Thinking about moving to North Carolina . . .

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

15. Run the numbers.

Are you really going to save that much if you move?

You need to consider EVERYTHING. Not just first things that show up.

What is your income? Will you be selling a home in Maryland? What will be the proceeds? How will they be used to pay your lifestyle?

Is Social Security your only income? And if the answer is yes, I'm thinking Oh, dear lord, what poor planning. But hopefully you have other sources of income, such as from a 401k or a pension or something else.

Look at all the expenses in each location: rent/mortgage, utilities including gas, electric, water, garbage disposal. Groceries. How much cooking for yourself do you actually do as compared to eating out?

Do you still drive a car? How long do you think you might continue to drive? Is there good public transportation in either location, and is the place you're choosing to live in close to that public transportation?

Where are the nearest grocery stores? What restaurants are nearby?

I am glad you are carefully assessing this. I am in the process of helping my older brother and his wife, both age 79, to move to assisted living. What I'm extremely distressed and annoyed by is that they have stayed in their four bedroom two story home with a full basement a decade or more after they should have downsized and moved out. Plus, they are hoarders. Oh, dear lord.

Collimator, do not fall into the trap of thinking you can live on your own forever. Whether you stay in Baltimore County or move to North Carolina, look at every aspect of the move and make it work for you.