Facing the early signs of memory loss can be unsettling, but it’s also a critical time to act. Creating a strong financial and legal foundation as soon as you can ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. Whether for yourself or a loved one, addressing these steps early can bring clarity, peace of mind, and security for the future.

This month we were joined by Robyn Young, Certified Daily Money Manager®, a professional who collaborates to help with bill paying and more. Robyn is the founder and owner of Money Care, LLC. She is also currently Vice President of the American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM) and is a member of the Vermont Elder Resource Group.

This month's Lakeside Chat topic was about "Aging in Place". When a senior or older adult chooses to live at home rather than move into an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, it's known as "aging in place". It's a decision that is gaining popularity and is a question that often comes up for folks as they plan their retirement. 

Many people in their 70s are retired. Whether you're one of them or not, it doesn't mean you should stop your financial planning – in fact it means you should pay even more attention as finances in your 70s offer more opportunities (and risks) now than ever before. Here are seven tips to help make sure you're well prepared for your 70s and beyond.

Surprise, your 60s have arrived! If you’re someone who hasn’t paid much attention to your financial future before, the 60s are the years to buckle down and get serious. If you have carefully planned your finances throughout your working life, then your 60s is the time to take a second look. Retirement is just around the corner for most people, so whatever your financial habits have been in the past, this is the decade that will determine what the next third of your life will look like.

Avoid common financial pitfalls for a more secure future.

In life and matters of the wallet, rest assured that we all make mistakes. Mistakes are a critical part of our education process – but when it comes to your finances, some lessons and consequences can be quite lasting. In an effort to help you learn from others, and potentially save a great deal of money and heartache, you may wish to review some of the following most common financial mistakes, and ways to avoid or mitigate them.