by Patty
(Michigan)
I never expected to be retiring with a disability.
I figured I'd have a few good years traveling with my spouse before we slowed down to spend more time with the grand kids.
Disability costs - like nursing homes and at-home care seemed really far away. When I developed a serious disability that forced me to retire early, I was shocked and woefully unprepared.
My best suggestion is for you to plan early. Put aside money for retirement - more than you think you'll need, not less - and sketch out several scenarios.
Best case scenario, everything goes fine.
Worst case scenario, you need constant, and expensive at-home care, prescriptions and other medical costs.
I have had to rely on my kids far more than I had planned, and with the economy as it is, it's hard on them.