IS YOUR EMERGENCY READINESS UP TO PAR?

IS YOUR EMERGENCY READINESS UP TO PAR?

Last month, the world was supposed to end, at least according to the descendants of the ancient Mayan civilization. They made quite the marketing spectacle out of it. Over the past year, my partner and I often discussed the possibility of the world’s end. It became a frequent subject during our five-month motorcycle trip around Europe. Spending all day, every day together meant we needed interesting topics to keep conversations going.

This led me to think about how we would survive a major disaster—one that knocks out the internet, eliminates currency, destroys roads, and cuts off electricity. How would I contact my family to let them know I was okay and check on them? What would we need to trade for food? Could we start a fire?

Upon returning to Guatemala, a significant earthquake hit the coast, making us realize that while the world might not end, a major catastrophe could still happen and disrupt our lives dramatically. Living just 30 miles from the largest Mayan city, the prediction of the end of their world seemed closer to home.

So how does this concern you? Your world could turn upside down suddenly—through an accident, losing a loved one, having to care for elderly parents, or losing your job. How would you handle it?

DO YOU HAVE LIFE INSURANCE?
If your family depends on your income, having life insurance is crucial. Even if no one relies on your income, having insurance that covers significant medical bills or repatriation costs if you die can prevent you from becoming a burden. Since I’m not an expert in life insurance, do your research or seek professional advice to ensure you have adequate coverage for your family’s needs.

DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH SAVINGS?
Insurance payouts might not cover everything. You might receive only half or a little more of your last salary. Can you sustain your lifestyle on that? If not, do you have enough savings to maintain your living standards for a few months? How long would it take your spouse to find a job or pursue further education? Could you manage financially during that time?

DO YOU HAVE SKILLS?
Being self-sufficient is key to surviving tough times. We have a paid-off small house, a garden, and some animals, so we could manage economically if disaster struck. But we lack certain skills, like butchering animals or sustaining a garden during tough times. Similarly, if you lose your job, can you handle tasks you currently pay others for? I can change my car oil, cook from scratch, and grow a garden, which helps reduce dependencies. Would you be able to adjust if you suddenly had to do everything yourself?

DO YOU HAVE SOCIAL CAPITAL?
Having a community can be a lifesaver in emergencies. We realized this while discussing our resources near a lake with plenty of land and cattle but lacked nearby support. Over time, we hired local help and built respectful relationships. In an emergency, do you know your neighbors well enough to ask for help? Do you assist them regularly? Your community can provide crucial support, like taking care of your children or pets, often more affordably and reliably than hiring professionals.

ARE YOU ENJOYING LIFE AS IF IT MAY END SOON?
A reader shared a poignant story about a customer diagnosed with a terminal illness who traveled with his wife, doing what they had long postponed. When he learned his condition wasn’t as severe, he returned to his routine and long work hours, abandoning those dreams. This reminds me of the movie “Up,” where the husband fulfills a shared dream only after his wife has passed away.

If you’re financially stable, enjoy life now. You never know what tomorrow will bring. If you were to die tomorrow, would you be satisfied with the life you’ve led?

Life is unpredictable. It’s wise to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Are you ready for whatever life might throw at you?