Powwow, LLC

08/10/2026

A recent conversation with longtime elder care colleague Brenda Burkholder at left me thinking about one simple question:

Instead of asking
“What’s the matter with you?”
what if we asked
“What matters to you?”

Connection, purpose, family and community can play such an important role in healthy aging. And with 1 in 4 adults age 65+ socially isolated, these conversations matter.

My latest blog explores senior loneliness, social prescribing, and how we can spend our retirement years focused not just on having enough, but on what makes life meaningful. 💚

Read more: https://powwowllc.com/elder-care-planning/senior-loneliness/

Last week, I attended a networking event at Nichols Village in Groveland, Massachusetts. It was one of those afternoons that reminds you why relationships matter, not just for business, but for life. I had the chance to reconnect with longtime colleagues in the elder care community, meet new faces,....

07/08/2026

The new Trump Account for children has generated a lot of buzz-including a free $1,000 government contribution for eligible newborns. But how does it really compare to the accounts families have been using for years?

Here’s an objective, side-by-side look at how Trump Accounts work, how they compare to 529 plans and UTMAs, and when opening one might (or might not) make sense for your family.

Compare Trump Accounts with 529 plans, UTMAs, and IRAs to determine where your family's savings may be best invested.

07/04/2026

Have a wonderful 4th filled with family, friends and patriotism!

06/17/2026

Helping aging parents is one of the most challenging responsibilities many families will face.

The warning signs are not always dramatic. Sometimes they begin with missed bills, confusion about financial transactions, unusual requests for money, or important documents that no one can locate.

The good news is that families do not need to wait for a crisis before taking action.

In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I share seven financial red flags families should watch for and several important conversations that can help protect both independence and financial security.

Read more here: https://powwowllc.com/elder-care-planning/helping-aging-parents/

Learn how helping aging parents starts with recognizing financial red flags, preventing scams, and planning ahead before a crisis occurs.

05/18/2026

Spring cleaning doesn’t just apply to closets and garages.

Mid-year is actually one of the best times to revisit a few financial tasks that drift out of date during busy seasons of life.

In Powwow's latest blog, I cover 3 areas that are easy to overlook:

• Estimated tax payments before the June 15 deadline

• Setting up and consistently using a password manager

• Auditing recurring subscriptions and monthly charges

One theme I see often: small financial systems tend to break down gradually, not all at once. Taking an hour or so for a simple mid-year review can go a long way!

Read more here:

This mid-year financial checklist covers estimated taxes, password managers, and subscription spending reviews to help families stay organized financially.

04/13/2026

RSU cost basis wrong on your 1099? Learn where to find the right numbers, fix errors, and avoid paying taxes twice on your stock compensation.

https://powwowllc.com/investing/rsu-cost-basis-is-wrong-on-your-1099/

03/22/2026

Had such a great time at the North Andover Senior Center’s Casino Night! 🎲

Over 100 residents came out for an evening of games, laughter, and connection, and the best part was being able to sit at the tables without the pressure of actually losing money.

It’s events like these that remind me how important community is at every stage of life. Fun, social connection, and shared experiences are just as valuable as anything we plan for financially.

Thank you to The Friends Group and Senior Center staff for making it such a great night!

03/05/2026

Financial planning for the sandwich generation involves balancing kids, aging parents, and your own future. Learn how wealth priorities shift in midlife.

https://powwowllc.com/general-planning/sandwich-generation-financial-planning/

02/13/2026

We will spend close to $30 billion in 2026 on Valentine's Day! Where does this tradition come from and what does it mean for the economy?
https://powwowllc.com/general-planning/the-history-and-business-of-valentines-day/

02/10/2026

Almost all of my work has been shaped by what I’ve lived through personally.

I started Powwow after navigating elder care communities with my dad. I was raised by my grandmother, so I’ve seen firsthand what aging in place really looks like. I’ve helped move family members into CCRCs and supported them through the emotional and logistical adjustment that comes with that transition.

This is the first time, though, that I’m navigating terminal and life-threatening illness directly within my own family. I’ve helped clients through this before, but this is my first hands-on experience personally.

I’m grateful for that professional experience now, because I’m trying to approach this with the same objectivity and care I’ve brought to clients, the kind they’ve told me made an incredibly hard time just a little easier to manage.

I wrote this piece from that place. If you’re facing something similar, I hope it helps normalize being practical when so much feels out of control.

Financial planning after a terminal diagnosis can bring clarity when timelines change. Learn how to navigate Medicare, estate planning, taxes, and benefits with intention.