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When life takes a detour: The value of having an income you can rely on
Nikanor Ruben, Personal Finance Far North Regional Manager, Old Mutual Namibia

When life takes a detour: The value of having an income you can rely on

Most people don’t wake up thinking about what would happen if they couldn’t work tomorrow. We tend to assume that the ability to earn a living is a constant, as dependable as the sun rising. But the truth is, life has a way of reminding us just how fragile that assumption can be.



Whether you're in your 20s just starting your career, or well into your 50s with responsibilities stacked high, the ability to earn a monthly income is central to almost everything: paying the bills, covering school fees, sending money home, keeping food on the table. It's more than just a paycheque; it's dignity, independence, and peace of mind.



Now imagine what happens when that income suddenly stops, not because you chose to quit, but because an illness or injury made it impossible for you to continue working. The emotional shock is one thing. But the financial fallout? That can be devastating. And it’s not just about the big things, it’s the small, everyday needs that start slipping through your fingers. That’s when people often turn to parents, children, or siblings for help. But wouldn’t it feel better knowing you’d already made a plan that would take care of those pressures?



The truth is, not all employers offer full disability cover as part of their benefits. And even if they do, it might not be enough to sustain your lifestyle, especially if recovery is long-term or rehabilitation requires added costs. That’s why having something in place that guarantees you a monthly income, even if you’re unable to earn it yourself, becomes essential.



Good planning looks different for different people. Some might want the comfort of knowing they'll receive income immediately, within a week or a month. Others may have enough saved up to wait a little longer. The beauty is in the flexibility: the ability to choose an option that suits your waiting period, your income needs, and even your family structure.



For young professionals, it’s about independence. For parents, it’s about not becoming a burden. For everyone, it’s about knowing that if life takes a detour, your financial journey doesn’t have to crash.



In the end, disability cover isn’t just about preparing for the worst. It’s about preserving the life you've worked so hard to build, ensuring that your goals and responsibilities remain intact, even if your health doesn’t cooperate. And that’s not pessimism. That’s smart, empowering, and deeply human planning.

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