Understanding a Retirement Gap Analysis

Understanding a Retirement Gap Analysis

A retirement gap analysis helps individuals identify a potential shortfall between how much they have saved and what they will need in retirement.

Tallying all accounts, projecting ahead, then comparing that amount to how much a fully funded retirement costs, given your unique circumstances, can help people bridge the financial gap between the present and retirement. It’s a great way to visualize how you are tracking towards your retirement goals.

What Is a Retirement Analysis?

A retirement analysis is typically a report a financial advisor creates for individuals who want to know if they are on track for retirement. The analysis can also be done using online tools. Saving for retirement is an important process for those who are looking forward to a secure future with a steady stream of income.

Knowing the difference between what you have saved versus what you will need in order to retire on time is valuable information to determine if you are on track for retirement. If necessary, you can then take extra steps to boost your savings rate once you have a retirement gap analysis and risk assessment performed. This might include such actions as changing your investing strategy or considering annuities, for instance.

A retirement gap analysis considers a range of retirement assets. Your 401(k) through your employer, any individual retirement accounts you might own, annuities, individual taxable brokerage accounts, and even Social Security are common assets to tally in a retirement gap analysis. The sum of those assets is then compared to what you will need in the future, so that you can retire with confidence.

How Do You Conduct a Retirement Gap Analysis?

Conducting a retirement analysis can be done using online tools or by meeting with a financial advisor. It’s all about knowing when you can retire. Often, individuals will take action to improve their financial habits and retirement savings when they see what they must do.

What Goes Into a Retirement Gap Analysis?

For example, a retirement gap on a chart can be a powerful visual to inspire people to save more. Performing a retirement analysis requires careful input of all assets and some assumptions about future rates of return, as well as a person’s spending habits and goals in order to determine how long their savings and other assets may last.

Assets and liabilities are analyzed, and future cash flow is projected. Conducting a retirement analysis also includes estimating how long somebody might live. Longevity risk is a key consideration, and Social Security and annuities can help reduce the risk of running out of money. There are many facets to performing a retirement gap analysis. Seeking out the help of an experienced fiduciary advisor may be helpful so that you are confident in your retirement plan.

How Does Communication Come Into Play?

A critical factor of a retirement analysis is the communication aspect. This is where a financial planner could potentially show their skills.

Simply looking over investment accounts and seeing numbers on a spreadsheet might not cause people to change course on their journey to retirement. Communicating a retirement gap in the right context can help drive home the message that saving more today will lead to a better tomorrow.

How Does a 401(k) Plan Factor Into the Analysis?

A high-level retirement gap analysis should be mixed in with detailed cash flow planning.

Your 401(k) plan is a major account that is assessed during a retirement analysis. An employer-sponsored retirement account is a large part of many workers’ overall retirement plan. A 401(k) gap can be found by analyzing the value of a participant’s pre-tax and Roth accounts versus what they will need to retire.

A 401(k) account often features an employer matching contribution, which is almost like free money so long as you meet the plan’s matching contribution requirements. Many plans will match, say, 50% of the employee’s contribution up to 6%. For a $100,000 salary, that means $3,000 per year of employer contributions, in addition to $6,000 from the employee. That’s $9,000 per year.

A 401(k) account, among other retirement plans offered through work, is typically a major piece of someone’s retirement asset pie. The process to increase contributions to it is generally easy to do. Moreover, the auto-enrollment and auto-escalation features are tools that can help more people save more for retirement so that their 401(k) gap shrinks over time. A 401(k) analysis can be helpful for workers young and old.

Retirement Gap Analysis Example

Let’s run through a retirement gap analysis example to better show the steps involved.

Retirement Gap Analysis, Step-by-Step

Rationale

Retirement Income Assessment: Summing all retirement savings accounts to find a portfolio value. Identifies any potential shortfall between required monthly income and total projected income between Social Security, retirement plans, and other accounts.
Review liabilities and future spending habits. No retirement gap analysis is complete without a thorough assessment of what you owe and current and future spending.
Analyze changes to an individual’s retirement date. Can make arriving at retirement easier if more time is allowed to increase saving.
Strategize about Social Security options. Delaying benefits until age 70 will increase total payout; might reduce longevity risk.
Outlining steps to take to shore up retirement income. Increasing a 401(k) contribution rate can help narrow the retirement gap. Reducing spending and increasing your savings rate are other actions.

How to Calculate Retirement Income

Knowing if your 401(k) is enough is important, but so too is a broader look at your assets and liabilities along with what income to expect in retirement. No retirement gap analysis is complete without it.

Calculating retirement income can be done using various online calculators, but you might want to sit down with a financial planner to map out what income you, personally, will need in retirement. Variables like your spending habits, inflation, discounted cash flow rates, and possible risks all must be considered.

You can also leverage the Social Security Administration’s Retirement Estimator calculator to find out what you should expect to receive when you decide to retire. While the output is just an estimate, it can go a long way toward bridging your retirement gap if you have a gauge of what income you will have in retirement.

Another way to calculate retirement income is to sum up your retirement assets, assume a contribution rate between now and retirement along with a rate of return, then take that asset base as an amount from which to draw income during retirement.

Many planners use the “4% rule”, which states that a retiree can withdraw up to 4% of their retirement account value each year without a high risk of running out of money. This is just a rule of thumb, however, and it might not work as well today as it did decades ago.

Investing for Retirement With SoFi

Identifying where you are on your retirement journey is an important part of financial planning. Doing a retirement gap analysis is an essential part of that process. As time passes, our lives and lifestyles, our goals, and often our physical health can change. All these factors can impact how much we’ll need to spend in the future.

By conducting a retirement gap analysis to identify any shortfalls in savings, it’s possible to make adjustments, and course-correct to get savings goals on track.

Prepare for your retirement with an individual retirement account (IRA). It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. Whether you prefer a hands-on self-directed IRA through SoFi Securities or an automated robo IRA with SoFi Wealth, you can build a portfolio to help support your long-term goals while gaining access to tax-advantaged savings strategies.

Easily manage your retirement savings with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

What is a retirement gap?

A retirement gap is a difference in the amount you have saved for retirement versus how much you will need. A retirement gap analysis can be performed to help identify how much more you will need to save for retirement. Once you know the amount, you can then take steps to boost your savings and investment accounts so that you can retire on time.

How do I find out if I have a retirement account?

Many individuals have a 401(k) or another retirement plan through their employer. Check with your HR department to see if there is an account set up for you. You might also have retirement accounts established on your own through investment brokerage companies. Also consider that you can likely collect a monthly Social Security benefit in retirement. Be sure to check with the Social Security Administration.

Will my retirement account be enough for me?

This is a tough question, but an important one. Knowing how much you will need for retirement is crucial to developing a retirement savings strategy and living a confident retirement. You may want to meet with a financial advisor to develop a plan. You can also use online resources, tools, and calculators to help determine if your current portfolio is enough to fund your retirement.


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SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Should You Open a Joint Brokerage Account?

Determining whether to open a joint brokerage account with another person, whether a romantic partner, business associate, or relative, can be a difficult decision. Couples often use joint brokerage accounts to simplify household finances and build wealth together. However, this doesn’t mean they are suitable for everyone.

Two or more people may own and manage joint brokerage accounts. These accounts are used to combine investment activities with multiple people. But before investing together using a joint brokerage account with a spouse or partner, it’s essential to understand how joint ownership works and its potential impacts on your finances.

🛈 SoFi currently does not offer joint brokerage accounts.

Investing Together

The reason many couples decide to invest together is fairly simple: they live together, manage a household, and are planning a future together. It can make sense then, not just from a financial perspective but for a healthy relationship, to invest together to build wealth for future goals.

If you’re planning for these long-term financial goals together, like retirement or buying a house, then that might mean having a joint brokerage account in order to plan for your shared desires. But that doesn’t mean couples have to invest together; it could make sense for you to share some accounts as a couple and to keep some separate.

But opening a joint brokerage account to buy and sell stocks or other securities may also be practical in terms of financial returns. Combining your money to invest can potentially help your money grow faster than if investing individually, as you invest a larger initial pool of funds.

What Is a Joint Brokerage Account?

A joint brokerage account is a brokerage account shared by two or more people. Couples, relatives, and business partners typically use joint brokerage accounts to manage investments and finances together. However, any two adults can open a joint brokerage account.

