EACH OF THESE SUBJECTS ARE DISCUSSED IN DETAIL IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT

Now is the time to plan ahead for the possibilities, including being unable to work, "just in case."  The sooner you begin to plan, the greater the chance of having appropriate health care, and of continuing your standard of living, if you become disabled.  

If you are working:

• Examine your benefits.
• Get an advisor.
• Do what you can to increase your earnings -- or at least your Real Earnings.
• Keep funding your retirement plan.
• Look for co-workers or other people who are on, or who have been on, disability.

If you are not working, going to work is the easiest way to obtain the insurance you need, and at a reasonable cost.

Insurance you should try to obtain, in order of priority according to David Petersen, a financial planner who created the concept of financial planning for people with a life changing condition:

• Health Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Care Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance

Of course, everyone should:

• Take care of your mental health.
• Have property and casualty insurance to protect against unbearable financial losses to your home and automobile.
• Have a Living Will and other advance directives "just in case"
• Take appropriate steps for the passage of your assets to heirs.

If there is a possibility your medical condition could affect your ability to work in the next twelve months or less, and you're working, read about planning in the short term. 

If you don't have an idea about the potential progress of your condition, speak with your doctor. Keep in mind that we're talking about what could happen statistically based on past experience -- not what will happen to you.  

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