Why Live With Dignity, Our Story

May is my birthday month, so I decided to make this edition super special. I’m going out of my comfort zone to share my personal story of why Live with Dignity, and why I do what I do. This is one of the hardest posts I’ve ever written. I am a private person by nature, but I believe that when you hear my story of coming to the US, creating my family, and sharing my story of loss, you’ll see why I am so passionate about helping families. I truly believe family is everything and thank God every day for mine.

Thank you for reading my story, I appreciate you!

All my best,
Sheilla

My Filipino Roots

I was born and raised in the Philippines. We lived in a modest home, and my parents worked as a pharmacist and an engineer in a local government office called the Veterinary Inspection Board. They are honest, frugal people who live simply to this day. I realized their values had influenced me greatly, and I grew up being economical and practical with money.

They didn’t spend much on luxury or fun activities for themselves but made sure their children’s needs were always taken care of and received the best education. We didn’t have as many toys as my kids enjoyed, which taught my sister and me to be creative and resourceful with the games and toys we were given.

When I registered for my college, I found out in surprise that my parents bought a college plan for me when I was three years old. That stuck with me, and looking back now, that is the very reason why I’m doing the same for my kids. My mom also was able to petition us to the US after 20 years of waiting, which means she applied when she was still single before she dated my dad. We owe it to her planning that we are here.

My parents did look after us well. I’m making this realization as I’m writing this, and I’m so thankful. And I hope my kids will also look back and realize that I planned well and looked after them well.

Growing up shy

I’ve always been an introvert. Growing up, I was shy. I was never invited to my neighbor’s birthday parties. Neighbors thought I was stuck up. Inside, I wanted to be friends with them, but I was shy and couldn’t make the first move. So I kept to my books and focused on learning about all kinds of subjects.

My mom expected me to excel in school. When my kindergarten teacher told my mom that I wasn’t raising my hand even if I knew the answer, my mom sat me down. She didn’t have to tell me twice. I wanted to make my mom proud. I overcame my fear and started raising my hand. I became first in my class, and ever since, I have been driven to excel all the way through college.

To this day, it takes me a bit of time to be comfortable to share my thoughts, and open up, ask questions, and volunteer. But I have made leaps and bounds from that shy little girl. As a business, and professional I have to be the one to make the first move. If you notice, I’m private, and it has taken me years to share all this with you.  

When I went to the University of Philippines (UP) to study Physical Therapy (PT), I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but I knew I could go to medical school afterward.  That was my exit strategy, although I didn’t have to use it. I found that I liked the Physical Therapy field. (Of course, it was my mom who encouraged me to become a PT!)

I finished my Physical Therapy Degree at one of the most prestigious universities graduating with honors. I passed the board exams and was in the top twenty. And while I found a job that I liked, it wasn’t the best. A year after graduation, I decided it was time for me to move to the US. I had a farewell party with friends.

Deciding to move my whole life to a new country was not easy, but I knew if I wanted to make something of myself, I needed to do it. I wanted the opportunity to become independent and travel, buy a car, buy a house, and have a family.

Establishing a life in the US

Our family’s first Christmas in the United States. My mom, dad, and younger sister.

In 2000 I came to Vallejo, California, with my sister and mom. My dad was already here for several years working while my sister, mom, and I stayed back in the Philippines while my sister and I went to school.

The original plan was for my sister and mom to return to the Philippines and then permanently move here after my sister finishes college there. But I said to my mom and sister, “Why don’t you just stay here so we can all be together?” And so it was decided. My poor sister didn’t get a chance to return home and say goodbye to her friends. She was a trooper and continued college here.

As I built a career in PT, I first worked in a hospital, where I rotated in different areas. I worked at an outpatient and then tried a nursing home setting as I worked per diem. I was able to see what each was like and know which work setting I liked. After I got married and had my first baby, I decided to go into home health.

My experience in outpatient (working with younger patients) and home health ( geriatric patients) opened my eyes to many things that my patients go through when fighting their health insurance to get services and equipment covered. It became apparent to me that having health insurance was not enough. Having savings to keep you afloat for unexpected illness and emergencies was very, very important. I started to work more to save more. I was stressed, trying to be present for my family and working many hours to provide for us.

My husband and I tried to have another child when my daughter was four years old, but I had a difficult time. It wasn’t happening!

I’m someone who likes to check off things on my list and accomplish goals. That was next on my list, and it bothered me that I could not achieve it.

Sadly, I had a miscarriage at six weeks, which was a painful experience. Physical pain is something you forget. But not the emotional pain.

I kept trying. I finally got pregnant with Liezl Moira. She was with us for 24 weeks before we lost her. We held her and gave her a special funeral service. She is our little angel now.

