I Thought I Was Protected…
This has been on my heart.
I’ve been having so many conversations lately about insurance, and honestly, it’s making me realize how many gaps there are in people’s coverage. At the same time, I’ve been seeing more and more Go Fund Me pages, someone blindsided and diagnosed with cancer, someone’s spouse suddenly passes, someone’s injured and can’t work. The financial burden that follows these moments is devastating. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s avoidable.
So I’m writing this newsletter because this conversation matters and we’re not having it enough. I’m writing this newsletter because I want to share what I wish someone had told me. Because this isn’t just theory for me. I’ve lived it.
Earlier in life, I truly believed my employer benefits were enough.
I didn’t think I needed to invest in anything more. I didn’t know better, I wasn’t an insurance expert and I wasn’t having conversations with anyone who could explain it to me differently. I had mortgage life insurance and creditor insurance through my lender for my life. I assumed that would be fine.
Then life happened.
I ended up needing short-term disability, which turned into long-term disability for 18 months. But it only paid 30% of my income. I was a single mom. I had kids to provide for. I had bills to pay. So I did what many people do:
I pulled from my investments that were meant for my future and my kids. I went into debt—thousands of dollars, just to keep going.
I thought I was doing the responsible thing, but the truth is:
I didn’t have adequate insurance.
And when I left that job and started searching for new coverage, I was declined.
Because I had a history.
Because I was now a higher risk.
And suddenly, the thing I had overlooked became something I couldn’t access, at least not affordably.
That has been one of the biggest financial mistakes I’ve made.
And even now, I’m still feeling the effects of it.
Here’s the truth:
We mandate car insurance. We mandate house insurance.
But protecting your income, your health, your family, your actual life?
That’s optional.
And somehow, that’s made it feel…less important?
Not to me. Not anymore.
I get it—insurance has a bad reputation.
We’ve all heard the horror stories: the salespeople who sell you something you don’t need, the fine print you didn’t understand, the claim that doesn’t get paid out, or the realization too late that you didn’t have the right kind of policy. Those stories travel fast.
What we don’t hear enough of are the quiet success stories. The “thank God I had this” moments.
Stories like:
I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to take a full year off work. But I had a critical illness policy that paid me $100,000. That money gave me the ability to heal without financial panic. I could take care of my kids, keep my home, and focus on getting better.
That kind of reassurance? It’s priceless.
But here’s the thing, you don’t get to feel that until you need it.
And ideally? You never will…
That’s the disconnect with insurance, it doesn’t give you the instant gratification that other purchases do. Spend $200/month on clothes, facials, or massages and you feel it right away: dopamine, confidence, good vibes.
Spend $200/month on insurance? It feels like “just another bill.”
Until the moment you need it, and suddenly, it’s everything.
Let’s break it down simply:
• Critical Illness Insurance pays you a lump sum (often tax-free) if you’re diagnosed with something serious like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. It’s your money, to use however you need.
• Disability Insurance replaces a portion of your income if you can’t work due to illness or injury. Whether it’s for 6 months or several years, it helps you stay financially stable when everything else feels unstable.
And they are not the same thing, but they work together. One helps you recover, the other helps you live while you do.
And no, your work benefits likely aren’t enough!
Most employer plans offer only small CI coverage (if any), and disability coverage is often basic beyond short term disability, unless you’ve paid extra for more. And if you change jobs, get laid off, or your company shifts providers? That coverage disappears.
So ask yourself:
• If something happened tomorrow, what would your plan be?
• Could you take a year off work and still pay your bills?
• Would you be dipping into retirement savings? Equity? Debt?
And for self-employed business owners?
There is no group plan.
You are your own HR department, your own safety net.
Which makes it even more important to understand your options and get protection in place.
If you’re building your own business, supporting a family, or carrying the weight of your income alone, ask yourself:
• Could I take 6–12 months off work and still be okay financially?
• What would happen to my business, or my life, if I couldn’t earn income?
• Would I be forced to dip into retirement savings, use home equity, or take on debt?
Because those are the choices people are left with when there’s no plan in place.
A lot of people ask me:
Why wouldn’t I just invest that money every month instead?
And my answer is: you absolutely can (and should) build an emergency or “insurance fund.” But if you were diagnosed tomorrow, would you have enough saved?
Until that “insurance fund” is fully built, insurance gives you time, flexibility, and protection. You can always adjust coverage later, but you can’t go back in time after a diagnosis.
Insurance buys you time. It buys you options. It protects your future from being spent in the present.
I want to bring more light and energy to these conversation, not from a place of fear, but from responsibility and financial empowerment.
Because this is your livelihood. Your future. Your peace of mind.
This is your financial safety net.
And you deserve to be informed, not sold to.
If anything I’ve said resonates with you, I invite you to book a free 30-minute Insurance Education Call.
No pressure. No sleazy sales tactics. Just education, support, and a chance to get clear on your options.
Let’s talk before life forces the conversation.
Sending BIG love your way!
Your friend in financial empowerment,
Kim
Looking Ahead…
As a business owner and creative, I’m always reflecting on how I can continue to serve and support women in reclaiming their financial power and emotional confidence. Over the two years, I’ve experienced tremendous personal and professional growth, and it’s clear that my services are evolving alongside that journey.
Here’s what I’m working on:
Financial Leadership Intensives: Powerful, intensive sessions designed for the Professional, Business Owner, Entrepreneur and trailblazer wanting to create clarity, strategy, automation and empowerment in their money! Do you want to learn more about this high impact, personalized, 1:1 offer? Hit reply and let’s start the conversation!
Investing School Dates: Designed for big transformation and investing empowerment in ONE WEEKEND. Next cohort is April 5th and 6th via Zoom. This is a dynamic group training and workshop which includes a personalized 1:1 call upon completion. This 1:1 work will not be offered in future cohorts, take advantage now by replying to this email and I will send you the information!
A Personal Message
Each message I share with you comes from a place of genuine experience and reflection. I believe in the power of our stories to inspire and heal not just ourselves but also those around us. As we step into this journey together, I want to remind each of you that growth often comes with discomfort. My role is not just to provide guidance and support but to walk alongside you as you navigate this path. Your stories inspire and motivate me every day, and I am here to support you as both a guide and a fellow traveler.
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