My Daughter Is Missing

Hello,

I have worked as a nurse my whole life, supporting two daughters and a mentally unwell husband who has since passed away. I am 64 and now retired, and completely overwhelmed. My 31-year-old is in LA; I pretty much support her, though I do not mind helping her out. My 27-year-old became a missing person back in 2015 and I have spent a lot of money looking for her on the US west coast. I intend to find her, and to do this I want to sell my fully-paid-off home (in Mullumbimby, NSW), for which I would probably clear $480,000. But what then?

Beverley

Hi Beverley

As a parent my heart breaks for you. But you’ve asked me for financial advice, so here goes.

You know when you’re on a plane and the flight attendant does the safety demonstration. Have you noticed they always say, “put on your own oxygen mask before you help others”. There’s a reason for this -- you’re no good to anyone else if you can’t breathe yourself.

The same goes for your financial situation. You’re retired now, so you’re not earning any more income.

There’s safety and security in owning your own home, so please don’t sell it. Rent it out, and head over to America by all means, but don’t sell it.

Scott