Joint brokerage accounts typically allow anyone named on the account to access and manage its investments. There are multiple ways people can establish joint brokerage accounts, each with specific rules for how account owners can access funds or how the account contents are handled after one of the joint holders passes away.

In contrast, retirement accounts like 401(k)s or individual retirement accounts (IRAs) do not allow joint ownership, unlike many taxable brokerage accounts.

Advantages of Joint Brokerage Accounts for Couples

There are several advantages that couples may benefit from by establishing and using joint brokerage accounts.

Single Investment Manager

One person can be responsible for all of the investment decisions and transactions within the account. This can be useful when only one member of a couple has interest in managing financial affairs.

Recommended: Should I Hire a Money Manager?

Combined Resources

As mentioned above, combining resources can be beneficial as investment decisions are made with a larger pool of money that can be used to increase compounding returns. Additionally, combining resources into a single account may help reduce costs and investment fees, as opposed to managing multiple brokerage accounts.

Simplified Estate Planning

A joint brokerage account can also help simplify estate planning. With certain types of joint brokerage accounts, the surviving account owner will automatically receive the proceeds of the account if one account holder dies. This significantly simplifies estate planning and may allow the surviving account holder to avoid a costly legal battle to maintain ownership.

Challenges of Joint Brokerage Accounts for Couples

There are a few challenges that come with joint brokerage accounts for couples.

Transparency and Trust

Both parties who own a joint brokerage account need to be comfortable with the level of transparency that comes with shared ownership. This means that both partners need to be comfortable with sharing information about their investment objectives, financial goals, and risk tolerance.

Many couples today are comfortable sharing details about their finances, even when they are not yet married. According to SoFi’s 2024 Love & Money Survey of 450 adults in the U.S. who live with their partners and intend to get married in the next three years, 75% are comfortable discussing money before marriage.

Source: SoFi’s August 2024 Love & Money Survey

Additionally, owners of a joint brokerage account must trust one another. Because the other account holder is an equal owner of the assets and can make changes to the account without your permission, they can make unadvised investment decisions or even empty out the account without the other’s consent.

Breaking Up

It’s important to remember that a joint brokerage account is a joint asset. This means that if the relationship between the account holders sours, the account will need to be divided between the two parties. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, so it’s important to be sure that both partners are prepared for this possibility.

Tax Issues

If you open a joint brokerage account with someone other than a spouse, any deposits you make into the joint account could be deemed a gift to the other account holder, which could trigger gift tax liabilities.

Recommended: A Guide to Tax-Efficient Investing

Things to Know About Joint Brokerage Accounts

Before opening a brokerage account with a partner, business associate, or relative, it’s important to understand the differences between the types of accounts.

There are several types of joint brokerage accounts, each with specific nuances regarding ownership. If you are planning on opening a joint brokerage account, pay close attention to these different types of ownership so you can open one that fits your particular circumstances.

Type of Account

Ownership

Death of Owner

Probate Treatment

Tenancy by Entirety Only married couples can utilize this type of account. Each spouse has equal ownership rights to the account. If one spouse dies, the other spouse gets full ownership of the account. Avoids probate.
Joint Tenants With Rights of Survivorship Each owner has equal rights to the account. If one owner dies, the ownership interest is passed to surviving owners. Avoids probate.
Tenancy in Common Owners may have different ownership shares of account. If one owner dies, the ownership share passes to their estate or a beneficiary. May be subject to probate court.

Ownership

How the ownership of a joint brokerage account is divided up depends on the type of account a couple opens.

•   Tenancy by Entirety: If the couple is married, they can benefit from opening an account with tenancy by the entirety. Each spouse has an equal and undivided interest in the account. It is not a 50/50 split; the spouses own 100% of the account.

•   Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship: This type of joint account gives each owner an equal financial stake in the account.

•   Tenancy in Common: A joint brokerage account with tenancy in common allows owners to have different ownership stakes in the account. For example, a couple may open a joint account with tenancy in common and establish a 70/30 ownership split of the account.

Death of Owner

When an owner of a joint brokerage account passes away, their share of the account may pass on to the surviving owners or a beneficiary, depending on the type of account.

•   Tenancy by Entirety: If a spouse dies, their ownership stake passes on to the surviving spouse.

