My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving

Financial planner Pinsker debuts with an empathetic guide to helping aging parents navigate end-of-life financial decisions. “Anyone who thinks there will always be time and that important things can be left to do another day is either delusional or has never faced an untimely death,” writes Pinsker, who recounts caring for her ailing 76-year-old mother. She begins with guidance on arranging a final resting place, encouraging readers to talk with elderly loved ones about their burial preferences. She instructs readers to make a “cheat sheet” of their loved one’s medical history (she includes a template) and check the beneficiary designations on their bank accounts. Elsewhere, she discusses the costs of care, explaining some may prefer to stay at home, requiring a hired caregiver, while those who need close attention are better suited for assisted living facilities—the fees for which can range from $6,000 to $20,000 per month. Pinsker teaches readers to calculate how long their loved one’s money will last and discusses post-death necessities, like how to settle an estate and file a deceased person’s final tax return. Acknowledging many people want to avoid morbid topics, she offers tactful scripts for initiating conversations, along with helpful checklists. This is a comprehensive blueprint for tackling a sensitive yet critical issue. (Nov.)