Keep the downvote. It is feedback. It is an indication that some readers don't agree on the writer's opinion or how the writer interprets the world. When a writer puts their thoughts into the world he or she is going to get pushback. Writers toughen up and see this as part of the process, and it is part of being successful. On other other hand I don't agree with personal attacks on a writer or the classic comment "It's all (insert your political party or elected official in here)'s fault."
I rarely eat out these days. The cost has skyrocketed and I eat healthier at home. I only eat out when I travel or for social occasions. I think of it as a cost of maintaining friendships which is super important. I feel for the restaurant owners because I know their costs have gone up and they need to charge more to survive and I want them to survive. Inflation is out of control and I don't see a path to controlling it. I hope the experts can find a way. Unfortunately cutting government spending, reigning in the national debt doesn't align with the short term goals of politicians who want to get reelected.
There is no one size fits all solution and even with the best of planning our adult children will likely need to help us with at least their gift of time. But isn't that part of being in a loving family? My mother is 91-happy, healthy, and financially independent. But I manage her finances, her home, doctors' appointments, etc... She is my mother and no one has loved and cared for me more. She is not a burden. I consider it a gift to be able to give back to her.
Yes, "we all have a happiness set point." And there is no doubt financial security is essential for peace and well-being. However being happy is a choice and we must be taught how to make that choice. Focus on what is going right, not what is wrong. Remember the Serenity Prayer "accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace."
Divorced for 20 years, living alone for 7 years after the youngest child graduated college and moved out. I'm not lonely. Sure the household chores would be easier with another person, and the right partner in life is a blessing but living alone is nice too. No conflict. My home is my personal space and I keep it as cluttered or uncluttered as I want. My time is also my own. No dinner tonight, no big deal. Last minute babysitting of my grandson, yes. Finances, I make all the decisions and I've planned for the limitations of aging. I am counting on my children and I know they won't let me down.
I don't think it will be your last vehicle. I believe self-driving cars will become more mainstream in the next decade and wow that will be awesome for seniors. We can maintain a higher level of independence in life. AI is going to change all levels of devices and machines, especially cars. This will be a boon for safe driving and that is something Seniors should adopt.
Electronic payments, Venmo, Zelle, Bill Pay, credit cards, and checks-I use them all on a regular basis. I prefer the electronic/digital options. But my experience with mailing checks has been favorable. I also like the USPS. Sure there are occasional issues but most of the time USPS works like a charm. With the amount of mail they deliver, the options, the convenience for the price I think it is a deal.
Comments
Keep the downvote. It is feedback. It is an indication that some readers don't agree on the writer's opinion or how the writer interprets the world. When a writer puts their thoughts into the world he or she is going to get pushback. Writers toughen up and see this as part of the process, and it is part of being successful. On other other hand I don't agree with personal attacks on a writer or the classic comment "It's all (insert your political party or elected official in here)'s fault."
Post: The “Mean Girls”/Junior High Bullies at HumbleDollar
Link to comment from January 10, 2026
I rarely eat out these days. The cost has skyrocketed and I eat healthier at home. I only eat out when I travel or for social occasions. I think of it as a cost of maintaining friendships which is super important. I feel for the restaurant owners because I know their costs have gone up and they need to charge more to survive and I want them to survive. Inflation is out of control and I don't see a path to controlling it. I hope the experts can find a way. Unfortunately cutting government spending, reigning in the national debt doesn't align with the short term goals of politicians who want to get reelected.
Post: 27 Months
Link to comment from December 16, 2025
Private companies, like a marriage-only the people who are intimately involved know what is really going on.
Post: Lessons from First Brands
Link to comment from November 1, 2025
This feels like an ad for CCRCs.
Post: Starting Over, if you can. Some decisions are subject to change (I apologize for its length)
Link to comment from August 10, 2025
There is no one size fits all solution and even with the best of planning our adult children will likely need to help us with at least their gift of time. But isn't that part of being in a loving family? My mother is 91-happy, healthy, and financially independent. But I manage her finances, her home, doctors' appointments, etc... She is my mother and no one has loved and cared for me more. She is not a burden. I consider it a gift to be able to give back to her.
Post: How to minimize the caregiving burden on our adult children when we need help?
Link to comment from August 10, 2025
Scammers often play on the emotion of fear. It is a powerful motivator. Lawyers and insurance salespersons do it quite a bit. Be careful out there.
Post: How do I scam thee? Let me count the ways
Link to comment from July 26, 2025
Yes, "we all have a happiness set point." And there is no doubt financial security is essential for peace and well-being. However being happy is a choice and we must be taught how to make that choice. Focus on what is going right, not what is wrong. Remember the Serenity Prayer "accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace."
Post: Let’s Get Happy
Link to comment from June 22, 2025
Divorced for 20 years, living alone for 7 years after the youngest child graduated college and moved out. I'm not lonely. Sure the household chores would be easier with another person, and the right partner in life is a blessing but living alone is nice too. No conflict. My home is my personal space and I keep it as cluttered or uncluttered as I want. My time is also my own. No dinner tonight, no big deal. Last minute babysitting of my grandson, yes. Finances, I make all the decisions and I've planned for the limitations of aging. I am counting on my children and I know they won't let me down.
Post: Going It Alone
Link to comment from June 21, 2025
I don't think it will be your last vehicle. I believe self-driving cars will become more mainstream in the next decade and wow that will be awesome for seniors. We can maintain a higher level of independence in life. AI is going to change all levels of devices and machines, especially cars. This will be a boon for safe driving and that is something Seniors should adopt.
Post: Another HD Post About Cars
Link to comment from May 31, 2025
Electronic payments, Venmo, Zelle, Bill Pay, credit cards, and checks-I use them all on a regular basis. I prefer the electronic/digital options. But my experience with mailing checks has been favorable. I also like the USPS. Sure there are occasional issues but most of the time USPS works like a charm. With the amount of mail they deliver, the options, the convenience for the price I think it is a deal.
Post: It’s 2025. Do you send checks by mail?
Link to comment from May 3, 2025