No matter who we are or what we do, money always seems to be in short supply. Wise financial management is essential to all of us, regardless of our income level.
-
• It behooves us all to look at the different insurance choices. As our life- expectancy grows, there are more options, and we each need to explore what we can afford.
• We need to make sure we are not paying more than our share of taxes. Saving receipts for medical and other deductions is extremely important, as is getting the help of a professional tax preparer who is familiar with all of the tax rules for medical expenses.
• Managing finances for the future of a child with spinal disability undoubtedly poses a unique challenge. I believe that teaching a child to manage their money and educating them from an early age on the various programs they qualify for as they grow into adulthood can go a long way to making provision for their financial future.
A question that scares all of us is, “How do we afford retirement with spinal cord injury?” Many of us continue to find ways to stay active, to be able to afford our medical supplies. Unfortunately, Medicare and Medicaid don’t always keep up with the real-life needs of people with disabilities. We must therefore be proactive and lobby our legislators; we must impress upon them that a person with spinal cord injury who is healthy will continue to give back to the community, both physically and emotionally, and will not be a burden with extreme medical expenses.
We all need to find ways to stay both physically and mentally active. Good money management makes life a little bit easier and the future a little bit brighter. Be well. Be as healthy as you can be.
Clair Russell Hesselton, PhD
Chairman of the Board
