DEAR ABBY: My mother retired and since I have a degree and background in finance, she asked me to help her get her finances in order. She held low-paying jobs most of her working life, so I was pleasantly surprised to find she had amassed a substantial amount of money in her retirement and other accounts.
Together, Mom and I developed a budget that will not only pay her bills, but will also give her a certain amount of spending money each month while still allowing her savings to grow. Despite my assurances, she still won't treat herself to dinners out or go on nice vacations even though she says she'd like to do those things. How can I convince her that she deserves those things and she has the money now to enjoy them? -- WANTS THE BEST FOR MOM IN MICHIGAN
DEAR WANTS THE BEST FOR MOM: Recognize that the habits of a lifetime can be difficult to break. Your mother might be more open to dinners out if you go together. As to the vacations, do some research for her online or talk to a travel agent and get some brochures for vacation spots you think she might enjoy. It doesn't have to be fancy or exotic -- the greatest adventure can start with baby steps. Be patient and you may find she becomes receptive.