Spotting Signs Your Loved Ones May Need Support With Finances or Legal Planning

The holidays bring families together in a way that everyday life rarely allows. When you gather under one roof—sharing meals, catching up, and observing how your loved ones are truly doing—it can sometimes reveal subtle changes that might go unnoticed during phone calls or quick visits. For many families, these moments become the first signs that an aging parent or loved one may need help managing their finances or getting their legal affairs in order.

Here are key signs to watch for and what to do if you notice them.

1. Increasing Forgetfulness or Confusion About Money

Everyone forgets things occasionally, but persistent confusion about bills, bank accounts, or spending can be a red flag.
Common signs include:

• Unopened mail piled up
• Bills paid twice—or not at all
• Difficulty recalling financial decisions
• Noticeable anxiety around money conversations

This can signal early cognitive decline or simply overwhelm. In either case, it’s a good time to discuss durable powers of attorney and safeguards against financial exploitation.

2. Physical or Cognitive Decline Affecting Daily Tasks

If your loved one struggles with mobility, vision, or comprehension, they may also struggle with financial management. Issues often show up in everyday interactions: repeatedly misplacing important documents, forgetting appointments, or showing frustration with routine tasks.

These changes suggest it may be time to ensure estate planning documents—especially powers of attorney and healthcare directives—are updated and aligned with current needs.

3. Household Red Flags

Holiday visits give you a clearer picture of a person’s living situation. Look out for:

• A noticeably cluttered or unkempt home
• Food spoilage
• Utility shutoff notices
• Difficulty managing technology or basic maintenance

These signs often correlate with trouble managing finances or keeping up with essential responsibilities.

4. Comments That Suggest Stress or Confusion About the Future

Some clues aren’t visible—they’re spoken. Phrases like:

• “I can’t keep up with everything anymore.”
• “I’m not sure what happens with the house if something happens to me.”
• “I don’t understand all these financial papers.”

These comments are opportunities to open a supportive conversation about estate planning and long-term protection.

5. Loved Ones Relying on the Wrong People for Advice

Sometimes aging adults unintentionally turn to people who may not have their best interests at heart—neighbors, acquaintances, or even telemarketers. If you notice unfamiliar individuals involved in financial discussions, or if your loved one recently signed something they don’t fully understand, it’s time to step in.

What To Do If You See These Signs

If any of these red flags surface during holiday gatherings, consider taking these next steps:

• Encourage a gentle conversation about their financial and legal wishes
• Help locate or update key documents such as wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives
• Consult with an estate planning attorney who can create or revise a comprehensive plan
• Consider involving trusted professionals—financial advisors, care managers, or medical providers

Offering help is an act of love, not intrusion. The earlier you step in, the more options and control your loved one keeps over their future.

Ready to help a loved one plan? Book a call today.