Much to my dismay, handling finances is not as easy as it once was, especially now that there are many factors we need to consider such as income versus expenditure. Then there’s the issue of credit score which you need to really be careful about. Once, I found my 30-ish daughter sitting on the floor with papers scattered around her, laptop glowing with such fierceness and two half empty coffee cups on each side. You would think she’s just there engrossed with work since she’s a writer by profession, however, she was not. It was just that time of the month when finances should be balanced or else, your accountant will haunt you like a ghost of Christmas past all throughout your waking hours!
Then there’s my elderly neighbor which I caught one, fine day handing over her checkbook to her gardener. She and I, we’re very close so I ran to her doorstep at once and asked if she’s having trouble over something or what, since the gardener in question was then fairly new. She said she’s having trouble writing checks so I just volunteered to do it and apologized to the gardener just so not to offend him.  After that, we had a little chat and she confided that making checks confuses her so she ended up making the “other” person write the check for her and she would just read it after. I told her that it is not very ideal and not to mention, not safe, for her to do that. I also advised her to seek help from her trusted family member at once.
These two situations may vary but I tell you, there’s a similarity here. They both need help, whether they accept it or not. Here are some tips on how to get your finances in order:
·    Choose a trusted helper. This must be the hardest part of all but the most important one to make. Your best bet would be one of your children since your hard-earned money will all go to them eventually. However, you must pick the one who is able to manage his or her finances well. No need to burden a child with managing disabilities with your own troubles right? If no adequate child is present, choose a relative, friend or even your personal lawyer.
·    Talk it out, with that person of course! After choosing the best person to help you out with your finances, have a heart-to-heart talk with that person and express your concerns about this transition. Know your help’s limitations, if they have any. Also, it’s okay to start slow by designating them little tasks at first, if it makes you comfortable.
·    Be as transparent as you can with your help. They should know your financial standing so they can help you make decisions from that point on. This should include bills to pay, insurances you have, credit score, taxes, wills, and just about anything that will affect your financial standing.
·    Trust is the word. You don’t go babbling about your finances with someone you barely trust and it would be as equally hard to work your finances out with someone if you don’t know how to trust a person.
·    If the thought of having someone control your finances, you can have him or her work with your personal lawyer. This way you are guaranteed with extra security and indeed, peace of mind.