Saving Advice

Dear Dave, Is it ever okay to pull money out of your emergency fund to pay off your home? My husband and I were talking about this the other day, because we are so close to paying off our mortgage. We would appreciate your thoughts. Erin Dear Erin, Believe me, I understand how tempting it could be to throw a bunch of money at your house, get rid of the mortgage payments and own it outright.

Image Source: Shutterstock For many seniors, managing healthcare feels like juggling too many moving parts at once. Doctor visits, prescriptions, transportation, and daily care needs can quickly become overwhelming, especially when mobility or chronic conditions are involved. That’s where New York’s PACE program steps in, offering a simplified, all-in-one solution designed specifically for older adults.

Image Source: Shutterstock A quick question in a parking lot. A stranger asking for help in a grocery aisle. A moment of distraction, and suddenly, your wallet is gone. This fast-growing tactic, often called “distract and grab” theft, is increasingly targeting older adults, and experts say the financial impact is rising sharply. While these crimes happen in seconds, the consequences can last for months, especially when identity theft and drained accounts follow.

Image Source: Shutterstock Across the U.S., housing costs are consuming a growing share of senior budgets, leaving less room for everything else. In fact, about one-third of older households now spend more than 30% of their income on housing, a level considered financially burdensome. Even more concerning, millions of seniors are spending over half their income just to keep a roof over their heads.

Image Source: Shutterstock When you become a caregiver for your parent, it can be incredibly meaningful and challenging. It seemingly happens overnight. You’re asking them for advice one day, and then the next, you’re helping them manage medications, appointments, and daily routines. Sometimes, it can feel overwhelming. Emotions, finances, and family dynamics all come into play. While there’s no perfect roadmap, there are some proven rules to follow that can make the journey smoother.

I mentioned earlier about a giant dead tree in my backyard that needed to come down. Well, the day finally came, and for an entire morning, my backyard look like a construction zone: The tree removal crew was very effective. In fact, they were a little TOO effective. There was a flower patch and a couple of bushes I wanted to keep, but they already cut it down before I could come out and tell them that.

Whelp, my dog-sitting stint is over, and Violet's dad stopped by yesterday to pick her up. He told me his wife said to pay me more, so I got what I consider a very generous "tip" for my trouble. The house felt kind of empty when she left, but truth be told, I'm glad to be able to get back to my usual routine as I'd put a lot of chores/errands to the side so as not to leave the dog alone any more than necessary.