Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Better To Know or . . . Not

Different people like to use their financial planner in different ways.  Some see us a family CFO and consult with us regularly, which is our preferred role.  Other people see us as investment managers.  Still others see us as estate planners.  Some see us as budgeting experts.  We wear many hats, indeed!

One of our least appreciated roles is that of monitor - to be a vigilant lookout for potential problems.  Of course, it is sometimes painful to describe potential problems.  For example, how do you tell a healthy, rational person you suspect they are at risk for Alzheimer's?

Well, one way is to write a blog, listing the ten warning signs, which are:

1.  Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
2.  Challenges in planning or solving problems.
3.  Difficulty in completing familiar tasks.
4.  Trouble understanding visual images.
5.  New problems with words in speaking or writing.
6.  Confusion with time and place.
7.  Misplacing things and losing ability to retrace steps.
8.  Decreased or poor judgment.
9.  Withdrawal from work or social activities.
10. Changes in mood or personality.

So, if your planner hands you a copy of this blog, he/she is honestly concerned about you.

Don't you wish everybody was?