How to Help Seniors Stretch Their Income During Retirement

For many of us, there comes a time in life when we begin to see our parents struggling, be it physical, emotional, or some combination thereof, with once simple, everyday tasks.

They may acknowledge such newfound challenges, in which case most of us will try to assist or seek professional advice and assistance as the situation warrants. But more often than not, unless the problem is severe and immediate, there is a natural reluctance to admit to themselves, or anyone else for that matter, that “I can’t do it alone any longer.”

This can be especially challenging when the ability to manage one’s own finances comes into question, particularly as income becomes more fixed as we get older. Convincing a parent to allow you “in” to their financial world, to help them effectively manage their assets, can be difficult, particularly if they haven’t come to terms with the notion of needing help.

How to Talk to Senior Parents About Their Finances

One approach you may want to consider is to begin discussing with them your own financial concerns about the future, not to raise their level of worry, but to ease them into the topic in a manner that will often have them sharing insight into their own financial situation and related thoughts. As for their “worries” about whether they’ll be able to support themselves the rest of their lives, such angst in later years often has little to do with their level of wealth and everything to do with getting older.

Once you establish a dialogue and comfort level on the topic with your parent(s), it’s important to gain a thorough understanding of where things stand for them financially today, before being able to advise, or seek advice, to help them plan for tomorrow. During this review and pre-planning stage, and for more strategic long-term planning, it’s imperative to seek out the counsel of a qualified financial advisor to ensure that you’re serving your parent(s)’ best interests. With a better understanding of your parent(s)’ financial situation, your qualified financial advisor will be able to assist you and them in ensuring a prudent course of action for the future.

5 Tips to Help Seniors Stretch Their Income During Retirement

As post-retirement income becomes more fixed, it’s important to work with a qualified financial advisor to create a budget that works for you or your loved one. Even with trust assets available, there is understandable reluctance to touch principal and risk “having enough to live on” or “having anything left for a beneficiary.” Separating fixed costs from variable costs is a good starting point. But what next?

1. Home vs. Retirement or Assisted Living Facility

The difference in monthly costs can be significant. The desire to maintain total independence might be outweighed by the need to create an easier, more fulfilling, and often less expensive quality of life.

2. Food & Entertainment

Coupons and other discounts are there for the taking, even at the finest restaurants, if you take the time to look.

3. Cars

Do you really need that very expensive vehicle for your primarily very short road trips to the bank, store, salon, or golf course? Today’s gas prices are making everyone take a second look at their driving habits, as well as where they “fill up.”

4. Travel

If your timing is now more flexible, consider off-peak travel to save considerably.

5. Insurance

Smart use of secondary health insurance to your Medicare coverage can greatly reduce your medical expenses.

Long-Term Care insurance as a complement to your life insurance coverage can add comfort to your future needs while reducing your health care costs.

Contact Sonas for Home Health Care Services in Florida

If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.