The pain from losing her was the most I ever felt. Even worse than the pain of childbirth or miscarriage. I had to heal, and with God’s grace, I did.

Picking up the pieces and finding meaning after tragedy

While I was healing from Liezl, I experienced a realization.  I realized that life is too short to live on autopilot and be unfulfilled in any area of my life. I want to live life fully and on my own terms. I want to realize my full potential and become what God meant me to be:  To help people in a real and meaningful way. To make an impact on the lives I touch and be an example to my children.

After a few months of healing, I was ready to try again. Our rainbow baby, Jude was born exactly one year and two days after Liezl Moira was stillborn! 

With my family complete, I then researched how I could fulfill my life’s mission of helping others. God answered my prayers by leading me on a new career path and to a life-changing company.

First, FEG Insurance Services provided the solutions that I needed to ensure my family would have the financial means to live in dignity if something happened to me. And also help other families avoid the troubles I see my PT patients have when they receive catastrophic health news.

Do you have any questions about how Living Benefits can help your family during a medical crisis?  To find out more schedule a meeting with me.

Second, FEG provided the means to the life I want to live:

To have time with my family while I make a living helping other families secure themselves.

To make a lasting impact in the lives of others.

To be independent.

To grow and hone skills that allow me to manage my time and income, and

To take care of my clients in a way that resonates with my values.

Proudly helping 300 families (and counting) all over the United States!

Why Live With Dignity

After years of helping families, I found the most satisfaction in helping women and health care providers, caregivers like myself, to plan to live a life of dignity.

Living in dignity means:

• Being able to focus on getting better because money is not an issue
• Being able to live comfortably and pay your mortgage even if you’re sick and can’t work
• Being able to take care of your sick family member because you can afford not to work
• Being able to afford the best care even when not covered by health insurance
• Living a quality of life until your last days
• Continuing to take care of the people who matter most even after you’re gone or no longer can work
• Being able to enjoy a full life in retirement with your physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs met

In keeping with my mission to help my clients live in dignity throughout their lives until their last breath, I pursued the RICP® designation which stands for Retirement Income Certified Professional.

This gave me the tools to help retirees navigate the confusing labyrinth of aging in place, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, retirement benefits, pensions, long-term care, health insurance, tax consequences, and transfer of assets after death.

I’ve always been an avid learner. I am always working on being better than I ever was.  To my clients, rest assured that because of this, you are in good hands. I want to be the best for you! 

I hope that sharing this story with you will help you in some way with your own struggles, as I have struggled with many insecurities, and still do.

If there is anything you need or want to ask, I’m always available to help. I would also love to hear your story. That’s why I do what I do.

Becoming A Published Author

Since the time this was originally written, many things have happened. By the grace of God, I became a published coauthor of the best-selling Women, Money, and the Energy of Life. This book is an anthology co-written by 14 women including myself from 10 countries who shared their personal stories and wisdom in finding abundance in their lives. You can purchase a copy here.

For residents of the US, I have signed copies available for a limited time. Send me an email if you would like to purchase a signed copy.

Have you noticed all the green? Here’s why:

In choosing the color of my brand, I decided on the color green. Green symbolizes healing, balance and money. I am in a way a healer as a physical therapist, literally helping people get back on their feet. 

As a financial professional, I help people grow their money. I strive to maintain balance in my family and career. While family is always my priority, I am also highly ambitious and achievement-focused. I strive to be the best in what I do, which means working hard to improve in knowledge and skills every day.

The mountain range effect symbolizes the ups and downs of life and I’m here for you wherever you are in your journey. Whether you’re at the valley or at the peak, you can count on me

Ask Sheilla

Q: I am living paycheck to paycheck. How can I possibly afford life insurance? 

A: Thank you, I appreciate your candor. I’m afraid that I’ll have to be blunt and answer your question with a question: How can you afford not to have it?

It is my belief that life insurance isn’t a luxury, it is an asset and a necessity. Especially if you are living paycheck to paycheck and you don’t currently have anything saved for emergencies. If you can afford to pay for cable, own a cell phone, or eat out, you can afford life insurance.

Know that I’m here to help you plan. We can work together and I can help you find the money for life insurance and a plan that will fit your budget and your needs. And that plan can grow as your finances do, don’t leave your family at risk when they need you most.

*********

Sheilla Vidal is a Retirement Income Certified Professional RICP® and life insurance broker. Sheilla is also a physical therapist, wife, mother of two, and one of the caregivers for her 85-year-old father. She is an avid learner.  She writes, speaks, and recognizes that her work in helping clients live with dignity is her God-given mission.