Q: Both my husband and I are in our sixties and have been diligent in our working years to save money that we hope will be enough to care for ourselves for our lifetimes. Our home is paid for, we have our profit-sharing checks and social security, and we have purchased life and health insurance.

What else should we have on our priority list?

A: Our futures are unknown and unpredictable. In aging, our top priority is maintaining the best health we can. Are you following your doctor's recommendations?

Are you exercising, staying socially involved, volunteering, maintaining your faith, enjoying your family, learning, not judging others and remaining positive? These actions and habits are proven life extenders.

It is worth it to pay for the advice of professional and certifified advisors, who are qualified to anticipate changes in upcoming tax, trust, insurance rates and other expenses. For example, to attract more clients, some insurance companies are now offering less expensive long-term health policies.

Reading financial publications such as the Wall St. Journal and the Economist and chatting with your bank manager can prove helpful. Libraries usually have free copies.

Lou Carlozo, a financial columnist, wrote a recent article that discussed a research study detailing the habits of what wealthy people do ever day to stay rich.

—The rich read financial and business publications.

—About 81 percent of them write a daily to-do list. Their success rate for actually accomplishing their lists registers in at 70 percent.

—The rich do not watch much TV.

—They maintain a regular exercise routine, monitor their health, maintain a positive attitude and network with others to keep educated and informed. They maintain a consistent sleep schedule and wake up early.

I believe these routines are the secret of their success !

PAYING FOR LONG-TERM CARE

Q: My husband and I have been discussing the possibility of buying long-term medical insurance. We are in our 50s and have awakened to the fact that the cost increases every year we age. Who knows how our future health will be? What options should we be considering?

A: First, your genes. Although it is only one factor, how would you grade your parents' health? Your answers offer clues as to what you may face ahead. Accidents, mental issues, bad luck and other issues are unknown.

Schedule appointments with at least two sales representatives to learn what your options are. Age, costs and timing are factors up for discussion.

When I purchased my long-term care I chose to purchase only about half of what I felt I would need. I believe and hope I will be in a good position with Medicare and able to pay any balances from my other assets and investments.

Although this may be foolish, wishful thinking, and long-term care can be costly, other sources are available. I hope my plan will work.

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at [email protected]. Betty is a friend of Doug Mayberry, whom she helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.