Financial planning for UC

We currently live in more house than we need, drive nicer cars than we need to...simply because we can afford it and never thought too much about what ifs...we're young, healthy, both have well paying jobs etc. well, since I've been sick it seems things have changed. Not only have we realized how not important all these "things" are, but we've had to think of many different scenarios. What if I need to be off work for several months, be it surgery or just illness. What if I get to a point that work is too much? I'd hate for it to get to that, because I love working and would be miserable without it, but I need to prepare for possibilities. Things would be tight with one of us off work for an extended period, and really, who wants the added stress when already ill? Not me, that's for sure. So-we're looking to downsize. To live BELOW our means so that if anything should happen we'll not be financially stressed at all. Also, if nothing like that happens, we both continue to work full time then so be it, we're just that much more financially stable.

Does this seem reasonable or like an over reaction? Anyone else do this, thought about it etc??

I think it is reasonable. I do not work, my husband makes a comfortable living. We live in an average home and each have a vehicle we enjoy. I think it is valuable to realize material things are just that and not the priority. The nice thing about a small home is less upkeep for me. I get so tired, so easy! when I see a big house I think, yikes! to having to clean it! :)

Ok, good. I thought it was logical...but had to do a quick check to see if I was just having a pity party (I.e., my bowels have ruined my life) , but you're right, fancy things aren't important. I guess I used to think they were, or at least more important. I'm actually eager to have a smaller house with smaller upkeep etc. then, if anything should happen to either of us, we can easily live on one of our incomes.

It's a great idea to live simply, own just the things you need, not want.
That being said, having UC has destroyed me financially, because of UC I've gone from the boardroom to the poorhouse. IT's very hard to maintain things when you're sick most of the time. But on the other hand, there are people who are worse off...