Finances Made Easier from The Chicago Lighthouse

Tech Tools for Living: Finances Made Easier

Narrator: From our partners at the Chicago Lighthouse, introducing My Tools for Living, an overview of everyday tools for low vision. Managing your money is an important part of living independently. And vision loss doesn't mean giving up control of your finances. Paying bills, handling cash, writing checks, and tracking your budget. They're all possible with the right tools at any level of vision. Some people like to keep it low tech. Others like using online apps or voice commands, and many people use a mix of both. The important thing is to learn and decide what works best for you. Let's take a look at some tools that don't require a smartphone or computer. If you write checks, a check writing guide can be really handy. This is a type of stencil with cutouts in the right place, so you can write the date, amount and other information on your check. A signature guide is similar, making it easier to sign your name in the correct place on any document. and to keep track of the checks you write, large print check registers are available.

Judith: I have a template for writing checks. I have a very nice woman who will come and really do a good job of cleaning my little apartment here, once a month. I write a check for her or I write a check for a contribution.

Narrator: When it comes to cash handling, your ones, fives and twenties is a little easier with currency identifiers.

iBill: Five.

Narrator: These include handheld devices or smartphone apps that read the value of a bill out loud or into your headphones for privacy.

Seeing AI: $10.

Narrator: And there are different techniques to organize your money using folds or with labeled envelopes using large print, braille or tactile markers. Forgetting a bill or losing track of due dates can happen to anyone, but staying on top of your monthly bills is about having a routine that works for your lifestyle. For example, you might want to keep a separate folder for each month or use a checklist or large print calendar to mark when payments are due. Some basic technology can be helpful too. Talking watches, alarms, or simple voice reminders can prompt you when it's time to pay a bill.

Talkback: 11:00 AM pay electric bill. Bullet now alerted

Narrator: And you can set up automatic payments for many recurring expenses like utilities or insurance, or use an app that tracks due dates to reduce the number of deadlines you need to remember. No matter what approach you prefer, digital paper or a little of both, you have the right to access your financial information in a format that works for you.

Pat: When I first started losing my vision, I went to my bank and I asked them for checks for the visually impaired. I'm the one who pays for caregivers, and at the beginning I would be writing checks, and that was a struggle, especially as time went on. And then one of my mom's caregivers suggested that I use a mobile banking app. She sat down and showed me the exact steps that I needed to pay her via this mobile banking app, and it is now so much faster than for me to write a check.

Narrator: You can always request help from a reader or assistant, but it's up to you to decide that's not your only option. If you're managing your bills and accounts online, many banking websites and mobile apps, support screen readers, voice input, large text and high contrast displays

Screen Reader: Amount due $54.17.

Narrator: With these features, you can check balances, transfer money, and pay bills securely using the method that's comfortable for you,

VoiceOver: Payment confirmation.

Dennis: So then every month they sent me a statement. I do go to my magnifier, so then I can expand it and see it better. Look at line by line, so I have two options using the computer or the magnifier to help me.

Narrator: You can also set up alerts and notifications to let you know when a payment has gone through or when your balance changes.

VoiceOver: Payment confirmation.

Narrator: Banks often have trained staff who can help you learn how to use these built-in accessibility settings. So don't be shy about asking for support. And remember that these tools can work alongside low tech systems, giving you extra reassurance and flexibility. Managing your finances is an important part of independence, but life isn't only about responsibilities. Having fun exercising your curiosity and keeping your mind active, these things matter too. In our next episode, we'll explore entertainment and healthy activities for your mind and body, including accessible ways to enjoy books, music games, and activities that support both relaxation and mental wellness. Whether you're handling life's practical details or working on a hobby you love, the Chicago Lighthouse is here to support you with education and tools that help to learn more. Visit www.MyToolsforLiving.com or call the Chicago Lighthouse's Tools for Living Store at 1-800-919-3375.