Personal Finances

Here’s to Being Average and Getting the Job Done

My daughter graduated from high school a few weeks ago. She’s my oldest, and it’s the first time we’ve been through all the pomp and circumstance. The day before graduation, the school held its honors convocation. While some students made the trek across the stage time and time again to receive awards and accolades, my…

How to Get Home Maintenance Help Without Getting Ripped Off

This article originally appeared on Sixty and Me. If you haven’t already discovered this gem of a website, please head over to check out their community of vibrant women. It wasn’t until after my husband died that I realized how much I relied on him for home maintenance tasks. Whether it was unclogging the toilet…

5 Things Widows Need to Know About Income Taxes

It’s that time of year again: time to think about taxes. While there is plenty we could say on the topic, let’s try to keep this manageable. Here are five things I think you need to know if you’re a new widow (or widower). And of course, this comes with the disclaimer that I don’t…

How to Help Your Mom and Dad When They Don’t Want Help

This article originally appeared on Sixty and Me. If you haven’t already discovered this gem of a website, please head over to check out their community of vibrant women. My aunt, 83, is like my third parent. She taught in schools around the world and spent every summer living with us. Always single and with…

Medicare Open Enrollment: Your 3 Options Explained

While I am many years away from being Medicare eligible, many widows do rely on this government program for their health insurance coverage. If you’re one of these women, then you probably already know its Medicare open enrollment season. Your first hint as to the time of year was the bevy of fliers landing in…