Taking Over Your Parents’ Finances
I can state from first-hand experience that taking over your parents’ finances can be a challenging and sensitive process. As parents age, they may need help managing their money and bills. This can be especially true if cognitive impairment is occurring. But this transition often comes with complex issues that adult children must navigate carefully. Here are some of the main challenges people face when assuming control of their elderly parents’ finances:
Communication
One of the biggest hurdles is initiating and maintaining open communication about finances. Many older adults are reluctant to discuss money matters with their children, viewing it as a private topic or fearing loss of independence. Starting these conversations early and approaching them with sensitivity is crucial. Explain your concerns clearly and involve your parents in the decision-making process as much as possible.
Organizing Financial Information
Taking stock of your parents’ financial landscape can be overwhelming, too, especially since you have your own finances to manage as well. You’ll need to gather information about:
- Bank accounts and investments
- Income sources (pensions, Social Security, etc.)
- Monthly expenses and bills
- Insurance policies
- Legal documents (wills, trusts, power of attorney)
Locating and organizing all these documents and details takes time and effort. Creating a system to manage this information, such as setting up digital or physical folders, can help streamline the process. Shifting paper bills to autopay can also help, especially if there are bills whose payment is crucial, like Utilities or Long-term care insurance policy premiums.
Legal Considerations
Legally taking control of a parent’s finances requires proper documentation. This usually means obtaining power of attorney, which allows you to make financial decisions on their behalf. If your parent is already incapacitated, you may need to petition the court for guardianship, which can be a lengthy and expensive process. It’s important to address these legal matters early, while your parent is still capable of making decisions.
Family Dynamics
Managing a parent’s finances can strain relationships with siblings and other family members as well. Disagreements may arise over financial decisions or the division of responsibilities. Open communication with all involved parties is essential to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, but so is the legal foundation (power of attorney).
Balancing Responsibilities
Taking on your parents’ finances is often a gradual process that requires careful time management. You may need to:
- Pay bills and manage accounts
- Monitor for unusual transactions or potential scams
- Coordinate with financial advisors or attorneys
- Handle tax preparations
Most importantly, review the payments with your parent. Balancing these tasks with your own personal and professional responsibilities can be challenging.
Emotional Toll
The role reversal involved in managing your parents’ finances can be emotionally difficult for both you and your parents. Your parents may feel a loss of independence or dignity, while you may feel stressed by the added responsibility and the reality of your parents’ aging. This is especially true for people who also have children to care for. For parents, paying bills or balancing a checkbook may be part of their routine, so loss of this activity can have a real impact on their emotional health, too.
Planning for Long-Term Care
Another consideration is the potential for long-term care needs. This involves understanding your parents’ insurance coverage, exploring care options, and potentially reallocating assets to cover future expenses. It also means ensuring that insurance premiums don’t get skipped, resulting in potential loss of coverage right when it’s needed most.
Taking over your parents’ finances is a significant responsibility that comes with numerous challenges. However, with careful planning, open communication, and a sensitive approach, you can help ensure your parents’ financial well-being while navigating these complex issues. Remember to seek professional advice when needed and to take care of your own emotional and financial health throughout the process.
This column is prepared by Rick Brooks, CFA®, CFP®. Brooks is director/investment management with Blankinship & Foster, LLC, a wealth advisory firm specializing in financial planning and investment management for people preparing for retirement. Brooks can be reached at (858) 755-5166, or by email at rbrooks@bfadvisors.com.
