Blog

Protecting Yourself from Text Message Scams

May 15, 2025 — It sure seems like a lot more things require us to enter our phone numbers—ordering a pizza, making a doctor’s appointment, or even signing up for a yoga class. So it’s not surprising when our phone numbers end up being used in fraudulent schemes. If you’ve noticed an increase in strange text messages claiming you’ve... Read More

Talking to Older Loved Ones About Financial Scams

April 16, 2025 — Older adults are prime targets for financial fraud. According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), roughly $3.4 billion in total fraud losses were reported by Americans over age 60 in 2023, up 11% from 2022. The average loss per case was nearly $34,000. Scammers often prey on older adults due to their accumulated... Read More

Protecting Our Elders: How to Recognize and Stop Abuse

April 2, 2025 — As our loved ones age, they deserve respect, dignity, and care. Unfortunately, elder abuse is a serious and often hidden issue affecting millions of older adults. Shockingly, 1 in 10 adults over age 60 experience some form of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. This mistreatment can happen anywhere—at home, in a family member’s residence, in... Read More

Your Digital Assets Need Planning, Too

March 17, 2025 — In today’s digital age, our lives are increasingly intertwined with online content, subscriptions, and memberships. From cherished family photos stored in the cloud to active social media accounts and streaming subscriptions, digital assets are valuable and require thoughtful planning. This is a personal planning question previous generations didn’t have to worry about: What will happen... Read More

9 Legal Tips for Family Caregivers

July 2, 2024 — Being a family caregiver is a noble and challenging role, often filled with love, dedication, and, unfortunately, legal complexities. People considering becoming a caregiver should know the legal implications.  Here are 10 essential tips to help you avoid potential legal problems and understand when to seek professional assistance. Understand the healthcare power of attorney (POA)... Read More

The People in Your Aging Neighborhood

March 4, 2024 — As we journey through the various stages of life, our needs, concerns, and health considerations evolve. Aging can bring about unique challenges and require specialized care and support. However, most don’t know about these professionals until we need to interact with them. In the spirit of Sesame Street’s “The People in Your Neighborhood” segment, we... Read More

Making End-Of-Life Decisions for Others

October 17, 2022 — Making your own healthcare decisions can be tough. Making healthcare decisions for someone you care about — especially at the end of life — can be overwhelming. Even if an advance directive, such as a living will, explains your loved one’s wishes, it probably won’t cover all possible medical treatments. So, how can you advocate... Read More

A Warning About the “Grandparent Scam”

October 2, 2021 — Judy’s phone rang early one morning. “Grandma?” the caller said. “This is your grandson.” “Well hello, Morgan! It’s good to hear from you,” said Judy. It had been a long time since her college-age grandson had called her. “Grandma,” said Morgan, “I need your help. I’m in the hospital in Mexico with COVID and I... Read More

Helping a Loved One With Dementia Manage Their Money

June 5, 2020 — When a senior is living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder, family members often worry about their loved one’s safety. Will Dad go to bed, forgetting the tea kettle is boiling on the stove? Will Mom get lost? Will Uncle Chuck keep trying to drive, even though he’s not safe behind the wheel? Their... Read More

Warn Seniors About Social Security Scams

October 6, 2019 — Social Security is the major source of post-retirement income for most older adults, so if a senior receives a call from the Social Security Administration (SSA), they are likely to pick up the phone and listen! But the SSA is warning seniors that these days, con artists have been impersonating SSA officials to steal the... Read More