Realizing Parallels on Top of Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mountains, Climate Change and Asset Protection

Obviously you are thinking these issues have nothing in common, but I recently discovered the thread linking all three issues.

Last week I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. At over 19,000 feet, the effort to get to the top was considerable. The base camp is at 15,000 feet and you start the last leg of the climb at midnight. Depending on your resolve and physical shape, this part of the climb will take you anywhere from 5 to 12 hours. Once on top you certainly feel the euphoria of your efforts and the views, for me, are unsurpassed. One of the amazing things to see on top are glaciers - The Snows of Kilimanjaro. They are impressive, but little remain today and after a continuous struggle with climate change, the remainder will be gone in 15 to 20 years.

The link with asset protection? I have spent considerable time and effort saving money for my retirement and family security and have recently lost more money than I care to think about in my real estate and stock investments. Now at age 55, I have to be diligent to ensure that what remains is not slowly or quickly dissipated. Working in the long term care insurance field, I often see how what has been built up for decades (or thousands of years in terms of glaciers) can dissipate quickly if steps aren't taken to protect what we have.

My resolve to climb to the top and protect my family are significant. The forces of nature and man-made problems are melting the snows and are causing a need for extended care. My commitment now to climb more mountains, contribute my efforts to limit the effects of climate change and to help others protect themselves and their families from the impacts of the extended care costs.