we evaluate ourselves and see where we've made errors and correct them. We are responsible for our money. And the choices we make has a direct impact on our lives, not only today but for the future. If we can remember this I believe it will move us toward financial preparation & independence. I have written financial goals for myself and the steps needed to get there, and in doing so realize I need to increase my income. That is another goal that I have added. Sometimes creating a financial comfort zone for our future requires sacrifice but the end goal is worth it. I believe each of us has what it takes to create financial independence. I hope today's post inspires you to give serious consideration to how prepared you are financially.