Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68178
out what your goals are going to be to pay off debt and how short a time you can accomplish this goal. Credit card interest cripples, so cut to nothing as quickly as possible. Once that debt is paid off, it's time to speak to an investment counselor to determine where the money is going to go to grow. Discuss your insurance needs with a broker, too. Life insurance is important, but don't forget critical illness insurance, either. If you're disabled, these contingencies will save you and your family further heartache. Don't blow this off as something that could only happen to other people who don't eat wheatgrass and do yoga. I knew a young massage therapist who thought she was immune to entropy because she took such good care of herself. Cancer killed her and she had no insurance benefits to leave her children. More uncomfortable questions: Do you have some emergency money set aside? How long would the money you have right now last you if your clinic burned down tonight? (And is your place of business adequately insured?) How much can you put aside each month to invest in your future? Even if you assume you won't be able to retire, it's highly likely you'll still be breathing, eating, and codgering around for some time before you shed this mortal coil. Massaging till you drop is a somewhat romantic image (except for the unsuspecting client on the table at the time). Shopping till we expire is more realistic. If you've been fortunate enough to thrive in your work, consider how you can give back to your community through modest annual gifts or estate planning. Perhaps you can help support a local healthcare initiative or other program that would be an ongoing testament to your interests and work. Tip: Even if you don't have much to leave anyone, there's an excellent chance you should think about setting up a will. If something happened to you, who would be your child's guardian? If you don't, it won't be you who makes decisions about who takes care of your kids. connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 81