While talking with my financial advisor this morning, I found out that he worried about us filing for bankruptcy when we first started seeing him.  He said that our financial situation wasn't great and almost felt that bankruptcy would be our best option.  Luckily, we steered us a different direction and helped us learn how to manage our money.  Don't get me wrong, we have a lot to learn and a long way to go before I will feel financially secure, but we have a plan and a budget that we stick to. One of my fears has been that we would end up broke because of a job lose or another medical bill. I was so happy when I found a financial planner that I trusted. I feel like he understands our goals and is guiding us to them. He has taught us a great deal. He really takes the time to explain things to us, so we can make decisions on our own. He never pushes anything on us. He teaches us the pros and cons, then lets us chose what is best for us. I guess that is why I like him. I like to make my own decisions and tend to rebel with forced into something.