Driverless cars will change the lives of Seniors and the disabled. They will provide freedom and independence. I'm 62 and I hope autonomous cars are mainstream when I hit my 80s. Same with robots as partial caregivers when humans are not available 24/7.
I've financed 4 children at college (my 3 and a niece). My first advice is tell the child to develop a budget what they need each month. Itemize line by line: gas, clothes, books, socializing,... and then discuss it together. I found my kids to be realistic and reasonable. Then a couple of months into the semester I asked them to reassess their numbers after living in the environment. We upwardly adjusted as needed. And sometimes they requested additional funds for a special need like an expensive book or a new dress for a club social. College is also a financial education and your child learning to manage life away from home. They will make mistakes and that's expected and a learning opportunity. Recommend a monthly allowance rather than weekly. Weekly micromanages the 18 year-21 year old too much. Show trust and have high expectations for mature behavior. You want your child to have a fun college experience as well as get a wonderful education.
This behavior also speaks to waste. Why waste the last bit of toothpaste in the tube? It is not always about the cost of something it is often using it up. When the dish soap bottle is empty, I fill it half way with water, shake and use the last of the soap. It takes very little time and I believe I've used it up. I'm not wasting. Going to a concert, lunch with friends-that's not a waste of money that's an investment in friendship.
No regrets having 3 children. I don't think about or miss the money I spent and/or spend on them and my grandchildren now. It was an honor and a duty to raise 3 human beings and I am proud they are making a valuable contribution to our society. Being a parent has its ups and downs, good times and bad times, but my experience is the love, the support, the friendship makes it all worthwhile.
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.
Comments
Driverless cars will change the lives of Seniors and the disabled. They will provide freedom and independence. I'm 62 and I hope autonomous cars are mainstream when I hit my 80s. Same with robots as partial caregivers when humans are not available 24/7.
Post: Ageing and the Open Road
Link to comment from May 3, 2026
I've financed 4 children at college (my 3 and a niece). My first advice is tell the child to develop a budget what they need each month. Itemize line by line: gas, clothes, books, socializing,... and then discuss it together. I found my kids to be realistic and reasonable. Then a couple of months into the semester I asked them to reassess their numbers after living in the environment. We upwardly adjusted as needed. And sometimes they requested additional funds for a special need like an expensive book or a new dress for a club social. College is also a financial education and your child learning to manage life away from home. They will make mistakes and that's expected and a learning opportunity. Recommend a monthly allowance rather than weekly. Weekly micromanages the 18 year-21 year old too much. Show trust and have high expectations for mature behavior. You want your child to have a fun college experience as well as get a wonderful education.
Post: How much to provide a college student monthly?
Link to comment from May 3, 2026
This behavior also speaks to waste. Why waste the last bit of toothpaste in the tube? It is not always about the cost of something it is often using it up. When the dish soap bottle is empty, I fill it half way with water, shake and use the last of the soap. It takes very little time and I believe I've used it up. I'm not wasting. Going to a concert, lunch with friends-that's not a waste of money that's an investment in friendship.
Post: Penny Wise, Pound Foolish
Link to comment from April 18, 2026
No regrets having 3 children. I don't think about or miss the money I spent and/or spend on them and my grandchildren now. It was an honor and a duty to raise 3 human beings and I am proud they are making a valuable contribution to our society. Being a parent has its ups and downs, good times and bad times, but my experience is the love, the support, the friendship makes it all worthwhile.
Post: Financial regrets about parenthood?
Link to comment from April 13, 2026
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