05/06/2026
Americans over 70 hold more than 30 percent of the country's wealth, even though they represent just 11 percent of the population.
May is Older Americans Month, and whether you're in this chapter, approaching it, or helping a parent navigate it, here are some of the considerations that come into play:
1.) Required minimum distributions that force withdrawals whether you need the income or not
2.) Sequencing decisions about which accounts to tap first
3.) Medicare timing and long-term care options, including whether a continuing care retirement community makes sense
4.) Protecting against elder scams and financial exploitation
5.) Power of attorney conversations and making sure the documents are accessible
6.) Considering the possibility of cognitive decline before it happens
None of these has one right answer. They depend on your health and what your family goals look like.
The earlier these conversations start, the more options there may be on the table.
