The best gift to your children

I take care of strangers and preach about good health. But the people I care about, my family and friends never hear it. So, time to time I'll share them. And by the way, I'll always take care of my friends at no charge. What's the point of having these healing hands if the one's I care about never benefit from them?

Since I'm starting to feel maternal, here's the first bit.

The best gift you can give your children is to take care of your physical health and financial health.

Perhaps you share the same concerns with me when it comes to our parents. I'm always worried about their health and retirement. So, think about how your kids may worry about you.

Our generation is having children later in life, which means our children will bear the burden of caring for us at an earlier age and for a much longer period, as human lifespan is now longer.

Just as our children are beginning to start their own families, building their careers, they may already feel the pressure of your age. I just wouldn't want to place that kind of burden and stress on my children.

Just a little something to think about before you compromise your health or retirement fund for that designer silver pacifier that your baby 'needs'.

Health Insurance

If you're a healthy individual that visits your doctor once yearly for check ups, there really isn't any reason to purchase an expensive health plan. Pick a high deductible plan eg. $1000 to $3000+ Pick a deductible you know you can afford to dish out ASAP should you find yourself in dire need of emergency care. These plans may cost as little as $80/mo depending on your age, or even as little as $25 through your company. Remember, the cost doensn't end at the monthly fees. There are co-pays as well. When you choose a high deductible plan, choose to see a doctor on a cash basis. Most offices offer lower fees for not having to deal with insurance companies. You can ask for a superbill and submit the bill to your insurance company to help lower your deductible. Even though you're paying the full fee (possibly discounted fee) for the visit, by the end of the year the savings you've accumulate may be more than the higher monthly fees of a low deductible plan + its' co-pays.

I know most people are concerned about the 'what if I get hospitalized'. Once you step into the hospital and stay over night, your bill will most likely be over $1000. If you get the knife or any additional exams it'll be over $10,000 for sure. So here's another element to look at with your high deductible plan. What is your out of pocket maximum per year? and does your insurance cover at 100% after that? I had a plan with a $3000 deductible before the insurance covers a penny of my care. But after I spend $3000 (the same amount) out of my pocket, the insurance covers 100%. Which means if anything catastrophic happens the maximum I have to pay is $3000 for the year. That plan was $70/mo. Compare this to a plan that was catered to someone who requires lots of doctors visits and medication. This plan has a low deductible of $250, covers 80% of visits and drugs and an out of pocket maximum of $7000 then the insurance covers 80% as usual. Imagine if your procedure was $50,000. do the math....

My Car

With the change in economy my urge to spill my thoughts on my car has now reached a blogging level.
I love my Honda Accord. It gets me from home to work perfectly fine. That car has been with me through SFU, Palmer, LA, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Vancouver and back down several times. She's met boyfriends C to N and all the flings in between. She's met girlfriends J to C and feels lucky that no one has puked on her yet. She knows all my gossips and I know her well enough to parallel park her into the tiniest cracks in SF. And though she doesn't look the best, I make sure she runs like a puppy. After 12 years she still gives me approx 33mpg on my daily drives to and from work.

Point is. I never had plans on changing cars. Some say it's time for a new car and I ask why? Give me $300+ worth of reasons every month why I shouldn't continue to enjoy a stress free drive everday. Rocks and scratches may hurt my car but they sure don't hurt my wallet.

I'm going to drive that car till she dies.. which may be another 15+ years, I still see 86 Honda's out there.