Hedging your bets

I've been thinking about personal financial planning a lot recently, probably because I've just completed a project for a new life insurance company. Last night it suddenly occurred to me that those of us with dependents are expected to buy life insurance in case we die too soon, while at the same time saving more for retirement in case we don't die soon enough. What a choice! You lose either way.

For some reason, thinking of the above reminded me of the following poem by Dorothy Parker.

Resumé

Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren't lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.

Don't worry. I'm not feeling particularly morbid. Honest.