Behavioral Trap: Why We Avoid Talking About Illness & Aging
We all know the conversation is coming—but we tend to delay it as long as we can.
Talking about aging, illness, and the possibility of needing care someday often stirs something deep in us. It’s not just about logistics or finances—it’s about vulnerability, loss of control, and the fear of becoming a burden.
This is what behavioral psychologists call “avoidance coping.” We put off thinking about hard things because they make us uncomfortable. But the irony is that avoiding these conversations often leads to even more stress down the line—especially for the people we love.
At Stahlnecker Wealth Management Group, we’ve seen this pattern more times than we can count:
A family is caught off guard because no one wanted to “jinx it.”
A spouse is left making big decisions under pressure.
Adult children are forced to guess what Mom or Dad would’ve wanted.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Planning ahead doesn’t mean expecting the worst. It means preparing wisely—so you can live with more freedom, clarity, and peace of mind today.
That’s the goal behind The Financial Fire Drill. It’s a simple way to get your bearings, identify risks, and spot blind spots before they become problems. Think of it as a check-up for your financial health—and your family’s future.
Let’s start the conversation.
It’s not always easy, but it’s one of the most loving things you can do for yourself and those around you.
