Article

Complex Waters of Aging Parents' Finances

Complex Waters of Aging Parents’ Finances

Managing our own finances can be a challenge. But as your parents move into retirement and beyond, their financial landscape can become complicated. Here are some tips on how you can help guide them through this stage of life with confidence and peace of mind, ensuring their comfort and security in their golden years.

June 6, 2024
Complex Waters of Aging Parents’ Finances
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

As professionals, managing our own finances can be a challenge. However, one area that we often overlook, yet is vitally important, is understanding and navigating our aging parents' finances. As they move into retirement and beyond, their financial landscape can become complicated, making it necessary for us to step in. Here are some crucial areas to focus on:

Understand Their Income

Understanding your parents' income sources is the first step in comprehending their financial status. This includes pensions, social security, retirement savings, rental income, and other assets.

Knowing where the money is coming from can help anticipate potential issues, such as a fluctuating income or the need for additional support.

Discuss Their Estate Plan

Having a conversation about your parents' estate plans can be difficult, but it's essential. This includes understanding their will, any trust arrangements, and their wishes regarding the division of assets. It's also important to know who they've named as executors or trustees. Having these conversations early can prevent misunderstandings and legal complications down the line.

Plan for Healthcare Costs

Healthcare costs can skyrocket in old age, and it's essential to understand how these expenses will be covered.

  • Are they enrolled in Medicare?
  • Do they have a supplemental health insurance plan?
  • Do they have long-term care insurance?

If not, it may be worth discussing these options and understanding what healthcare costs could look like in the future.

Be Aware of Potential Financial Abuse

Elderly individuals are unfortunately often targets for financial scams and abuse. It's important to regularly check in on your parents' financial transactions and be vigilant for any signs of suspicious activity. This can include unexplained bank withdrawals, sudden changes in their financial condition, or new, unknown 'friends' who show an unusual interest in their finances.

Your Financial Advisor

A trusted financial advisor can be an invaluable resource for managing your parents' finances. They can help with everything from planning for retirement income to advising on estate planning and managing investment portfolios.

If your parents don't already have a financial advisor, consider helping them find one. Remember, it's critical that this advisor is a fiduciary, meaning they're legally obligated to act in your parents' best interests.

The Circle of Life

Navigating your parents' finances can be a complex task, but it's a critical part of ensuring their comfort and security in their golden years.

By taking the time to understand their financial situation, planning for future costs, and seeking professional advice, you can help guide them through this stage of life with confidence and peace of mind.

Other content you may like

  • President Biden’s Proposal and Your Healthcare

    President Biden’s Proposal and Your Healthcare

    July 27, 2021
    Will the proposed policies of the Biden Administration have a negative or positive impact on your healthcare? Remember that healthcare is like retirement planning – it’s very personal. This article examines a few of those policies that will likely impact healthcare in general.
    Read this Article
  • Wondering Whether You Missed the Recovery Image

    Wondering Whether You Missed the Recovery?

    October 19, 2020
    Why long-term investing success is about time in the market, not timing. Some investors are confident that they can time it perfectly and snap up equities when prices are low and shift into cash or bonds when the market hits its peak. This article brings up several reasons why investors run a big risk by selling when they believe stocks have reached their peak.
    Read this Article
  • Big Names are Driving Stock Performance

    Big Names are Driving Stock Performance

    June 13, 2023
    The Strong Valley advisor team, Kyle, Jason, Chris and Adam, discuss the top 8 performing stocks and their contribution to S&P 500 returns YTD, as well as the flip flop of what did bad vs what did good. They also delve into the extraordinary measures to be exhausted with the debt ceiling limit and much more economic overview. Answers to Top Questions from clients: What’s the impact of more bank collapses? What should we be changing right now?
    Read this Article
  • Adapting Your Business

    Adapting Your Business to Changing Times

    February 29, 2024
    When the economy fluctuates, business owners do their best to access the situation and adapt. Here are six questions that can help you take stock of your business operations, formulate new strategies, and find innovative resources to help improve the efficiency and economy of your business.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset