Financial planning for your elderly parents- Things to keep in mind

Financial security for your elderly parents is paramount for their welfare in their old age. Methodical financial planning can secure your parents from uncertainties in life and can help keep your worries at bay. Here are a few tips to help you out with efficacious financial planning for your parents.

•  Ensure that you plan for yourself first - The first step towards financial planning for elderly parents is to have a plan for yourself. With the increased responsibilities of a family, managing the household expenses, debts, loans and other financial obligations, you may at times feel burned out. De-clutter your mind by organizing your finances and looking into your expenditures while keeping in mind your needs and future goals. A systemic approach to your finances can help in efficiently utilizing your hard-earned money. With everything in place, you will be in a better position to align your parents’ best interest with your responsibility towards them.
• Talk to your parents - The key to effective financial planning for parents is to know their perspectives and their vision for post-retirement life. Have a frank and open conversation with them about their needs, wishes and concerns. Once you understand your parents’ medical, recreational and personal care needs, aspirations and plans for future, you will be better equipped to figure out the best way to plan for them.

• Get help - Drawing a structured financial plan might be daunting. Older people have their healthcare and special needs. Also, helping the elderly with their finances can be difficult if you are not aware of the various finance schemes and plans that are meant for them. You can seek financial advice for your parents from financial advisors and other professionals and decide on the best strategies and investment for them. Besides, look out for elderly care services and community services to take better care of your parents; especially if they stay on their own. These steps will ensure their financial and emotional soundness. 
• Simplify things for them - An elaborate financial plan might not be useful if your parents are confused with all the technicalities, jargons, and terms and conditions. Simplify everything to make them understand and remember. Educate them in simple terms how their financial and care services work. Explain to them how things function and how financial planning can help make their life easier and more secure. Your parents will feel empowered and feel more in control.
• Take it slow - Your parents have been handling their finances for their entire life. When you start planning for them, there might be some difficulty. Give them time and take it slow. Explain to them why you are doing it and how it can be beneficial for their future. Do not rush into making choices and decisions for your parents. Give them sufficient time to form their own opinions, discuss things with them and then make a decision.

Getting term insurance plans without income proof is impossible as the income of the applicant is one of the primary criteria on which the company decides whether to offer the insurance or not. Hence, you must be prepared with proof of income before you apply for term insurance.

With these tips, you can secure your parents’ well-being and help them enjoy their retirement.