DEAR BRUCE: I am 60 years old, and I have been a homemaker all my life. Now I have medical problems such that even if I did want to join the workforce, I would not be able to.

There are limited funds for retiring and no pension. We first invested just prior to 9/11 and lost a lot of that. Is there some way to recoup that loss? Also, years ago I cosigned to buy a house for our oldest. Is there some way to be removed from this obligation now? They have been paying on time for 10 years. — L.P., via email

DEAR L.P.: In a few lines, you’ve asked a bunch of questions.