•   Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship: If one owner dies, the ownership interest is passed onto surviving owners.

•   Tenancy in Common: If one owner dies, the ownership share passes to their estate or a beneficiary.

Probate Court

In many financial dealings, it can be challenging to determine who owns what when someone passes away. These questions are often brought into the legal system, with probate courts often resolving issues of ownership for financial accounts and property. This can also occur with joint brokerage accounts, depending on the type of account a couple may open.

•   Tenancy by Entirety: This type of account avoids the need for probate court, as ownership stays with one spouse if the other spouse passes away.

•   Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship: This type of account avoids the need for probate court, as ownership interest is passed to the surviving owners when one owner dies.

•   Tenancy in Common: In this type of account, if one owner passes away without a will or a state beneficiary, their ownership share will likely have to pass through probate court.

However, regardless of the type of joint brokerage account, if all owners of an account pass away at the same time, the assets in the account may still be subject to probate court if a will does not clearly state beneficiaries.

Tips for Opening a Joint Brokerage Account

Here are some tips that couples may consider before opening a joint brokerage account with a spouse or partner. These tips apply to almost everything; in the end, it’s all about communication and compromise.

•   Decide on your investment goals for your joint brokerage account upfront. That means deciding what you want to build wealth for, like a house, vacation, or retirement. This can also mean determining how much money you may be willing to set aside for investing.

•   Having goals for your joint brokerage accounts is advisable, but it’s also acceptable to have individual financial goals as long as you’re on the same page. You can set aside some of your discretionary income, like 1%, for each of you to spend as individual fun money. Some couples may also maintain smaller separate accounts in addition to your joint accounts.

•   Take a long view of your joint financial goals. While you may disagree about buying a new couch or how to remodel a kitchen, you should agree on when you want to retire.

•   Establish a system for resolving disputes before you get started investing. Even in the healthiest of relationships, there are bound to be disagreements. Before you open a joint brokerage account, decide how you will resolve disputes about whether to invest in one asset or rebalance your portfolio.

The Takeaway

Just because you’re in a relationship doesn’t mean you have to open a joint brokerage account with a partner. For some couples, combining finances to build wealth for shared goals makes sense, while other couples may benefit from keeping money issues separate from one another. What matters most is determining what’s best for you and your partner, whatever that may look like for your specific financial needs.

FAQ

Can couples open a joint brokerage account?

Yes, couples can open a joint brokerage account. However, couples are not the only people who can open a joint brokerage account. Any two people, like relatives or business partners, can open joint accounts.

What are the benefits for couples opening a joint brokerage account?

The benefits of opening a joint brokerage account for couples are that they can pool their money and resources to make investments, and they can also make joint decisions about how to manage the account.

How can you start a joint brokerage account?

There are a few ways to start a joint brokerage account. The most common way is to go to a broker and open an account together. Another way is to open an account online.


INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.


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Financial Planning Tips for Your 40s

Your 40s can be a pivotal decade in your life. It’s typically a time of peak earnings, growing family responsibilities, and an increased focus on long-term financial stability. You may have a house, kids, and a busy job. College expenses may be looming. Maybe you’re hatching a plan to start your own business or buy a beach house that’ll one day be your empty-nester home.

To navigate these years successfully, it’s essential to make strategic financial moves that can secure your future and make your plans and dreams a reality. Here are some critical financial planning tips to consider as you move through your 40s.

7 Financial Moves to Make During Your 40s

In your 40s, you’re old enough to know what you want and likely have enough earning years ahead to achieve your goals — if you manage your money right. The following strategies can help you build wealth in your 40s.

1. Maintain or Replenish Emergency Funds

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Not all of them are fun, such an expensive car or home repair, a medical emergency, or losing your job. An emergency fund offers financial stability during a stressful time. It also saves you from running up expensive debt that could derail your financial goals.

A general rule of thumb is to have six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses stashed away for the unexpected. If you already have an emergency fund but it has been partly or fully depleted, you’ll want to prioritize replenishing it to maintain financial security.

Consider setting up automatic transfers into savings to build your emergency fund consistently. Keep these funds in a liquid, easily accessible account, such as a high-yield savings account, to ensure you can access the money quickly when needed.

