09/02/2026
September brings several important reminders about family, caregiving, and the roles many of us quietly carry every day.
For many people in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, life can feel like a balancing act between supporting aging parents, helping children launch into adulthood, managing careers, maintaining households, and somehow finding time to care for themselves.
This group has become known as the Sandwich Generation.
The challenge isn't simply finding enough hours in the day.
It's making financial, career, and caregiving decisions that support loved ones without sacrificing your own future.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP's Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report, approximately 63 million Americans serve as family caregivers, and nearly 29% are caring for both children and adults simultaneously. Additionally, 61% report that caregiving impacts their work life.
Many caregivers feel caught between two expectations:
Work as if you don't have a family.
Care for your family as if you don't work.
This month, we'll explore ways to create more options, preserve independence, and plan proactively before life's challenges become crises.
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🏫 Dallas College Class: Long-Term Care Insurance Deep Dive
📅 Tuesday, September 22nd • 10:00 AM CT
📍 Dallas College - Richland Campus
(Room assignment pending)
Long-term care planning is one of the most important and least understood parts of retirement planning.
Many families assume Medicare will cover extended care needs or that family members will simply step in when the time comes.
Unfortunately, those assumptions often create stress, financial strain, and difficult decisions during already emotional situations.
This month's class will explore:
• What long-term care insurance is and what it may cover
• Common misconceptions surrounding care costs
• Traditional versus hybrid long-term care options
• Ways families can prepare before care is needed
• Protecting retirement assets from unexpected healthcare expenses
• Questions every family should ask before a health event occurs
The best time to discuss care planning is before a caregiving crisis arrives.
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👩💼 Community Spotlight: Missing Pieces Lunch & Learn
📅 Tuesday, September 22nd • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
📍 Caddo Office Space, Plano
I'm honored to participate in a Lunch & Learn with Missing Pieces, an organization that supports women and families navigating pregnancy loss.
Every family's experience is different, but one reality is often overlooked: regardless of the outcome, many families return home facing significant medical expenses, missed work, and financial uncertainty.
Our discussion will focus on:
• Work-from-home opportunities
• Side income strategies
• Flexible employment options
• Building financial resilience during difficult seasons
• Creating additional sources of income when life takes an unexpected turn
This conversation is ultimately about creating financial flexibility, preserving options, and supporting women through some of life's most challenging moments.
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🚗 Financial Insight: The Hidden Costs of Caregiving
When people think about caregiving, they often picture doctor's appointments, medications, or helping with daily tasks.
What often goes unseen is the substantial impact caregiving has on careers, finances, and personal well-being.
Recent research found:
• Nearly half of caregivers experience negative financial impacts related to caregiving responsibilities.
• Family caregivers spend approximately $7,200 annually out of pocket supporting loved ones.
• Nearly two-thirds of caregivers report moderate to high emotional stress.
• About one in five caregivers report poor health.
For many women, caregiving also includes the invisible responsibilities:
• Managing appointments
• Tracking medications
• Coordinating transportation
• Monitoring finances
• Serving as the communication hub for the entire family
These responsibilities may not appear on a balance sheet, but they carry a very real cost.
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🧠 Alzheimer's Awareness Month
September 21 is World Alzheimer's Day, a reminder of the growing impact dementia and memory-related illnesses have on families.
Many caregiving journeys begin gradually.
A missed appointment.
A forgotten bill.
Repeated questions during conversations.
Small changes often become larger responsibilities over time.
Having conversations early about the list below can help preserve dignity, reduce stress, and create more choices for everyone involved.
• Powers of attorney
• Healthcare directives
• Long-term care preferences
• Financial responsibilities
• Family roles and expectations
Resource
🔗 Alzheimer's Association
https://www.alz.org
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🧭 Planning with Purpose
This month, consider asking yourself:
• If a parent needed care tomorrow, what would our family plan look like?
• Have we discussed powers of attorney and healthcare directives?
• How much financial support are we currently providing to children, parents, or other family members?
• Could we maintain that support for two to five years if needed?
• Are we protecting our own retirement while helping others?
• What boundaries need to be established before a crisis occurs?
The goal isn't choosing between helping others and protecting yourself.
The goal is creating a plan that allows you to do both.
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📣 Stay Connected
Follow me for updates, tips, and reminders:
🔗 LinkedIn: Traci Steelman
🔗 Facebook: Traci Steelman Financial Advisor
🔗 Instagram: Traci Steelman Financial Advisor
📅 Schedule an Appointment: Raymond James Calendar
📧 Email to RSVP or Ask Questions: [email protected]
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Thank you for being here. I appreciate your trust.
Stay adventurous,
Traci Steelman
Financial Advisor, RJFS
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Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Bell & Valente, LLC is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.
Any opinions are those of Traci Steelman and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions, or forecasts will prove to be correct. Individual results may vary.
Raymond James is not associated with Missing Pieces Support Group.
Links are being provided for information purposes only and cannot be guaranteed to be accurate or complete.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7334a2.htm
https://www-pi.aarp.org/pri/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/financial-supports-family-caregivers/
https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/family-caregivers-cost-survey/
https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/caregiving-in-the-us-2025/
The 2025 edition of Caregiving in the US, released by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, reveals a rapidly evolving caregiving landscape.
