Long-term care (LTC) can be expensive, and many people are concerned about how they will pay for it in retirement. One option is to self-insure, which means saving up enough money to cover the cost of LTC out of pocket.

There are a few reasons why people choose to self-insure for LTC. One reason is that LTC insurance can be expensive, and not everyone can afford it. Another reason is that people may be concerned about the financial risks associated with LTC insurance, such as the possibility of premiums increasing or the policy becoming void if they forget to pay a premium.

​If you are considering self-insuring for LTC, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to estimate how much money you will need to save. This will depend on a number of factors, such as your age, health, and expected length of stay in a LTC facility.

Second, you need to decide how you will save the money. You can do this by setting up a dedicated savings account, investing in LTC-specific investments, or using a combination of both.

Finally, you need to make sure that you have a plan for managing your LTC expenses. This may involve creating a budget, finding a financial advisor, or designating a trusted friend or family member to manage your finances if you become incapacitated.

Self-insuring for LTC is not without its risks. However, it can be a good option for people who are concerned about the cost of LTC insurance or who want to have more control over their finances.

Here are some of the pros and cons of self-insuring for LTC:

Pros:
- You have more control over your finances.
- You may be able to save money on premiums.
- You may be able to find a policy that better meets your needs.

Cons:
- You may not be able to afford to save enough money.
- You may have to pay more for LTC out of pocket.
- You may not be able to find a policy that meets your needs.

Want to learn more about long-term care and the risks you will face in retirement?

​Dave’s book dives into why the old paradigm of retirement planning calls for a lot of change. With more and more retirees running out of money long before they see the end of retirement, now is the time to learn what you can do to make your retirement the safest, most secure possible! Getting Safely Through Retirement: A New Paradigm in Retirement Planning helps you learn just what you can do.