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

  • 5 Steps to a Fruitful Financial Future

    5 Steps to a Fruitful Financial Future

    October 10, 2024
    As you prepare your home for cooler weather or harvest the final fruits of your summer labor, Fall is an ideal time to evaluate and prepare for your financial future as well. Here are 5 steps you can take this season to help prepare for a more stable and prosperous financial future.
    Read this Article
  • Dynamics of a Rolling Recession

    Dynamics of a Rolling Recession

    September 13, 2023
    Essentially, a rolling recession is a localized downturn that hits specific areas of an economy while others remain robust. They can be challenging for investors, as well as offer opportunities. Here are tips on how to understand a rolling recession, or sometimes called a rolling bear market, and navigate the economic environment with financial resilience.
    Read this Article
  • Top 5 Year End Planning Moves

    September 27, 2024
    As the end of the year approaches, it’s an opportune time to review your financial status and consider making these strategic decisions to help improve your financial health for a better future. Take the time to execute these financial moves before the year ends.
    Read this Article
  • Americas Changing Vision of Retirement

    America's Changing Vision of Retirement

    June 16, 2023
    The concept of retirement in America is changing.  Traditional retirement is based on the assumption that it is designed to be a time to enjoy life by not working. There are other considerations that many retirement-aged people are discovering. Have you considered your personal goals and resources to define your unique vision of retirement?
    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