Video: Taking Care of Business: Managing Your Finances
Independence requires having control over your finances—from shopping to paying your bills to balancing your checkbook. You may think vision loss is an obstacle, but this video will show you a few basic skills to help you maintain financial health.
Transcript of Video
NARRATOR 1: Two men at a desk paying bills.
NARRATOR 2: Being able to manage one’s own finances is a large part of maintaining independence.
MAN #1: Well, here’s this bill, let’s pay it.
MAN #2: All right.
NARRATOR 2: Some people prefer to take care of bills as a team with a family member like this father and son-in-law. But you can also do the bills yourself. Most banks will provide large-print and raised-line checks and monthly statements in large print or Braille. Using a writing guide or signature guide like this one can be helpful on checks of any size to keep you on the right line. Large-button and talking calculators are another option.
NARRATOR 1: A man at an ATM.
NARRATOR 2: Some banks now offer talking ATMs, making quick banking an option again.
TALKING ATM: The envelope dispenser is located at 4:00 and approximately 20 inches from the keypad.
NARRATOR 2: And with online banking, many transactions are conveniently just a few clicks away, reducing the need to visit a bank in person. All you need is your computer. When it comes to handling your money, identifying by touch is also easy once you come up with a system of folding bills to help you quickly tell them apart.
WOMAN: The one-dollar bill is flat. A five-dollar bill, we fold in half.
NARRATOR 2: You should find a wallet that helps you keep your money organized. Some prefer four compartments, but choose the one that works best for you.