Q: As our political and financial leaders continue to make policies, I can't keep up with the all the changes. I don't feel in tune with everything that's going on, especially with possible future repercussions.

I'm afraid that I'm not making the best financial decisions. What guides your decisions?

A: Our parents and grandparents made it through tough times like the Great Depression without much guidance. A great guiding principle is to follow their examples of thrift and perseverance.

It's easy to understand your confusion because there doesn't seem to be much agreement about the causes or solutions related to our current financial situation. The media isn't always helpful, as various sources are all in competition with one another for subscribers, watchers or listeners. They publish stories that will keep them in business, but not every story is relevant.

Consequently, we are bombarded with information wherever we turn. It's hard to filter through and see what's important.

The best way to cut through the noise is to use old-fashioned common sense and practical wisdom. Keep these three principles in mind: Anticipate; stay positive; and have a plan.

When making your plan, you need to keep asking yourself questions. Does the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. cover all the money in your bank and retirement accounts? Are your investments diversified, or are all your eggs in one basket? Can you make changes in your retirement accounts? Should you consider paying off or refinancing your mortgage, or selling or renting your home?

Figure out ways to keep your expenses down. Can you walk or ride a bike for short errands or excursions? Could you carpool with a neighbor for shopping and appointments? Are your food and entertainment expenses reasonable, or should you look at your habits?

Don't become too austere, as it's likely unsustainable. You'll find yourself making rash decisions out of frustration.

Make daily decisions based on your needs, not your wants. Maintain social bonds with your family, friends and neighbors. They often have valuable advice for us!

Live purposely every day. It's impossible to predict the future, so don't drive yourself to distraction by worrying. Keep positive and appreciate life! — Doug

BRIDGING THE GAP!

Q: My mother is in her mid-80s and in good health. She lives alone and appreciates her continued independence. We're so fortunate to be able to live nearby.

However, our 15-year-old daughter finds it difficult to form a bond with her. Whenever we spend time together, our daughter becomes impatient and bored. Mom wants to share her life stories and often repeats the same ones. Ally would rather spend time on her phone.

How can they bridge the generational gap?

A: Life has changed dramatically through the last few decades, and increasing lifespans means that more generations are living in the same eras than ever before. At the same time, change is happening more quickly than it did historically. These two factors make it difficult to make a connection.

However, you don't want your daughter to miss out on this opportunity to share time with her grandmother. Your mom has valuable lessons to share, although these pieces of wisdom sometimes take time to become relevant.

You should take your daughter's feelings into account as well. Teenagers have less free time than you probably did at that age, and there are many stressors and demands on their time.

Work out a compromise: Your daughter doesn't have to go with you for every visit, especially in busy times. In return, she should stay off the phone when she does attend.

You can also explain a little about your mother so that the gap doesn't feel so wide. Additionally, asking questions is the best way to get new information from your mom's usual catalogue. Model this behavior and your daughter might feel more engaged and start asking her own questions.

Giving your daughter choices will help her feel more positive about these interactions. — Emma, Doug's granddaughter

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at [email protected]. Emma, Doug's granddaughter, helps write this column. 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.