Consumers

Benjamin Franklin famously penned, “…in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”. That was back in 1789. Relative to the topic of inevitability, I’d like to add one more item to death and taxes: change.

Have you ever sat down and compiled a bucket list? You know, your ultimate compilation of lifelong goals to accomplish?

In addition to the typical mountain climbing and continent-visiting, painting lessons and dancing at grandchildren's weddings, the items listed below are quite worthy of being included as well. They may not be found on the typical bucket list, but I’m betting all the other items rely upon these:

• Don’t outlive my assets

When it comes to long term care planning, there are 3 major questions to answer:

1)   Who will provide your long term care?

2)   How will they be paid?

3)   Is the plan funded?

Let’s examine each question:

When you imagine needing long term care, what do you imagine? Is the location a larger building, perhaps an assisted living facility, where responsibilities such as yard care and cooking are someone else’s concern? Or are you in your own home, tended to by paid caregivers, with visits from family and friends?

In terms of valuable life skills, it’s good to know how important (read: expensive) decisions are financed. We’re all familiar with the need to buy, or rent, a place to live. We know the responsibilities of purchasing or leasing a new car.