04/20/2026
This is a picture of a lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. This was one of the last hikes Lauren and I went on together before we knew about her ovarian tumor diagnosis (the photo is from January 1st, and her diagnosis was the 2nd). I see it and think of the bliss that I had and the hard things to come.
It's important for me to share because I think to the future. Often. "Pay yourself first" is a way of life for me. Save consistently. Invest for the future. We've done that. And we still do.
But Lauren's diagnosis and surgery forced me to rethink. After her diagnosis, my instinct was to do as I have always done:
Rebuild. Replenish. Optimize.
Instead, we made a different decision. We’re still paying ourselves first. But we’re also making intentional space to live now. For us, that means planning a return trip to the Alps, a place deeply meaningful to her, and finally building a covered patio at home where she can enjoy everyday life in Denver.
Before, these were “someday” goals. Now, they don’t feel like things to delay.
That experience reminded me of something I talk about often with patients: what matters most. It applies just as much to our finances as it does to our health.
Life doesn’t always wait. Financial planning isn’t just about building wealth for the future. It’s about aligning your resources with what matters, both now and later.
We still save. We still invest. But we’re also more intentional about living the life we’re building along the way. If this is something you’ve been thinking about, I’d encourage you to reflect on your own balance.
Are you only planning for someday—or are you also living today?
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👉 Read the full post here: https://www.themedicinecheck.com/latest/pay-yourself-first-but-dont-forget-to-live
