I am turning 32 on Friday!!

Who would believe it…. me 32….

And what else would a 32 year old concern herself with but death, finances and future security.

This year has been all about securing our future and the future of the in-laws. I have been working with them for months to get their finances in order.

When we stated this process the mother in-law had them near $20,000 in debt. After years of only minimal payments totaling over $600 monthly, making no head way on the actual debt, they were drowning.

I enrolled them in Debt Consolation program and lowered his monthly payments to half. We are slowly making progress.

Then we started the difficult talks about the future and their health. I had to start slow, which is why we are 5 months into the year and I am still working on it.

All the beneficiaries have been changed because of the mother in-laws diminishing mental health. Then we secured an insurance policy to pay mortgage payments for 3 years and a transfer of deed to Duste when the father in-law passes.

Now we are working on actual life insurance to pay for the funeral expense. Because of their age I had to look into policies through AARP. IF approved life insurance coverage will be $120 a month for both.

I also got the fun of price checking a gravestone and plots. This is the next savings goal for the in-laws.

Through all this it makes me aware of our future security. When we bought the house we got house life insurance, so at the time of either of our death it will pay off the house. Earlier this month we got a pleasant surprised to find Duste’s parents had life insurance on her since her early 20’s! So we changed the beneficiary and made note of it in our files. Now we are looking into life insurance on me. 

Next up – saving for plots and a headstone after renovations on the house are complete. None of this is fun but it is necessary. I do not want to be her parents’ age and in the same situation. I do want this to be done and over with so I don’t have to worry about it anymore.

So, that’s what I have been doing on my way turning 32…..

Sweets for my Sweet!

Happy 35^th Birthday to the perfect one made just for me!

We celebrated Duste’s birthday starting on Friday after work. We went out to dinner where we ordered two meals that she wanted and a dessert! (We usually split ONE meal) Saturday we had a Couple Spa Day—which included hydrotherapy, wine with fruit tray and an hour long massage. We followed that up with Chicago Dogs for lunch and a Big Fish sandwich for dinner. Sunday, her actual birthday, we enjoyed a snow day at home that started with present in bed. The rest of the day was spent watching funny movies she loves!

We spoil each other, it’s true, but if we don’t who will?

Since she has lost and has kept off, over 50lbs she was in serious need of some Tshirts. With my sense of humor and the help of talented people on Etsy, she got 3! She has been requesting a cozy for her coffee cup and the tablet I won a yr ago completely died a few weeks ago, talk about good timing, so it all worked out to a Very Happy Birthday Girl! 

We are so lucky to have each other—she’s my best friend and my soul mate. She makes me a better person!