The need to protect your family
We are all aware of our Angels member who passed away earlier this year leaving a young daughter to be cared for by others. She probably had all sorts of ideas in her head about what they would do together in the future and never meant to leave her so soon. They might have planned trips together and she would have often thought how she would manage to put her daughter through college or University when the time came.
We have all heard about a parent being taken too soon and have been saddened by the uncertain future of the child or children when this happens.
However, with a little forethought when we are happy and healthy, we can all make plans for our children even if we are not there to do it for and with them.
Did you know that the cost of life insurance is much less than we might think? For a 35 year old healthy person, it need only cost about €65 a year for cover of €50,000. If you are a bit older or have a medical condition the cost could be a bit higher but we are talking about putting less than €10 a month aside to protect our children should the worst happen. Think about what that means - one less drink a week, one less coffee, one less ice-cream or cake, half a packet of cigarettes.
Life cover is very easy to apply for. Decide how much cover you need, agree a premium, answer a few medical questions and you are good to go. Unless you have a serious medical condition you are unlikely to be asked to attend a medical. The payments can be made by bank direct debit or by cash at the insurance brokers' office - nothing complicated and nothing to worry about. €50,000 invested for a few years could easily cover all the things you wouldn’t be there to do for and with your children and whilst we all hope that this will never happen to us, maybe this is something we should think about?
It's also really important to consider who would look after our children should the worst happen, agree it with them and get something written down with the help of a lawyer. You can write that person a list of the wishes you have for your children and if there were a sum of money to cover those things then you would know that the children would have a better future than if you had done nothing.
As single parents you are the protector of your children and their future is in your hands. I am asking you to think for a few minutes about what would happen if you can't be there for them. Write a plan which includes providing some money for their future needs.
I would be happy to speak to anyone who wishes to look into this further and I can be contacted by
e-mail
Debbie Evans - Secretary, Guardian Angels
Giving Back
Guardian Angels Vice President Position
This voluntary position is now available. If you are interested and would like to learn more please contact Tricia at tricia@guardian-angels.es or call 622 795 542.
The charity is expanding and is seeking caring people to join who would like to give back. If you are interested in becoming a Mentor on a voluntary basis or can offer another service, please contact
Tricia Barr. Thank you.
