Dear Auntie Linda,  My father died last year at the age of fifty-two.  He was an excellent provider and left Mother adequately provided for, if she is careful.  They lived modestly, but well.  They married while they were in college and Mother never finished her degree.  She has never had to work outside the home.  Dad paid all the bills.  The problem is, Mother never learned to manage money.  I am concerned that she will run out of money at the rate she is spending.  She has taken three cruises, donated $10,000 to her church, and is now remodeling the house.  When Dad knew he was dying, he asked me to help Mom manage her money.  I have tried to sit down with her, make a budget, and go over a long-term plan with her.  She really needs to get a part-time job to make her money last and keep her occupied, but she wants no part of it.  How can I reach her?  No Brakes on Spending

Dear No Brakes, This is worrisome.  Assuming your mother is also in her fifties, she will need to plan for a lot of years.  If I were you, I would remind her that your father asked you to help her plan and go ahead and do a simple outline projecting how much money it will take to sustain her should she live thirty years.  Keep it as simple as possible.  Who knows if she will listen, but she probably doesn’t want to have to sell the house and belongings at some point and just squeak by on social security.  Good luck.  Auntie Linda

Dear Auntie Linda, The kids, age fourteen and eleven,  who live across the street are at my house all the time. Their mother works nights as a psychiatric nurse.  I’ve heard her screaming at them.  Lately, they have been coming for breakfast and coming here straight after school, staying for dinner most nights. Their father gets in about six but they don’t go home till after seven when their mother goes to work. I am happy to feed a hungry kid.  Both kids tell me their mother locks them out because they make too much noise when she’s trying to sleep and has put locks on the cupboards because they eat too much.  What do I do?  Neighbor

Dear Neighbor,  These children are neglected and abused.  Report this to child protection.  I am glad you look out for them.  They need a friend.  Auntie Linda