2. Manage Your Debt

Debt management is a crucial aspect of financial planning at any age, but it becomes even more critical in your 40s. Since high-interest debts, like credit card balances, can significantly hinder your ability to save and invest for the future, you’ll want to prioritize paying them off as quickly as possible.

One strategy that can help is the avalanche payoff method. Here, you list your debts in order of interest rate from highest to lowest, then put extra money toward the highest-interest debt, while continuing to pay the minimum on the others. Once that debt is paid off, you put your extra funds toward the debt with the next-highest rate, and so on.

Alternative approaches to paying down high-interest debt include getting a low- or no- interest balance transfer credit card or taking out a personal loan for debt consolidation with a lower rate than you are paying on your cards.

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3. Revisit Retirement Saving

In your 40s, you’re roughly at the midpoint between entering the workforce and traditional retirement age. How you invest and save for retirement at this point in your career can strongly impact your future assets and ability to one day retire comfortably.

If you’re not currently contributing to a retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA), now’s a good time to start. If you have been, it’s time to assess your progress. Consider how much of a nest egg you will need to retire and, using an online retirement calculator, whether your current plan will get you there.

If you’re behind on your savings, consider stepping up your contributions or, if you’re already contributing the max allowed, making “catch-up” contributions down the road. Starting at age 50, the IRS allows higher maximums designed to help people catch up on their retirement savings goals.

4. Plan for Childrens’ College Expenses

If you have kids, planning for their future education expenses may be top of mind. College costs continue to rise, and early planning can alleviate future financial stress. If you haven’t started saving for college expenses, you may want to explore opening a 529 college savings plan, which offers tax advantages and can be a flexible way to save for educational expenses.

An online college cost estimator can help you determine how much you need to stash away each month or year, based on the year your child will likely attend college and the type of school they might choose.

Just keep in mind that it’s important to balance college savings with other financial goals, like retirement. As kids get closer to leaving the nest, you may also want to encourage them to apply for scholarships and grants, and explore financial aid options.

5. Choose or Reevaluate Insurance Coverage

Insurance is an important component of financial planning in your 40s. You’ll want to evaluate your current insurance coverage and make sure it’s adequate to meet your family’s needs. This includes not only health and home insurance, but also life and disability insurance.

Life insurance provides financial security for your family should you die prematurely. If you don’t currently have a life insurance policy, consider purchasing one. If you do have one, you’ll want to make sure your policy’s coverage amount is sufficient to cover your family’s current living expenses, outstanding debts, and future financial needs, such as college tuition for your children.

It’s also a good idea to review your disability insurance, which protects your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Many companies provide a policy through work. However, you may want to consider supplementing employer-provided coverage or, if you’re self-employed, getting your own policy. This offers a different, but equally important, safety net for you and your family.

Recommended: Which Insurance Types Do You Really Need? Here Are 6 to Consider

6. Invest Outside of Retirement

While retirement accounts are crucial, investing outside of retirement can diversify your portfolio and help you achieve goals that may be five or 10 or more years away, such as a downpayment on a vacation home or a child’s wedding.

Though investing carries risk and can be volatile in the short term (which is why you generally don’t want to invest funds you’ll need in the next few years), an investment account has the potential to grow more than other types of accounts over the long term. Consider taxable investment accounts that align with your risk tolerance and financial objectives.

7. Meet with a Financial Professional

Getting expert advice on managing your finances can be invaluable at this stage of life. Whether you opt for regular meetings or simply go for a one-time consultation, a financial professional can provide valuable insights and help you navigate complex financial decisions.

An advisor will typically look at your whole financial picture and assist you with creating a comprehensive financial plan. This may include optimizing your investment strategy and ensuring you’re on track to meet your goals, including retirement, investments, and college savings.

The Takeaway

It’s never too late to take control of your finances. In your 40s, you are likely entering your prime earning years, so it’s a good time to focus on paying down debt, preparing for the next chapter of your children’s lives, and saving and investing for your future retirement. With some wise money moves, you’ll be set to make the most of this decade and beyond.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

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FAQ

What financial goals should a 40-year-old have?

Ideally, a 40-year-old will want to focus on several financial goals. These include:

•   Establish or maintain an emergency fund with three to six months’ worth of essential living expenses.

•   Reduce financial burdens by paying off high-interest debt.

