I hope all of you enjoyed a peaceful holiday filled with joy and just the right amount of family.
As a new CFP® professional, John told me I have to gave me the opportunity to write this month’s newsletter.
You may not know that before making a career shift to join Values First Planning in 2020, I worked for the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter in PR and marketing. The holiday season was always a busy time for us because those dementia symptoms Mom or Dad easily masked on a once-a-week phone call became impossible to ignore after a long Christmas dinner.
A health crisis likely isn’t on your list of goals for 2025, but we all know these things are never planned or conveniently timed. And while there’s no way to avoid hard times, there are things we can do to alleviate some of their stress.
An estate plan is more than a piece of paper from a lawyer. It’s making sure your assets are properly titled and accounts are thoughtfully structured. It’s working to create liquidity at the right time so your loved ones can focus on your care rather than how to pay for it. It’s communicating your values now so your legacy can bless future generations.
But, while everyone appreciates an umbrella in a downpour, they rarely think to buy one when it’s sunny. I’m not encouraging you to dwell on every bad thing that could happen or to plan for every contingency – that’s how you miss out on living! But do consider what good things you would like to come out of a storm.
The Alzheimer’s Association has identified the “10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.” If you notice any of these in yourself or a loved one, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor.
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgement
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
It’s important to note that brain aging is normal and some change is to be expected over time. I’m not implying you need to panic every time you or a loved one loses car keys. What’s troublesome is when those changes begin to interfere with normal daily functioning.
If you’re not sure where to start, the Alzheimer’s Association is available 24/7 with resources and information at alz.org or 800.272.3900. You can even request an in-depth Care Consultation with a master’s-level dementia expert. All services are provided free of charge.
We know even thinking about the possibility of a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis is daunting and you may want to keep it private. But please count us as your inner circle. We are here to help and can only do that when we’re working with all the facts.
If you think you might benefit from some more in-depth estate planning – let us help you connect with an estate planning attorney!
You should consult with an investment professional, or an attorney or tax professional regarding their specific investment, legal or tax situation.