Question? What is the best way to approach your loved one about their finances. My mom has always paid the bills for my parents 46 yrs of marriage. But now the situation is getting serious. Their house insurance nearly lapsed, she told me last week she had 2 overdraft notices. I mentioned to my dad that I thought mom was having some problems with the bills, but his health is fragile also. They are both so proud. I am willing to take over the responsibility of paying their bills, but how do I approach this issue?

They are both so proud ........

Doesn't this just break your heart? This so much reminds me of my parents when they got older. And, after Mother died, Daddy was stuck paying bills and balancing statements, etc. He was soooooo confused.

So, it's not the SAME situation as yours, but they seem to run a little along the same lines.

One thing I suggested to Daddy was Auto Draft from insurance companies; utility companies, etc. He knew how much money he had to put in the bank every month and things were automatically debited to his account. He didn't have to worry about due dates, etc. I promoted this as an utterly, super duper, fantastic way to manage bills and he "bought it."

Any way you could suggest that to your Mom?

Good luck, Texmo, and let us know how it turns out.

Texmo,

That is a hard situation, but one that needs to be approached with love and understanding.
Question, does your mom feel that she is having trouble?? If so, approach her first with the notion of a helping hand, a watchful eye so to speak. For now, allow her to keep doing what she has done for the many years, however, offer the help of balancing the books and such. This approach will give a foot in to the help that she may need. Eventually as the situation worsens, which we all hope it will not, you will have the trust built up to take over more and more of the finances.

Again, just a suggestion.

Texmo, approach them with the idea of your wanting to give them free time by taking over the paying of the bills.Maybe having her by your side as you do them will make he feel more compfortable.