•   Ensure you’re on track with retirement savings by maximizing contributions to retirement accounts.

•   Start or continue saving for children’s college expenses through plans like 529s.

•   Consider investing outside of retirement to diversify your portfolio and build wealth.

How much should a 40-year-old have saved?

By age 40, financial advisors often recommend having three times your annual salary saved for retirement. This benchmark ensures you’re on track to meet long-term financial goals and maintain your desired lifestyle in retirement.

In addition, you’ll want to maintain an emergency fund with three to six months’ worth of living expenses.

Savings outside of emergency and retirement, such as investments in taxable accounts, can further enhance financial security. The exact amount can vary based on individual circumstances, income, lifestyle, and future goals.

How can I build my wealth in my 40s?

To build wealth in your 40s, you’ll want to focus on several strategies:

•   Maximize retirement account contributions, taking full advantage of employer matches.

•   Pay off high-interest debts to free up resources for savings and investments.

•   Establish or maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses without derailing financial goals.

•   Consider additional income streams, such as side businesses or rental properties.

•   Diversify investments across stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets to balance risk and growth potential.


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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Budgeting for Elderly Parents or Loved Ones

Budgeting for Elderly Parents or Loved Ones

At some point, you may need to become involved with your aging parents’ care, which may include immersing yourself in your parents’ finances. Taking over elderly parents’ finances can be a sensitive issue that needs to be done with a great deal of care, patience, and regular (clear and honest) communication.

Your loved ones’ finances can be complicated by a number of issues, including the cost of any care they might need. According to the most recent survey by Genworth, the median cost of an in-home health aid is $6,292 per month, while an assisted living facility can run around $5,350 per month, depending on where you live.

While healthcare costs will likely only continue to climb, seniors are typically living on a fixed income. This makes careful money management particularly important for older adults. Read on to learn what you can do to help your parents (or other elderly loved ones) manage their money and ensure they don’t outlive their funds.

Tips for Budgeting for an Elderly Parent


Figuring out how to take care of your elderly parents’ finances – without putting a strain on your relationship – comes with a bit of a learning curve. Here are some tips that can help ease the process.

1. Starting With Small, Gradual Changes


It can be a good idea to offer support in small, gradual steps in the beginning. You may want to sit with your parents while they plan how to live on a budget or offer to set up automatic bill pay with them.

If you need to offer financial support, consider starting small, such as paying for prescription medications. Ideally, you’ll want to give as much independence to your parents as they can handle.

2. Making a List of Their Financial Documents


It can be very helpful to create a document that lists all of your loved ones’ financial and legal documents, including where they are located, along with contact information for any professionals they use, such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants. This is a valuable step in terms of Some documents you may want to look for include:

•  Bank statements

•  Mortgage statements

•  401K, IRA, stock certificates, or pension records

•  Income tax records

•  Property deeds

•  Outstanding loans

•  Automobile registration and insurance

•  Homeowners insurance

•  Health insurance

•  Life and disability insurance

•  Will and or trust documents

•  Passport, driver’s license, and social security information

•  Birth and marriage certificates, divorce decree

•  Contact info for doctor, lawyer, investment banker, accountant, clergy, etc.

•  Military service records

•  Medical papers, such as advance directives, DNR

•  Final wishes regarding burial arrangements, cemetery, and funeral home

Recommended: How To Keep Your Finances Organized

3. Creating an Organized Budget


Budgeting for elderly parents is similar to budgeting for yourself, except that the budget line items and amounts will likely look different from your own. Retirees may also have significantly less income coming in than when they were employed.

When helping them set up a budget, here are some monthly budgeting categories you may want to include:

•  Mortgage or rent

•  Utilities

•  Credit card payments

•  Health insurance payments

•  Phone bills

•  Medical bills

•  Food

•  Transportation

4. Setting up Automatic Bill Payment for Simplicity


Automatic bill payments can be a big help when it comes to taking care of elderly parents’ finances. If you’re handing the payments, it will eliminate the mental energy it’ll take for you to pay another set of bills each month. Plus, you’ll worry less about things like having their utilities unexpectedly cut off or their insurance canceled.

5. Communicating Changes With Them


There may come a time where you need to make changes that will affect their lives. If you need to switch care providers, for example, it can disrupt their routine and expectations. To make the adjustment process easier, you’ll want to communicate any changes early, often, and honestly.

