Q: My parents retired and moved two years ago. They now live 537 miles from where I live and work. I am concerned about their health and decision-making. Recently, after accidently learning their gas company turned off their service for nonpayment, I realized they need help. How can I monitor them from here?

A: Parents often fear losing their independence and privacy. Sometimes they do not let their children know they need help. The thought of giving up control of their assets, losing their mobility, being lonely and making smart decisions is frustrating. Often, finances are also a hidden issue.

First, tell your parents you will help them by processing their bills. Tell them you need to be named on their checking account, if you are not, in order to do so. This will also allow you to set up automatic payments for their regular bills. Have their credit card billings, medical and insurance statements, taxes, and other debits sent to you for payment.

The fact that your parents are together also offers you the opportunity to speak to each of them privately, as they may have major issues on the table that they to need to compromise on. A bonus is that when parents are together they become less vulnerable to fraud from the bad guys who know and prey on seniors.

Be patient with your loved ones. They understand they are running out of options. Bridging the transition from parent to child can be a difficult challenge, but when the time comes, families know it. So it has to be!

Q: Recently, I purchased a flashlight that serves as a light, a window-breaking device in the event of a car accident, a home fire-door breakthrough, and a burglary weapon from a catalog store. I used it for a couple of months, and when the batteries failed, I sought new ones. After several days I found a dealer who sold this size. I was stunned to learn that the battery costs more than a new flashlight.

I called the catalog company and told them I thought it wasn't a good idea not to alert potential buyers about the expensive battery-replacement cost and asked for a refund. Their representative refused and was obviously not aware of the battery cost.

The publisher continues to advertise the product. My plan is to never purchase an item again from this company. Do you think the company will survive?

A: Probably not in the long-run if they do not become more customer-friendly. Full disclosure of a product's pluses and minuses should always be revealed. Especially since retail sales are down, many companies and retailers have even loosened existing return policies in order to maintain customers' loyalty. After customers cannot get their money back or a credit, they may simply have to learn to live with the consequences. However, if you used a credit card for payment, it may still be possible to notify your card company to refuse payment.

You have not made a mistake. You have had a new experience. Now you will be more cautious and always ask for the company's return policies when you make purchases!

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at [email protected]. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.