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.
Sometimes buying designer merchandise is buying quality that lasts. And interestingly enough there is an excellent resale market for these bags. I've bought LV bags (I know longer do) when I was a career woman. And later when I didn't want them I sold them. Not at a profit but I recouped 75% of my original purchase. That is a win-win. Attractive, quality, fashionable purse when I needed it and later sold to another woman who wanted it. Keeps junk out of landfills. I'm a big fan of resale.
Also fashion is a hobby for some people. They like to collect designer bags or dresses. No different than collecting stamps or art. I am not a collector of stuff but I appreciate that people do collect and enjoy their hobby.
Answers #5-Always want more money. Money is security and one never knows what life holds for us or our families. Old age limitations, a natural disaster hits our home, a grandchild becomes ill, or just added comforts (like a first class travel ticket) so we can continue an active lifestyle as we age. This recently made a huge difference for my 90 year old mother to travel overseas. I also want to leave some money for my children after my death. The money my father left me allowed me to quit work and babysit my grandchildren while my daughter runs her business. I feel it was my father's investment in our family's future generations.
No one thrilling moment comes to mind but I've always wished to go back in time and experience one average day when my 3 children were under 5 years old and one average day when I was 12, our family was together and my grandparents were visiting our home.
Comments
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
Sometimes buying designer merchandise is buying quality that lasts. And interestingly enough there is an excellent resale market for these bags. I've bought LV bags (I know longer do) when I was a career woman. And later when I didn't want them I sold them. Not at a profit but I recouped 75% of my original purchase. That is a win-win. Attractive, quality, fashionable purse when I needed it and later sold to another woman who wanted it. Keeps junk out of landfills. I'm a big fan of resale. Also fashion is a hobby for some people. They like to collect designer bags or dresses. No different than collecting stamps or art. I am not a collector of stuff but I appreciate that people do collect and enjoy their hobby.
Post: The Opposite of HumbleDollar
Link to comment from May 3, 2025
Answers #5-Always want more money. Money is security and one never knows what life holds for us or our families. Old age limitations, a natural disaster hits our home, a grandchild becomes ill, or just added comforts (like a first class travel ticket) so we can continue an active lifestyle as we age. This recently made a huge difference for my 90 year old mother to travel overseas. I also want to leave some money for my children after my death. The money my father left me allowed me to quit work and babysit my grandchildren while my daughter runs her business. I feel it was my father's investment in our family's future generations.
Post: Ask Me a Tough One
Link to comment from April 19, 2025
No one thrilling moment comes to mind but I've always wished to go back in time and experience one average day when my 3 children were under 5 years old and one average day when I was 12, our family was together and my grandparents were visiting our home.
Post: Hitting Repeat
Link to comment from April 5, 2025