Hi All! Wow...I just found this board and I've been reading for hours. I've owned my own biz for 20 years...last year my Mom got ill and I had to take time off to help her out. I basically told Xhubby...take the biz...it's yours! I was burnt out and no longer enjoyed what I did (publishing a magazine) I moved my Mom to assisted living since she could no longer care for herself (she's now minutes away from me)....my Mom and I never really discussed her finances (my Dad passed away a long time ago) The 1st thing I did after I got her settled was spend time in NY....go thru all her papers, etc and put her apt up for sale. I sold her apt the day after I turned 50. It was a life changing event! I spent months sorting things out....stocks, bonds, etc. I researched every stock and subscribed to the WSJ. My Mom is unable to make any financial decisions due to Dementia and as an only child I took full responsibility. I LOVE the market! Basically I paid off my mortgage, paid off my credit cards, take care of all her expenses, see her a few times a week. I read the WSJ, local paper and NYTimes every morning. I work out w/ a trainer, help Xhubby w/ the biz (small things) and I LOVE ER! Dealing w/ ad layouts pales in comparision to learning about the stock market and investing, etc. My home has appreciated a great deal since I bought it 10 years ago. I live on the water ....the bottom line is...I pray I never HAVE to go back to work. I was very successful, my Mom never worked and I am having the time of my life! I look forward to reading all the posts here and getting to know you...I hope I'm on the right track here! Annie