6. Looking at Senior Programs


When budgeting for eldercare, it can be wise to look for senior programs in your area. Not only can they be a tremendous relief on the budget, but they can also enhance the quality of life for your elderly parents.

They may be able to qualify for housing, food, or energy assistance. Eldercare services can also include transportation, meals, health insurance counseling, caregiver support, and in-home services You can learn about programs in your area at Eldercare.gov.

7. Reducing Costs Where You Deem Fit


Be sensitive as you approach budget cuts with your parents. You may be able to see things that don’t make sense to pay for anymore, but your parents may view things differently. Keep communication lines open and respect their wishes as much as you can. It’s important to spend time acquainting yourself with typical retirement expenses, how those might be lowered, and what is discretionary spending.

8. Researching Options for Insurance Plans


Medicare, the healthcare insurance program for those over 65, isn’t as simple as you might expect. There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Each has their own benefits, deductibles, and copays. To browse medicare options in your area, you may want to take a look at Medicare.gov.

Depending on their financial situation, your parents may qualify for Medicaid (the public health insurance program for people with low income). In addition, you may want to look into supplemental health insurance, called Medigap. Medigap is sold by private companies and can help fill in “gaps” in Medicare, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

9. Separating Finances From Yours


Whatever help you’re able to give an aging parent, it can be a good idea to keep your finances separate from theirs. This is generally the easiest and most ethical way to keep a record of what is happening in your parents’ accounts.

When you’re in control of someone else’s finances, it puts you in the role of a fiduciary, which means you must act in their best interests, rather than your own. If you want to learn more about the different types of financial caregiving, you can look at the guides from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

10. Staying Aware of Any Unplanned Charges


Financial exploitation of elderly persons is on the rise. In the most recent year surveyed, financial institutions filed 88,000 suspicious activity reports related to elderly financial exploitation, up 84% over the previous period reviewed and totaling $3.1 billion in losses.

It’s concerning how often elderly persons’ are taken advantage of, especially when it comes to their finances. Being aware can help prevent financial abuse of an elderly parent. Some red flags you may want to watch out for:

•  Large, frequent withdrawals

•  ATM withdrawals that are not typical of your parent’s behavior

•  Transfers between bank accounts your parent cannot explain

•  Insufficient funds fees or unpaid bills

•  Attempts to wire large sums of money

•  A new friend accompanying them to the bank

•  Suspicious or forged signatures on checks

•  Reluctance to talk about transactions or shame surrounding their money

•  Altered wills or trusts

If you suspect your parents have been the victim of financial exploitation, you can report it to their bank and ask for their help to investigate and stop it. Your town or state Adult Protective Services department may also be able to help. If you strongly suspect fraud, it’s also a good idea to notify your local police.

The Takeaway


Taking care of your elderly parents’ finances is a big step that often requires time, patience, sensitivity, and maintaining open and clear lines of communication. But it can be well worth the effort. By coming up with a financial plan and helping older loved ones better manage their income, savings, and spending, you can ensure that they live as well as possible during their golden years.

If you need a banking partner to help you through this or any other season of life, you may want to consider what SoFi offers.

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FAQ

How do you financially help elderly parents?


You can help your parents financially by going over their finances with them, helping them set up a budget, and connecting them with any senior financial support services offered in your area. Helping elderly parents financially doesn’t have to mean giving them money. However, if that’s necessary (and you are able), you may want to start slowly by covering a few expenses here and there and, if needed, gradually increase.

What do you do if you have an elderly parent with no money?


You can help by looking for senior support programs that may be able to help them meet their needs. Beyond Medicare or Medicaid and Social Security, there are a host of other programs your elderly parents may qualify for, including assistance for housing, energy, and food. Eldercare.gov is a good place to start your research.

How do you make a budget for the elderly?


Making a budget for the elderly is similar to making a budget for yourself, except the expenses and allocations will be very different. A good first step is to go through their monthly bank and credit card statements to determine how much is coming in each month and how much is going out. You can then look for places where they may need to cut back.


