How to Talk Money With Aging Parents—Without the Stress

Let’s talk about one of the most important—and most avoided—money conversations out there:

👉🏽 What’s the plan if something happens to Mom or Dad?

For many of us in our 30s and 40s, the financial conversation we’re not having is the one that matters most. Our parents are getting older, their needs are changing, and we’re often the first ones they’ll call in a crisis.

But here’s the thing: a crisis is the worst time to figure out a financial plan.

The best time? Right now.

😬 Why These Conversations Feel So Hard

• We don’t want to seem like we’re after their money
  
• They don’t want to admit they’re aging
  
• No one wants to think about worst-case scenarios
  
• And honestly… no one taught us how to do this
  

But avoiding the conversation doesn’t make the need go away. It just leaves everyone unprepared.

❤️ How to Start the Conversation (Without Causing a Fight)

You don’t need to open with “Do you have a will?” or “Who’s your power of attorney?”
Start softer. Try:

• “I’ve been learning more about estate planning. Do you already have a plan in place, or should we look at it together?”
  
• “Did you know some banks and cities now offer free will services?”
  
• “I recently updated my own beneficiaries—it made me realize we haven’t talked about what your wishes are.”

Remember: The goal isn’t to take over—it’s to understand their wishes and support their independence.

🧾 Tools to Make This Easier

✅ Fifth Third Bank – Free Wills Program
Through a partnership with FreeWill, Fifth Third now offers free estate planning tools to eligible customers.
🔗 https://www.53.com

✅ City of Detroit – Free Estate Planning Resources
If your family lives in Detroit, the city offers help with will creation, deeds, and more.
🔗 https://detroitmi.gov/

✅ Employer Legal Services
Many people don’t realize their life insurance or HR benefits often include access to free or low-cost legal services—including wills, trusts, and Power of Attorney (POA) documents. Have your parents check with HR or their insurance portal.

📘 This is covered in How to Afford Everything, too

I talk about this exact topic in one of the later chapters of my book—because you can’t afford to ignore end-of-life planning when you’re building long-term financial wellness.

From navigating wills and Power of Attorney (POA) to covering funeral costs and avoiding financial surprises, How to Afford Everything walks you through what matters before it becomes urgent.

📖 Get the book here

📋 Use My “Before I Die” Checklist to Guide the Process

This free printable helps you and your loved ones outline key documents, contacts, and final wishes—without getting overwhelmed.