Recently, I wrote about how widows can often be targeted as an open wallet for other people — unscrupulous con-artists, well-meaning advisors and sales people, and even family members. Today, let’s look closer at that last category and in particular adult children who continually come to mom for financial support. I understand the emotional aspects … Read More
In previous posts, I’ve mentioned that putting money aside for an emergency fund should be a priority in your financial goals (read Step 5 in 7 Steps for Dealing With Financial Stress). The term “emergency fund” brings to mind money saved for severe, unexpected expenses such as losing your job, or experiencing an unfortunate injury … Read More
Amy flinched at Carrie’s facial expression as Carrie walked toward her. One more friend. One more awkward exchange. One more “How are you doing?” or some other such question. If you’ve followed this blog or read anything in the area of grief and grieving you know that the grieving process is often referred to as … Read More
One of the most unfortunate financial consequences of widowhood is certain people will get the perception you now have extra money. They might think you have a lot of it (even if you don’t) and therefore think you are now a source of funds for their needs or wants. As a widow, you may be … Read More
“We don’t do grief. Yet grief still does us.” (About Grief, Marasco & Shuff, 2010) As in my previous post on eulogies, this reflection was inspired by a book currently on my desk. I’m taking a break from my day-to-day work and for 4 weeks, living in a different city with —to my delight — … Read More
“And he leaves to mourn, with fond and loving memories…” When I first began my work as a counsellor, I was asked about value of a eulogy “because they just make everyone cry”. My response was that, to me, the eulogy was vital to funeral or memorial service. The eulogy was the one time when … Read More
In my last post, I talked about how budgeting is viewed with disdain by virtually everyone. I also mentioned that before attempting to work out a budget, it’s important (if not essential) to begin by tracking your expenses for at least one month so you see how you’re really spending your money. Today, let’s take … Read More
As our bodies age, we notice that scrapes and bumps which once healed quickly (and still do so on our young grandchildren’s bodies) now take months to disappear. Signs of aging and physical scars go together in lockstep. One scar, on my right thumb, now looking like the letter Y, has served me well as … Read More
The “B” word. Budgeting. Uggggh! (slight shudder). Budgeting is probably one of the most hated words in personal finance topics. I can honestly say I have NEVER met anyone who likes budgeting. I’m not even sure I’ve met anyone who is lukewarm on the subject. If budgeting is seemingly universally disliked, it begs the question … Read More
Your success with managing money (success as in being proficient, not necessarily in being wealthy) has a lot to do with how you think about money. This correlation has been studied for decades and proven time and time again. If you want to get better at managing your money, if you want to remove financial … Read More
Pick up any grief book. Or, google grief and loss. Talk to anyone who has buried a loved one, and all will tell you that, when grieving, you should lean on your friends and family. You will read and hear repeatedly that when grieving you should gather the people who love you and accept their … Read More
In my last post I talked about how, during the process of settling your spouse/partner’s estate, you’ll have to go through all of the financial and business accounts. While doing so, it’s a good time to take stock, tally everything up, and do a check of your own net worth. It’s also a good time … Read More