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See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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How to Claim Unclaimed Money From Deceased Relatives

How to Claim Unclaimed Money From Deceased Relatives

Claiming unclaimed money from a deceased relative can be fairly straightforward — or more complicated — depending on state inheritance laws and the amount of supporting evidence to back the claim.

When a person dies without a will or other legally binding document outlining the distribution of their financial assets, that money may become “unclaimed” after a designated period of time. Unclaimed money is often turned over to the state where that person lived. However, it is possible for relatives to claim that money through the appropriate channels.

Key Points

•   Claiming unclaimed money from deceased relatives depends on state laws and available evidence.

•   Unclaimed assets may include cash, real estate, stocks, and more.

•   Assets become state property if no direct heir is identified.

•   Claimants may need to provide proof of identity and ownership.

•   The process may involve inheritance tax, but spouses are typically exempt.

What Happens to Unclaimed Money from Deceased Relatives?

When no direct heir is identified, unclaimed money and assets from a deceased relative go to the state government. How soon the money goes to the state after the person dies will vary according to that state’s inheritance laws.

Once unclaimed money ends up in the hands of the government, the state authority will try to identify any relatives that are entitled to claim the money. Typically, a description of the assets and the name of the deceased are posted to one or several public and searchable websites. Some examples of these websites are:

•  Unclaimed.org

•  MissingMoney.com

•  TreasuryDirect.gov

•  FDIC.gov and NCUA.gov

•  PBGC.gov

•  UnclaimedRetirementBenefits.com

•  ACLI.com

Can You Claim Unclaimed Money From a Deceased Relative?

If you believe you are entitled to an unclaimed financial asset of a deceased relative, you can file a claim with the state government or business that is holding it. If you are specifically named as a beneficiary in the deceased relative’s will, the claim process can be relatively smooth. If not, you may still be able to claim that money but it will require supporting documentation or potentially a decision from a presiding probate court judge to ultimately verify the claim.

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Recommended: How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will?

What Types of Financial Assets Can Be Claimed from Deceased Relatives?

Unclaimed money doesn’t necessarily have to be in the form of cash; it can also include other assets of value such as:

•  Real estate

•  Forgotten bank accounts

•  Bonds

•  Stocks

•  Certificates of deposit

•  Annuities

•  Royalties

•  401(k)s and other retirement plans

•  Vehicles and other physical assets

Recommended: Unclaimed Money from Scholarships and Grants

What to Expect From the Unclaimed Money Process

If you’re planning to claim unclaimed money, the process will vary depending on the state you’re filing in and the asset in question. In some cases, you can file a claim online, provide proof of identity and any documented proof of ownership, and wait for your claim to be processed. Once the claim is approved, you receive the money. A budget planner can help you make the most of any unclaimed money you receive and also provide valuable financial insights.

In situations where the deceased did not have a will or an executor for the will, a probate court will typically appoint someone to oversee any ownership claims and asset transfers. If this is the case, you may have to wait longer or provide more documented proof in court before your claim is approved.

Once your claim is approved and you receive the money owed to you, you may be required to pay inheritance tax. Again, this depends on which state the deceased lived in. However, spouses are exempt from paying inheritance tax in every state.

The Takeaway

Claiming unclaimed money from a deceased relative is entirely possible. However, the complexity of the process will ultimately depend on the circumstances and location of the deceased. If you believe you’re entitled to claim unclaimed money from a deceased relative, leveraging an estate planning attorney or a financial advisor can help demystify the process and any specifics about your claim. Bottom line: It’s never too early to start thinking about your own estate planning needs and long-term financial goals.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.

FAQ

How do you know if a deceased loved one has left you money?

If a deceased relative has named you as a beneficiary in their will or another legally binding contract, the executor of that document or a probate court will likely reach out to inform you of any unclaimed money you are entitled to. If not, you can still check to see if you are entitled to money by searching one of the public online unclaimed-money databases or by reaching out to the deceased relative’s financial advisor or estate planner.

How do I find assets of a deceased person?

To find the assets of a deceased relative, try looking through their personal property, reach out to relatives and other friends with knowledge of their financial affairs, or inquire with the local probate court or state government agencies.

What happens when you inherit money?

Depending on where you inherit money, you may be required to pay inheritance tax. After that, you are free to do with the money as you please. However, it is often advisable to think hard about how to use that money to support your financial needs or long-term goals.


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Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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