Yesterday, we looked at how smart charitable giving can protect your wallet while supporting your values. But today’s topic might hit even closer to home—and it’s not about what you earn, but what you avoid losing.

Medical errors are now the third leading cause of death in the U.S. That’s not a typo. From misdiagnoses to medication mix-ups, what happens in hospitals and doctor’s offices can silently wreck your health—and your retirement finances.

But here’s something most retirees never consider: you don’t have to be passive in the healthcare system. You can fight back with one simple, low-tech, high-impact tool—a personal health journal.

What does that mean? It’s a small notebook or digital log where you track:

• Every diagnosis, symptom, and change in medication

• Doctor names and dates of visits

• Questions you want answered before your next appointment

• Side effects, insurance communications, and any billing surprises

Why does it matter? Because you are the only one in every room—doctor’s office, ER, pharmacy—who truly knows your full story. And when records don’t transfer, when a nurse gets the dose wrong, or when you’re asked to “recall your history,” this journal becomes your defense.

Retirees who do this avoid duplicate procedures, prevent interactions between medications, and spot incorrect charges before they pay out of pocket. It’s not paranoia—it’s preparedness.

And yes, it saves money too. Medicare doesn’t cover everything. Insurance denials, uncovered treatments, or extended recovery from a botched procedure can chew through your savings fast. But when you have documentation in hand, you gain leverage, clarity, and peace of mind.

The elites? You better believe they keep teams to manage their health records. But you don’t need a team. You just need a notebook—and the habit of paying attention.

Tomorrow, we’ll turn to a new topic: how retirees are using side gigs—not just to earn extra cash, but to stay sharp, social, and politically independent.