Sick and broke? Worst combination ever.

Two words that will impact your life greatly - CRITICAL ILLNESS. Another one of those "never going to happen to me" examples. I had a VERY eye opening conversation with a co-worker today about the increase in abnormal pap tests. I recently realized (after doing a few critical illness policies for some young females who are close to me) that they are extremely common. Now, you are wondering what this has to do with finances and what I have to say is - EVERYTHING.

Let me start with some background info. As the 80's something babies we were the generation of convenience. It's not our parents fault, they were busy trying to work and pay 18% interest rate on their mortgages to keep a roof over our heads. None the less, they used microwaves, and plastic and warmed up plastic in the microwaves. Preservatives became a large part of our diets, growth hormones etc. Birth control started being used by our generation at a much earlier age, sometimes even prescribed for acne problems. Interestingly enough, my friend at work told me a story from 10 years ago when she was 21 and had to go with her sister to get the abnormal cervical cells lazered. There were about 50 other women waiting with her. Some it took 7 minutes, some 45 and for some it was a one time shot, but for others they would be back - again and again, and even some would have more invasive surgery than that...The doctor directly told her his theory was all of what I mentioned above causing this rise in abnormal cell growth.

What I am getting at here is that we are only in our 20's and 30's yet, we don't know how all this will affect us. We do know that we will likely experience a serious illness and live through it. We are much better equipped now to deal with disease. However, at what cost? Will you sell your home? Deteriorate your savings? What if you don't have those things yet? Move back with your parents and put the financial responsibility on them while they are trying to retire? Your family will do what they have to help you, so help yourself first.

I can't tell you how to avoid cervical cancer but I can tell you that in this devastating even Critical Illness policies pay you out a LUMP SUM amount of money spendable at your discretion - if you want to go to a clinic in spain, go ahead. If you want to pay your mortgage go ahead, if you want to take a family trip for 6 months after treatment is over GO AHEAD. Right now it doesn't seem like you will ever have to face this terrifying event, I know. My advice to you today, men and women is to get your policies when you are YOUNG AND HEALTHY. They are cheap and you can get ALLLL your money back if you don't make a claim later on. Because once you are sick, or even if you've had an abnormal pap, they are not going to be readily giving you your insurance, or if they do they'll be excluding cervical cancer (or other risk factors) all together. It's cheaper when you are young and it will fit into your budget - find room. Plan ahead. You'll thank me later.