Thinking Ahead Roadmap

Book excerpt: Staying on top of your finances is important as you get older. Most people need some level of assistance managing their money as they age, no matter how healthy they are now. Advance planning is a smart way to minimize future uncertainties by choosing someone you trust to help pay your bills and manage your income and expenses. Planning ahead will help keep your money safe and give you peace of mind. The Thinking Ahead Roadmap (thinkingaheadroadmap.org) was developed by academic researchers and financial and legal experts. It will help you design a money management plan that works for you and the person you choose to be your financial advocate. This book will walk you through the steps to help ensure your financial wishes are honored as you age. It will help you...1. Choose a financial advocate you trust2. Organize your financial information3. Start open and honest conversations about future money management 4. Get a power of attorney so that your financial advocate can legally act on your behalf 5. Shift money management responsibilities to your advocate when the time is rightIn addition to walking you through these steps, the Thinking Ahead Roadmap provides information for people who are aging solo, resources on how to get an affordable power of attorney, and information on what it means to be someone's financial advocate. Start your journey today to prepare for tomorrow!