As I was reading about the recent disaster in Haiti this past weekend, I started thinking about all the nurses, doctors, firefighters, police officers, and teachers I know – some of the many occupations that are dedicated to caring for others. I consider it a privilege to have many of them as clients. Even so, I see a gaping hole in the protection of those who protect others. For example, take nurses and teachers (I pick them because I know many personally). Their life’s work is to care for and/or educate those around them. What a truly giving and noble calling. And yet I know several such individuals whose own family is left incredibly exposed to a tragic event. This exposure takes several forms: no life insurance, inadequate savings, no retirement planning, and yes, no estate planning. And beyond that, I see them spending so much time caring for others that they neglect taking care of themselves, whether it be a nice dinner with their husband/wife, a special day of pampering, shopping, or family time, or just some time to relax or exercise.
So I encourage those of you who are in these great professions . . . take the needed time to take care of yourself and your family. It will give you an amazing amount of peace of mind. And if I can help in any way, please let me know.