A Paycheck Away From Security? Cremation...

Isn't that how most of us feel? Like there's no place like home. We do worry about the economy and think for many that our individual jobs are so secure you wouldn't dare lose it. But things just don't work like that. In the case of an elderly parent dying, what does the spouse left behind have to live on? Can they make it on their own or do they have to move in with family? No one, no one at all wants that. Commercials fill the air waves with such doom and gloom: Make sure you get this life insurance. It only costs...Sure and when the time comes how do we know they'll still be there. So what do we do?

 First I was brought up in a time when many, not all parents decided what you'd be and what you're worth, so if you weren't worth all that much or not so smart you weren't taught some of the most important things in life, giving, saving and taking very good care of your health. Honestly, I'm no one to talk about saving, but am learning later in life. Never too late. So about insurance and burial costs. Think Cremation. Last year a friend was cremated. The cost? Eight thousand dollars! Can you imagine? I was at a genealogy center one day and this guy started   talking about his last days and how he wanted that handled. He called the hospital and a crematory and had a price of just over a hundred dollars. I don't remember the details, but it is definitely worth looking into.

WHY do we put our families through the expense, and a long drawn out funeral? WHY? We're gone so we don't care or just think oh they'll take care of it. NO! Don't do that to them. Make it fast and let them get on with life. Let them remember the good stuff and count on each other and friends to get through the grief. Even with cremation the costs come from all the fancy stuff. Listen up-if you weren't fancy in life, why now? You won't know.

Now about that job, keeping it or losing it. We're supposed to save three months of expenses at the least, six months are better. But what if you think you can't save anything. Please go see a financial person in your local church that you trust. Look around for different opportunities but don't quit until you have another job. Volunteer at a local hospital and while there check out the job lists.

       There are stay at home opportunities too, and better in a two parent home but one parent can do this too. Foster care. I was told years ago that many consider it as a part-time job, but you are helping out kids in need too. Check it out and check it out thoroughly. It is worth it. too many kids need a mom or dad. It can be short term or long term, so please check it out. There are other social service needs. Residential homes hire all the time , and for all shifts. Go for it.