No one likes to be forced to spend money, even if it is something that is good for them. It feels too much like being forced to eat Brussels sprouts as a kid. As an adult, no one can tell you what to do, or make you spend your money on anything you don’t want to. It’s a nice idea. But it has no relationship with reality.
If you want your lights to stay on and your water to keep flowing, you will pay your utility bills. Rent is not an option. And like it or not, you are going to have to buy food, healthy food if you want to live. And that is just one of the many expenses associated with getting and staying healthy.
One of the main reasons to save and make extra money on profitable side hustles is to cover those big expenses that come along that we can’t put off anymore. Health is among those expenses. There are a few times in life when you have to do right by your health and the health of your family. A bandage and a cup of chicken soup just won’t do. Here are a few big-ticket health expenses that are absolutely worth breaking the piggy bank for:
Dental
Most health insurance does not cover dental. If you have very good insurance, some of the expenses will be covered, but most will still need to be paid out of pocket. So you are going to have to save up a little if you want those new Fastbraces that are all the rage. They are the braces with the reputation for comfort and accelerated results.
Because of the expense of braces, many parents cannot afford to have their kids fitted with a tool that will result in a lifetime of smiles. And many kids dread the intense discomfort of traditional braces. But the right dental work can make a huge difference in a person’s outlook for success in life.
Unattended dental needs have serious negative health implications. There is a good chance you or a family member will need dental work that insurance will not cover. Dental needs are absolutely worth whatever it takes to make them right.
Bone and Joint Pain
Those old sports injuries catch up with you quicker than you think. Being an active kid can be hard on your future bones and joints. Those pains you feel are only going to get worse as you age. Your forties are going to be expensive. You should probably start saving now.
Knee replacement and revision surgery have been on the rise in recent times. It is more and more common for people to have total knee replacements done in their 40s. That used to be unheard of. But as people are more active later in life, there is increased stress on the knees.
Arthritis pain is an indirect killer. It saps your strength and energy. You end up taking a lot of medicine for pain that you can never fully control. And you are forced to sit while others participate in activities that you can only watch. Corrective surgery is available in many instances. But surgery is only part of the expense. There is also the time you need to take off work while you recover. Repairing damage to your bones and joints is well worth the price.
Rehab and Counseling
Experimentation in your youth can lead to addiction later in life. Without insurance, proper rehab may not be in the budget. But failure to get treatment can be the difference between life and death. It is worth all your savings. The same is true for those suffering from depression and anxiety. Untreated, these diseases can have catastrophic consequences. Counseling is not an option, but a necessity.
Saving for retirement is meaningless if you do not have the health to enjoy it. You need strong teeth, healthy bones and joints, and a sharp mind. You won’t be able to travel if you are in constant pain. And spending time with your loved ones will have no flavor if you are always sad or afraid. Don’t hesitate to spend your savings on your health. There are few things in life more worthy of saving.
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