Expecting the Unexpected: Navigating Illness and an Unplanned Leave of Absence
If illness puts you out of work for weeks, how will you get by? Now is the time to get your ducks in a row, just in case.
The spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) has Americans worried — both about their health and the impact the illness could have on their finances. As we grapple with the consequences of this virus, I’m reminded of my own experience with an unplanned medical leave late last year. Here is what I learned then and a few immediate financial and practical precautions that everyone should take in these times of uncertainty.
I stepped off the plane at JFK in late November after taking a dream Thanksgiving vacation to Hawaii with my family, and I knew that what I was feeling was more than just jet lag. Soon enough, I learned that I had an off-strain flu, a viral respiratory infection and pneumonia, to boot — although symptoms were similar, I thankfully dodged the coronavirus. My symptoms, coupled with my asthma, made this combination the ultimate triple-threat, and recovery has been very challenging — so challenging in fact that I needed to take an extended leave from work.
Beyond the stress this illness had placed on my body, I worried about what this lengthy downtime would do to my family’s finances, from the healthcare costs to a potential impact on my income. Here’s what I found helpful:
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Understand your employer benefits
When I left for Hawaii, open enrollment season at my workplace had just ended, so I had the opportunity to evaluate my annual financial plan and the role my employer benefits would play in the year ahead. As open enrollment approaches later this year, consider the potential impact that taking short- or long-term disability benefits would have on your finances. You’ll also want to understand if short-term disability or medical leave are covered under your current benefit election, or whether they require supplemental insurance. Your employer may also offer a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA) — these are accounts that can alleviate medical expenses, be used toward your deductible, or provide a buffer against what may not be covered by your insurance.
Know who to call
Be sure to have contact information for your manager and your HR department in a place where you, your spouse or designated contact can access it. It’s also important to have your insurance cards handy. Many insurers offer smartphone apps, and I found it helpful to have downloaded my insurance cards to my phone’s digital wallet. Designate a point of contact who can communicate about your situation, expected length of absence and any limitations on your work schedule when you are able to return.
Define where you’ll access funds in a pinch
If an extended leave places a true strain on your financial situation or you find yourself needing to conserve cash, there are several options you may consider:
- Utilize your cash value life insurance as a “cousin” to your emergency fund.
- Consider a loan provision within your 401(k) plan.
- If you have considerable equity in your home, consider leveraging an established Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).
- Use your credit card as needed — but only within a re-payable amount — to maintain as many liquid assets as you can in the short-term.
Shore Up Your Finances Overall
In addition to some of these bigger-picture precautions, there are several things Americans can do right now to prepare for a potential illness.
- Establish or grow your emergency fund. While it is difficult to focus on saving at a time when Americans are losing jobs, having at least a few months of expenses is critical. Save what you can and when interest rates stabilize, consider opening a high-yield savings account.
- Re-evaluate your financial plan and stick to the basics. The basics ring true both during times of growth and times of uncertainty — having proper life insurance coverage, a well-established emergency fund, a properly diversified investment portfolio within your risk tolerance, and participation in company-sponsored retirement plans to receive the employer match if you’re able, are all vital elements of a protection-first financial plan.
- Get a handle on debt. Many lenders are now offering opportunities to change your payment plan. Evaluate revolving debt, such as credit card debt, personal loans or loans against your home equity, and work with your lender to create a plan that is sustainable in this environment.
It’s difficult to plan for something like this, but the current environment is a good opportunity to step back and evaluate what it means to really live within one’s means. Understanding what assets you have available and what your employer benefits or insurance policy covers before an illness or complication arises can alleviate a lot of physical and financial stress.
Talk to your financial professional to better understand how strengthening your emergency fund and incorporating protective measures into your portfolio can help you avoid a health-induced financial catastrophe.
Brian G. Madgett, CLU®, ChFC®, is Head of Consumer Education at New York Life. In this role, Brian helps families across the country learn how to build better futures, rooted in a protection-first financial plan, for themselves and those they love. Brian began his nearly 30-year career as a New York Life financial specialist and has since held several leadership roles within the company. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from John Jay College.
-
What Not to Do if an Employee or Loved One Is Kidnapped
Businesses need to have a crisis plan in place so that everyone knows what to do and how to do it. Sometimes, calling the authorities isn’t recommended.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
Why You Shouldn’t Let High Interest Rates Seduce You
While increased interest rates are improving the returns on high-yield savings accounts, that may not be an effective place to park your money for the long term.
By Kelly LaVigne, J.D. Published
-
What Not to Do if an Employee or Loved One Is Kidnapped
Businesses need to have a crisis plan in place so that everyone knows what to do and how to do it. Sometimes, calling the authorities isn’t recommended.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
Why You Shouldn’t Let High Interest Rates Seduce You
While increased interest rates are improving the returns on high-yield savings accounts, that may not be an effective place to park your money for the long term.
By Kelly LaVigne, J.D. Published
-
Need to Build an Emergency Fund? Seven Steps to Get There
Having a safety net can mean peace of mind on top of being able to maintain your lifestyle if a financial emergency strikes.
By Justin Stivers, Esq. Published
-
Which Type of Life Insurance Is Right for You?
Life insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all option. Here are the differences between term life, whole life and indexed universal life insurance.
By Jay Dorso Published
-
What Happens Financially When You Work One More Year?
The impact of saving more, spending less later and benefiting from an extra year or more of compounding can be truly staggering.
By Andrew Rosen, CFP®, CEP Published
-
Three Ways to Give to Your Kids Tax-Free While You’re Still Alive
Parents can see the positive impact of their giving through tax arbitrage, giving cash (within limits) or directly paying for school or medical expenses.
By Evan T. Beach, CFP®, AWMA® Published
-
Your Kids' Tax Brackets Could Lead to Unequal Inheritances
Sometimes, divvying things up equally means one child might end up with less because of tax implications. Here’s how to avoid that.
By Antwone Harris, MBA, CFP® Published
-
Traditional Retirement Accounts or Roth? How to Choose
Let’s compare traditional IRAs, traditional 401(k)s, Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s. Which might work best for you could depend on your income and tax status.
By Rich Guerrini Published