If the kitchen collects plastic containers, the laundry room and garage breed plastic bags, boxes, cords, and “mystery hardware.” These spaces are trip-hazard central for both my dad and me. I’ve kind of stepped back from the garage as that is really his domain. And it gives me somewhere to pile stuff that I can’t get rid of…yet…but we don’t need in the house. Logical Thankfully both my dad and I lean toward practical and logical. Since I’m running the house for the most part, he’s let me take lead and rearrange things (cleaning and purging as I go.) And I’ve just started piling “must keep but don’t really use” items on his workbench in the garage. A truly out of sight, out of mind function for right now. I have learned that not only do I need to tell him, show him, and remind him of where I put things. But also expect to be woken up in the night when he’s searching for something. He feels bad about waking me up, but I would prefer he did that than get frustrated trying to find whatever. This week, it was the electric knife at midnight when he decided to cut up a watermelon and store it in his yogurt containers. He used to keep the electric knife in the cabinet where his hoard of yogurt containers now lives. So he found the containers, by accident, but couldn’t remember where the electric knives were. They had been moved to the hutch which I had moved from the living room to the dining room. He remembered me telling him where I had put them, but not actually where I had put them. Money Impact Fewer duplicate runs to the hardware store “because I couldn’t find it.” Lower injury risk (and medical costs) from trips and falls. No more utility-room pest parties from clutter, piles of cardboard, and old detergent gunk. Not to mention in clearing out the laundry room and rearranging some furniture, I was able to really clear off the countertops to make them easy to clean and more useable. The Prep Shelves Dad has LOTS of prepper stuff – from generators, to propane heaters, to gas containers and so much more. What we kept in the house has been organized by item. Flashlight + batteries (dated), small radio, basic first-aid kit, duct tape, multi-tool. Lightbulbs. Enough sanitizing stuff for the next decade or more which I understand considering COVID and my mom’s health. Winter stuff – blankets, jackets, gloves, etc. Reminder: we are in Texas, but it did freeze real bad a year or two ago. I am still working through room by room,
Image Source: 123rf.com Most people think pharmacies only collect what’s needed to fill a prescription. But the truth is, every time you swipe a loyalty card, sign up for a discount, or even answer simple questions, you may be sharing far more. From your address to sensitive health data, pharmacies quietly build detailed profiles. Many seniors don’t realize how much personal information changes hands. Here’s why it matters more than ever. Loyalty Programs Come with […]
The appeal of DIY craft skills lies in their potential to provide a significant income stream while allowing for creativity and personal expression. It offers individuals, including retirees or stay-at-home parents, a flexible way to earn money without needing a traditional 9-to-5 job. Additionally, selling crafts online can reach a global audience, maximizing earning potential … Read more
I sold and delivered beer from a side-load truck for 30 years. A stack of beer weighed up to twice what I did. That was a physically brutal job, and although I hung up my hand-truck at age 50, I still pay a price for that career choice via osteoarthritis that won’t ever go away. Next up was 20 years of preparing tax returns. Physically simple compared to my first occupation, though stressfully intense during […]
Image Source: 123rf.com Splitting costs with friends can seem like a practical way to save money. But adding a friend to your utility bills may open a financial can of worms. Seniors and retirees in particular risk damaging their credit or relationships when bills get mixed. What looks like a small favor can spiral into long-term problems. Here’s what you should think through before agreeing. Shared Bills Can Hurt Credit Utility accounts affect your credit […]
Exploring lesser-known rental businesses can open up new and profitable opportunities. By tapping into niche markets, you can cater to specific needs and stand out from the competition. They also allow you to leverage underutilized assets and meet the demands of people who prefer renting over buying. 1. Rent a Chicken Coop Many people want … Read more
Image source: 123rf.com Stories of people being lured into get-rich-quick schemes are nothing new, yet they continue to happen every day. From pyramid scams to flashy online promises, these offers prey on the desire for fast money and financial security. Even with widespread warnings, countless individuals still fall victim, losing both cash and confidence in the process. The question is not just why these schemes exist, but why people repeatedly believe in them despite the […]
Image source: 123rf.com Planning a cross-country move often starts with calculating big expenses like movers, trucks, and gas. What many people overlook are the smaller, hidden expenses that quickly add up along the way. The less obvious costs of moving across the country can easily blow past even the most careful budget. From unexpected fees to overlooked lifestyle adjustments, these surprise charges can make the transition more stressful than it needs to be. Knowing what […]
Image source: 123rf.com Divorce is rarely simple, and the financial consequences can last for years if not handled carefully. While emotions often take center stage, the real damage frequently comes from overlooked details and rushed decisions. The most expensive mistakes made during divorce settlements often happen because individuals don’t fully understand their rights, assets, or long-term financial obligations. What feels like a fair compromise in the moment can turn into regret once the dust settles. […]
In retirement planning, focus often gravitates toward investment selection and portfolio building. While crucial, smart investing represents just one piece of a complex puzzle. A well-crafted strategy for withdrawing money while minimizing taxes proves equally vital. After all, what matters most isn’t just earning potential, it’s maximizing after-tax income during retirement years. 1. Health Savings … Read more
Are you searching for the best side hustles 2025 to increase your income and achieve greater financial security? With the gig economy growing and technology advancing at lightning speed, there have never been more opportunities…
About 5% of the population accounts for nearly half of total health spending, and many of these are older adults with multiple conditions. Do seniors (65+) pay as much as perceived for health care? Seniors pay a lot for health care, but it is not that simple. Many, perhaps most, seniors pay no more, even less, out of pocket, than many younger families. The bulk of spending by seniors is premiums, not the actual cost […]
Image Source: pexels.com We all want to make choices that support our well-being. But with so much advice floating around, it’s easy to fall for routines that sound healthy but don’t really make a difference. The truth is, some popular health habits don’t pass the test when you ask real doctors. Why waste time, money, or energy on things that won’t move the needle? This article breaks down ten things you might be doing for […]