Over the years, many clients have expressed their concerns about not wanting to burden their families as they age. But what does it truly mean not to be a burden?
It means achieving financial security and avoiding the risk of becoming financially dependent on your children or other family members. It means proactively preparing for a time when you may no longer be able to drive, live independently, or make crucial medical, financial, or legal decisions. And it’s understandable why people tend to overlook the importance of such planning. It’s much easier to ignore future possibilities and assume that life will continue as it is right now. Even if you are willing to contemplate these scenarios and wish to discuss them with your family, you may find they are hesitant to engage. Some adult children don’t want to think about a future when their parents need more help.
I’ve witnessed these challenges within my own family and among many of the clients I serve, and these experiences motivated me to pursue accreditation as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA). The CSA designation has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the health and social issues that are important to seniors, which complements my existing financial knowledge as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP). As I guide clients through the financial planning process, we delve into their current circumstances as well as their potential future situations. We assess the costs of long-term care and engage in conversations about whether they prefer to receive care at home or in a community setting. Furthermore, we discuss the factors that might prompt a change in their decision down the road. For instance, if the need for home care were to escalate from a few hours a day to round-the-clock assistance (along with the subsequent increase in costs), would they still wish to remain at home? Or would they grant permission to their family to transition them to a retirement community? It is crucial to thoroughly contemplate these scenarios if your goal is to “age well” and not be a burden on your family.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate these emotional and financially complex decisions alone. A CFP/CSA can assist you in developing a plan for the present and the future. If you have questions or would like the input of a Bridgeworth advisor, please reach out to us.
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Bridgeworth Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Adviser.