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:
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-200-80.png](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-320-80.png)
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.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
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.
-
Visa Is the Worst Dow Stock Wednesday. Here's Why
Visa stock is down sharply Wednesday after the credit card company came up short of revenue expectations for its fiscal Q3.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Another Analyst Moves to the Sidelines on Tesla Stock After Earnings
Tesla stock is spiraling Wednesday after the EV maker's big earnings miss and Wall Street has been quick to weigh in. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Confused by Annuities? Making Sense of the Different Types
Many investors aren't sure if annuities are a good option for meeting financial goals. Let's look at the different categories, along with their pros and cons.
By Kris Maksimovich, AIF®, CRPC®, CPFA®, CRC® Published
-
Talkin' 'Bout My Generational Wealth: Baby Boomers
With retirement, each generation has different priorities and challenges. For Baby Boomers, it's a matter of ready or not, here it comes.
By Alvina Lo Published
-
How to Avoid a Big Hassle if Your Financed Car Gets Wrecked
How an insurance check is made out for repairs can cause a world of problems if the lienholder is left out.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
Estate Planning Strategies to Consider as Election Nears
Are big changes in tax laws coming soon? Not likely, but you might want to take advantage of higher estate and gift tax exemptions well before the end of 2025.
By David Handler, J.D. Published
-
How to Get Your Money's Worth From Your Financial Adviser
A good financial adviser will focus on how your financial planning and investment strategy align with your lifestyle and aspirations.
By Pam Krueger Published
-
Think of Prenups and Postnups as Financial Planning Tools
These contracts provide a clear framework for asset management and protection and are especially useful if you get married later in life.
By Andrew Hatherley, CDFA®, CRPC® Published
-
Congratulations on Your Raise: Three Things to Do With It
We're not saying you shouldn't spend it on a new car, but there are some considerations to guard against lifestyle creep and to help ensure a comfy retirement.
By Andrew Rosen, CFP®, CEP Published
-
Check Off These Four Financial Tasks to Finish 2024 Strong
The new year is a popular time to set financial goals, but now is the ideal time to check how you're doing. Four tweaks could make a big difference.
By Daniel Razvi, Esquire Published