I’ve been listening to the Dave Ramsey Show this evening. This particular episode had several callers who were in very sad situations. Some were due to medical issues, which are often a part of life. While money in the bank can’t heal the body, it can help deal with the life the illness brings.

The husband of one of the callers was quite ill and the only treatment found to help him was experimental and cost thousands of dollars per treatment. Their health insurance covered 50%, but they had already depleted their savings and sold things to pay for them. Even if they found a way to pay for more treatments they would eventually run out of money. How do you make the choice of going into extreme debt or having the treatments? How do you put a price on life?

Another caller’s mother, who had recently lost her job, had a stroke and now is unable to work. The daughter called Dave for advice on how to best help with her financial situation.

Why am I sharing these sad stories – just to encourage you to prepare for your future. Illness and disappointment may come, but planning ahead while you have a steady income can prevent adding financial problems.

What are you doing to prepare for your future?