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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 14, 2016)
FEATURES 6A Aged parents’ money ran dry Dear Annie: My parents trusted their money and retirement income to a inancial adviser who was also a friend. When my father passed away seven years ago, my mother became his beneiciary, with me being second in line. My mother had a huge memo- rial celebration for my father, which cost a few thousand dollars and was attended by 100 people. Some time after that, I moved in with my mother, and we combined our Social Security income to be able to stay in her home. My mother recently passed away, and while settling her affairs, I was informed that her investments have been terminated. It seems that the inancial adviser set up the orig- inal investments to be surrendered back to the entities that were origi- nally set up by my father. So funds I thought would continue do not. What do I say to the friends and neighbors who are expecting a lav- ish party to celebrate my mother’s life? My mother did not wish for me to duplicate what she did for my father. But these folks keep ask- ing me when the big party is going to be. I don’t have funds for that, nor was it something my mother wished. Is there a way to respond without getting into speciically Dear Annie By Annie Lane Creators Syndicate Inc. why I can’t afford it? — Can Just Afford the Toast Dear Toast: The toast — a heart- felt speech in memory of your lov- ing mother — is far more important than any lavish banquet or big party. If you’d like to have some response for when people ask when the “big party” is, you can simply tell them it’s not what your mother wanted. But you are not obligated to explain yourself to anyone. I also would suggest talking to a lawyer or another inancial adviser about what happened with your par- ents’ investments. It never hurts to get a second opinion. Dear Annie: What advice do you have for retaining my credit? I was married for 17 years, and everything was in his name irst. He became ill with cancer, and I was the primary breadwinner, paying our home off two years early and our truck loan six months early. He passed 10 years ago. I found out a few years back that I have no credit. I have worked my butt off pay- ing my bills, especially medical bills, to get my credit up. A year ago, I went online and checked my credit score. It showed in the 700 range, which made me feel pleased with myself. But I just received two rejection letters for credit cards Both say it is because I have no credit! Do I just start all over at the age of 51 and apply for irst-time credit? I am at a loss and don’t know what to do. Family members have sug- gested I apply for a credit card with a small limit to get started, but I feel I wouldn’t be accepted. Help! — Uncredited Dear Uncredited: Your best and safest bet is to get hooked up with a good inancial adviser. Find a fee-only adviser by going to http:// www.napfa.org. He or she can then assess your situation and present all your available options. Aside from that, look into join- ing a credit union. Credit unions are great for those establishing credit for the irst time. You won’t get amazing credit overnight, but no one does. It will come with time, as you’re clearly a responsible person. THE DAILY ASTORIAN • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). You can’t trust a crowd. Do not automatically assume that the others standing in a long line for the ex- citing thing have any more information than you do. They may be in that line just because everyone seems to be. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Love will have some of the mysterious elements of a sus- pense drama. What’s next? Well, you’ll find out when you become the active hero in this story, ready to investigate, confront and make things happen. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Could you fin- ish the whole thing by yourself? Yes. Every last bit. Should you? No. Not at all. That is, unless you want the others to feel left out, inadequate and unwanted. Have a heart; share everything, especially the work. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll be dealing in issues of morality. Just remem- ber that character is destiny. What you do to change your life will refine your character and what you do to refine your character will change your life. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You feel compelled to figure out how a certain interesting person works — to learn what he or she wants and needs. Where are you in this? Honestly, are you setting up a codependent dynamic here? VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The more you love, the more willing you are to suffer for love. There have been times, in fact, when suffering and love were synonymous. And now for something radically different — tem- perate, easygoing stability. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). In working with others you’ll be most agreeable, not the least bit submissive. Anyone who seems to require your submission needs to be shut FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE down politely, succinctly, immediately. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). What is hard- er than climbing mountains, running miles and accomplishing great things? Getting out of a rut. It will be so worthwhile to invest in something to get you unstuck. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your communication with the world is happening on many levels. As you connect to people and things you’ll become a conduit. You’ll provide a path for what is needed to get to those who need it. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Spending time with new faces, business associates and anyone connected with your aims is important. Spending time with loved ones is more important. Prioritize to preserve key relationships. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). By being the bridge, providing the connection, trans- lating the information, you’re able to give what you do not possess. Because you help one side understand the other, you give to each with no loss to yourself. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). This is no time to be cheap with yourself. If the effect that you’re going for doesn’t work, it could still lead to the next thing that will solve the problem and so much more. Stay optimistic. THURSDAY’S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 15). You will leap forward intellectually and spiritually in the weeks to come because your attitude of openness allows you to see the work that must be done, feel your fear and resistance, and jump in regardless. You’ll travel in No- vember. Love is the great teacher in January. Funding in May eases your way. Gemini and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 22, 41, 20 and 36.
