This is for you. Point ONE will help you re-think your life-style and your spending. While Point TWO will open your eyes to a valuable resource you may well be entitled to, but have forgotten.

Back to the story of my friend with the tumor.

1) He didn't go in for an examination sooner because he had no medical insurance. Why didn't he have medical insurance?

He's an unemployed corporate executive who typically earned a very healthy income - generally at least 3 - 4 times what I average in a year.

Yet, why is it that people, and I see this often, who earn six-figure incomes don't manage to save enough money so that when they are unemployed for extended periods of time, they can't afford fundamental things like health insurance?

The point I want YOU to think about is financial blindness. Are you feeling all cozy and secure in your steady job or position? Are you being paid really well - but still managing to run up debt and live beyond your means?

STOP IT!

Just, flat out stop overspending. Why the heck can't you live well on $150,000 or $200,000 or more, without spending more than you earn each and every month?

If you're in this boat, it's time to take a serious look at your spending and see where you can cut back. People in your income-level, in jobs, have a tendency to lose those positions due to mergers or other sudden events - and it often takes 6 months to 2 years to return to that earning level.

2. Why didn't my friend think of going to the Veterans Administration (VA) sooner? Why is it that white-collar folks, executives, people at the top of the heap never think of applying for VA benefits - especially after you've been out of work for an extended time and your COBRA coverage has expired?

I've come to notice that often, when you think of VA patients, what comes to mind is either current military, retired admirals, lifers, or indigents with some syndrome left over after Vietnam or other military service trauma. You don't think of corporate executives.

YOU FORGOT YOU'RE A VETERAN!

Yet, millions of ordinary people, like you - or your son or daughter, or you friend's son or daughter, served a full stint in one of the armed services, including the Reserves. You've probably not forgotten the experience. Yet, you don't think of the VA, except when it comes time to get a mortgage - or perhaps an education.

Why not?

Health insurance is becoming more and more expensive. Isn't it time to find out if you're entitled to take advantage of the VA for medical care?

Or look at your family members or friends who you know are struggling with the costs, or who are out of work. Help them find out if they qualify for VA medical benefits.

Don't hesitate because you think those facilities are for the poor or street people. The VA has some of the most highly skilled medical staff around. After all, presidents, generals and admirals get their care there, don't they?

And while we're looking at the VA, when was the last time you thought of getting re-educated or re-trained, as technology starts whizzing over your head? Have you checked to see if you still qualify for VA educational benefits? They're not just for kids freshly released from the service, you know.

Look at the Veterans Administration website.

Aside from health benefits, the VA offers vocational rehab, education - and they have job openings. In fact, as a veteran, you have preference getting hired in the system. (See notes about applicant eligibility.)

So, wherever you are in life, don't forget you're also a veteran - and if you need the VA's services, please, take care of yourself and your family - and get the care and help you need.