Coffee With Carla.
I’ve known Carla for probably over 20 years. I first met Carla sitting in my salon chair, and over the years I’m sure we’ve had countless “coffee conversations” while I did her hair.
What started as a client relationship slowly turned into friendship. Built over years of updates, laughter, celebrations, hard seasons, and milestones. Carla has been such a loyal supporter throughout the years, and that support has meant more to me than what she probably knows.
As many of you know, my journey now includes insurance along with hair.
I love what I do, specifically helping families understand the importance of long-term care planning. What I’ve loved most about this new chapter are the deeper conversations it opens up. Conversations about family, future plans, protecting independence, and preparing for life’s unexpected moments.
Recently, Carla shared with me why long-term care insurance became important to her and her husband.
When I asked Carla what made her start thinking about long-term care planning? Here’s what she had to say. “My girlfriend who was widowed at 47 bought a policy after her husband’s death- it got me thinking about it. My husband and I bought a policy, a year later my husband was diagnosed with a blood cancer- which then we would not of been eligible for long-term care insurance.”
That statement alone is such an important reminder. Sometimes we think we have more time. More time to plan, get coverage, look into it later. But life has a way of changing quickly. I then asked how this coverage makes her feel about her future. “Hopefully we will never have to use it, but if we do, we have a plan in place.” Honestly, that’s exactly what planning is about. Not fear. Not expecting the worst. Just having peace of mind knowing there’s a strategy in place if life takes an unexpected turn.
I then asked her if someone asked why LTC insurance is important, what would you tell them? “It can be expensive, but if you can afford it, it’s worth it. I have a sister in assisted living and it costs over $90k per year- and it goes up every year.”
That really surprises many people. Long-term care costs are rising every year, and families are often left trying to figure things out during an already emotional and stressful season.
What I appreciate most about this conversation with Carla is how honest and practical it was. Long-term care planning isn’t always an easy topic, but it’s one of the most loving things we can do for ourselves and for the people we care about most.
So thankful for coffee conversations, longtime friendships, and clients who trust me enough to share their stories.
If you’ve ever wondered what long-term care planning could look like for your own family, I’d love to sit down over coffee and have the conversation with you too.
Tracy DeWaard