Do You Do Stupid/Risky Things that Jeopardize Your Financial Future?

Here's a piece I've been noodling on for quite some time -- ever since Ben Roethlisberger crashed his motorcycle while not wearing a helmet and almost ended his career. But it got lost in my mind (there's lots of empty space in there) for awhile until it was moved to the forefront with the recent plane crash by Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle.

Here were two guys making a boatload of money every year and they're out doing risky things like riding a motorcycle without a helmet and flying a plane. What were they thinking? Didn't they know that their activities were more risky than normal activities -- and that they were risking everything? Or were they even thinking at all? After all, if something happened to them, there goes their millions.

Then I got to thinking, the under-lying principle is no different for any of us either. If anything happens to me, for instance, then the income my job provides (which is my family's single-biggest asset) is gone. Yes, we do have disability insurance (in case I can't work) and life insurance (in case I die), but both of these, while providing for my family, won't provide enough income to fully replace my salary.

So I wondered -- is there anything I'm doing that's over-the-top when it comes to being risky? I used to ride ATVs quite often (and fairly aggressively), but don't do that any longer. But I do have one activity that could be considered risky: I ride my bicycle on the road quite often. You know, the road where cars and trucks drive? Yes, I try to be careful, but it is a bit risky. It's a fine balance between having fun and keeping safe, isn't it?

So this leads me to a few questions: Do you do anything risky that could be putting your income/career at stake? What's the balance between having fun in life and not being too risky? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Comments

[digitalreligion]

My dad road bikes as well, typically early in the morning with a couple of other guys he knows. They recent had a run in with a deer, and the 2 guys ahead of him were able to stop, but his hands were on his aero bars, and he couldn't. He ended up hitting the guy in front of him, flipping over the handle bars, and sliding about 20-30 feet. He thought he was fine until he got up and felt his collar bone sticking out. Luckily, he is self employed and it was his non-dominant arm, but it put him out of commission for a few days, going to see doctors, and being on pain killers. Just something to look out for if you live in an area with deer - it's not just cars and trucks that'll get ya. The deer also get horrible traction on the road and can't get out of the way quickly enough.

[FMF]

Funny you should post that. I missed a deer by 10 yards this year. I was wearing an iPod (one ear -- other ear listening for traffic) and cruising (not paying full attention), when I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I didn't see it until it popped up on the road. It ran at a very fast pace right in front of me. I'd never seen a deer that close going that fast. If it had hit me, I would have certainly gotten the bad end of the collision.

[Blaine Moore (First Time Homeowner)]

I go out and run almost every day, usually when there is traffic on the road. I was hit by a car once when I was a kid, and am paranoid that it will happen again. Chances are good that my income could be at risk if I were hit again.

Not running, however, gives me little reason to want to go to work in the first place. Or do anything else. That might not be quite as true as it was before I met my wife, but it is still somewhat true.

[FMF]

Blaine -- You'll be interested to know that I paced (on a bike) a marathon this past weekend (They had cyclists lead the pack to make sure the leaders were on the right path.). It was cool crossing the finish line with all the people cheering. Plus, it was a pretty easy ride since I can ride a bit faster than they can run. ;-)

[Barry]

I do whitewater kayaking and inline skating. These aren't the most risky sports, but it's not exactly sitting on the sofa. My philosophy is to enjoy myself but avoid take stupid chances (like running rivers beyond my ability or doing skate tricks). These are some of the activities I enjoy most in life, and it's the way I stay in shape, so I'm not planning to change.

There is a great line from a Jimmy Buffett song I have taken to heart, "I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead."

[Kevin Behringer]

I can't think of one particularily risky thing I do, other than getting out of bed in the morning.

Sure, some people do stupid things (ie not wearing a helmet on a motorcycle) but other things that are seen as "risky" but if you take care to do them as safely as possible, I don't see them as stupid.

I think choosing not to do something because it might be a little risky and therefore potentially "endanger your career" is pretty stupid in itself. It's putting the cart before the horse to me. I don't work to make and horde money, I work to live.

In Roethlisberger's case, while I think not wearing a helmet is stupid, it's his choice. Plus, he's a single guy and if he kills himself, it doesn't effect a family. Family men need to consider their choices more carfully, but I think that some of the "risky" things posted here are what make people work and want to live.

[Binary Dollar]

I used to bike to work everyday. That's pretty risky since cars almost hit me on a regular basis. It's too cold to ride now. I'll continue in the spring.

Wear a helmet.

[Shayan]

I have mixed opinions about this topic. While I agree that everyone should take precautions and avoid unnecessary risks, I don't feel that flying a plane is something that falls under that category. With the proper precautions, flying is quite safe.

Same goes for riding motorcycles. It was stupid of Roethlisberger to be riding without a helmet, but I've been riding for a few years and have been fortunate enough to have never been close to an accident. Before getting my riding license, I took riding classes and I never ride without proper gear.

In the end, what good is making boat-loads of money if you can't enjoy it - its all about taking calculated risks and minimizing the risks in the activities that you participate in.

[Chris M]

You should really look at what's risky. ~600 people a year die cycling. 40,000 driving. Per hour road cycling is barely more risky than driving. Deaths per million you're more at risk crossing the street or slipping in the shower and dying of a head injury.