How Do We As Seniors, Know When It Is Time To Ask For Help – Part 1, By Becky Hopkins
Asking for help is not fun, and at those times of resisting help, otherwise smart people can and do put themselves at risk.
“Risk” can mean unwise spending habits. After all, who wants to outlive what our finances can support? If our decisions concerning money cause us to spend down too fast, we may find ourselves without financial options which is not a good place to be.
“Risk” can mean unsafe habits such as driving — you know, that time when everyone runs for cover as you pick up the car keys.
Turning in the car keys is a huge — often embarrassing — decision. Our self talk says, “there goes my independence and the control over my lifestyle” and “what will my friends think?”, forgetting that most of our friends are having the same decision issues. However, with some smart planning many of us can continue the lifestyle we enjoy and at the same cost — or less.
When driving becomes unsafe (and deep down, most of us also know that time when it happens), be smart! Sell that gas guzzler (or even newer hybrid) and approach this as a business decision. Set up a little bank account with your money from the
car sale. Then begin putting the money you have spent on gas, insurance and car maintenance and you won’t believe how it grows. Then – begin exploring your transportation options.
Becky Hopkins, SRES, GRI
CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company
www.50andholding.info
Thank you for your sensible suggestions for personal safety – it saves to be safe!
What a great idea to approach it as a business decision! Choosing to sell the car & reallocate the would-be expenses (while you’re still able) is an excellent way to assert your control.
[...] safely and recognize when it is time to let someone else do the driving as we continue our life [...]