Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying

As we navigate through life, we encounter various financial risks that evolve as we age. Understanding these risks and planning for them is crucial for our financial security and peace of mind. In this article, we’ll explore the shifting dynamics of financial risk as we age and provide actionable advice on how to manage them effectively.

Imagine sitting by a lake, watching as rain moves from one side to the other, creating a curtain that separates the raining area from the dry one. This metaphor can be applied to the financial risks we face as we age. Initially, when we’re young, our primary concern is the risk of premature death. We manage this risk through life insurance and other protective measures. However, as we age, the curtain of rain passes over us, and we face a different risk: the risk of outliving our money.

Managing the Risk of Longevity

As we live longer, the financial burden of supporting ourselves increases. The cost of long-term care and other expenses can be exceptionally high, potentially depleting even substantial savings. Here are some strategies to manage the risk of longevity:

1. Long-Term Care Insurance: Consider purchasing long-term care insurance early in life, as it can be more affordable and easier to qualify for when you’re younger. This insurance can help cover the costs of care, protecting your savings and your family’s assets.

2. Diversified Investment Portfolio: Maintain a diversified investment portfolio that includes a mix of equities and bonds. While equities offer growth potential, bonds provide stability and income. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

3. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): If you have a high-deductible health plan, consider contributing to an HSA. Contributions are pre-tax, funds grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free if used for eligible medical expenses. HSAs allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars to a savings account, which can be used for medical expenses. Unlike flexible spending accounts (FSAs), HSAs roll over from year to year and can be invested, similar to a retirement account and can grow over time.

4. Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund that covers six to nine months of living expenses. This fund can provide a financial safety net in case of unexpected expenses or a sudden change in your financial situation.

5. Financial Planning: Work with a financial advisor to develop a comprehensive financial plan that addresses your long-term goals and risks. Regularly review and update your plan to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

6. The Importance of Staying Invested: One of the key lessons from the 60/40 portfolio strategy is the importance of staying invested over the long term. Chasing performance and trying to time the market is a losing game. During bear markets, millions of investors bail out, deciding to sit on the sidelines until things calm down. However, this often results in missed opportunities for growth.

7. Consider Adding Active Investing to Your Portfolio: While index investing has its merits, active management offers unique advantages. Active managers can identify undervalued stocks and other investment opportunities that passive indexes may miss. Additionally, active management allows for greater flexibility in adjusting portfolios to changing market conditions.

The Bottom Line

As we age, the financial risks we face evolve, and it’s crucial to adapt our strategies accordingly. By planning for longevity, staying invested, and embracing active management, we can better manage these risks and achieve greater financial security.

Remember the words of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption: “Get busy living or get busy dying.” Take control of your financial future and develop a strategy that ensures you and your loved ones are financially supported and comfortable as you age.