By Steve Davis, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™
 |
| 1986 Tour de France |
The only downside to watching the Tour on TV is the constant barrage of commercials. One, which seems to run repeatedly, advertises something called the “Road ID bracelet”. The Road ID provides emergency contact information and was based on the tragic story of a gentleman by the name of Jim Fixx. Jim wan an average Joe who took up running to lose weight and quickly lost 50 pounds. As a result of his experience, he wrote several books, and is known as the best selling running and fitness author of all time. Jim has been given credit for starting the Fitness and Running Boom of the early 80’s. Jim had lost weight, was running every day, and was feeling great! Then, on July 20, 1984, Jim was found unconscious on the side of the road - wearing only his jogging shorts. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead of a heart attack. Unfortunately, like most runners, joggers, cyclists, and walkers, Jim was not wearing identification when he had his accident. It wasn't until a day later that he was positively identified and his family contacted. He had never been to the doctor for a physical because as long as he was staying in shape, there was nothing to worry about, right? Wrong. Apparently, there was a history of heart disease in Jim’s family. When he died, his arteries were almost 95% clogged. If Jim had gone to the doctor every year for a physical, they could have detected the heart disease and been able to treat it.
Have You Scheduled Your Financial Physical?
So, what do the Tour de France and the story of Jim Fixx have to do with your personal finances? Well, it’s time for your financial physical. The year is now more than half over and now is a good time to sit with your financial advisor to review your finances and see if you’re meeting your financial goals.
Like the undulating roads throughout the Tour, our lives are constantly experiencing ups and downs. We experience joys of marriages, births and retirements and at other times face the difficulty of divorce, death and unemployment. The financial world is also constantly changing. Changes in the market place, investments, and tax laws are much more likely to happen today than ever before. With the ups and downs of the stock market and the current state of the global financial markets, it is more important than ever to make sure your portfolio is properly positioned and right for your current situation.
We meet with our doctors frequently to get a physical to make sure everything is okay. Regular health screenings are important. Underlying health conditions aren’t always obvious: nothing hurts, no unusual symptoms, everything seems fine until one experiences sudden chest pain, or discovers a lump while in the shower. When it comes to cancer, everyone knows that it is better to catch a health problem before its advanced stages. Most of us take routine tests and go to the doctor regularly in an effort to maintain our physical health. But how about our financial health? Do yourself and your family a favor and schedule a financial physical to make sure your financial health is in check.
Yes, I Bought a Road ID
 |
| Click here to visit my PMC Profile |
By the way, I ended up purchasing a Road ID bracelet because I’m currently training for the Pan Mass Challenge bicycle fundraiser to support the Jimmy Fund. This will be my 14th year riding in the event and if you would like to learn more about the PMC and why I ride, please visit my PMC Profile website: www.pmc.org/profile/SD0039
___________________________________________________________________________
This article was written by Steve Davis and appeared in the column "Talking with Davis about Money Matters" found at http://mansfield-ma.patch.com
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
