Humans have a bad habit of thinking we’re invincible, that nothing can touch us. It’s one reason why we tend to put off doing those important things we know we really should do. But here at AgingOptions, we try to make sure we gently remind everyone that having a plan in place for as many contingencies as possible can save you a whole world of heartache.

As an appropriate example, one of our frequently-quoted writers, Liz Weston of NerdWallet, wrote this recent article, which we found reprinted by the Washington Post, in which she explains the importance of naming a “trusted contact” to keep your financial assets safe. Curious about what a trusted contact is? Let’s take a look at this simple but profoundly important recommendation.

Putting Protections in Place

Weston begins by admitting that she never really thought much about naming a “trusted contact” – that is, until tragedy struck a close friend.  

Like most of us, Weston was vaguely familiar with the idea of a trusted contact. “Banks, brokerages and insurers increasingly want to have someone to call or email in case they notice suspicious activity and can’t reach the account holder,” she writes. “I ignored these requests. Trusted contacts are a great idea for older people experiencing cognitive decline, I thought, but that’s not me.”

But then, a younger friend developed early-onset dementia, and it made her realize “we don’t always get enough warning to put such protections in place.”

In her article, Weston makes the case for naming a trusted contact as soon as possible. “Anyone’s financial accounts could be vulnerable if they’re displaced by natural disaster, wind up in the hospital, suffer a brain injury or are traveling and hard to reach,” she explains. “Helping your brokerage, bank or insurer connect with someone who knows what’s going on in your life could protect your money and prevent financial catastrophe.”

Trusted Contacts Can’t Make Changes

One misconception about trusted contacts – which may be part of the reason people resist the idea – is that the person you name will have power over your assets. But Weston explains, “Naming a trusted contact doesn’t give that person authority over your accounts or the ability to see balances or make changes. Instead, your trusted contact can help financial services companies reach you (if you’re reachable) or identify others who might help.”

This means that if you are unreachable because of injury or even death, your trusted contact can connect the company with your legal guardian, your power of attorney, your executor, or your successor. That could be hugely important in the event of a crisis.   

Is naming a trusted contact required? Weston says no, but “financial services companies — along with regulators and consumer advocates — recommend it. You can change your trusted contact whenever you want, or name more than one. Ideally, a trusted contact is someone you’re confident will protect your privacy and act responsibly.” For example, Weston suggests choosing a responsible adult child, a close friend, or an attorney.

A Trusted Contact Could Thwart Fraud

So, like many, you’ve put off naming a trusted contact. Why is it so important now? The one-word answer: fraud. “More than 369,000 cases of financial fraud of older adults are reported to authorities each year, causing an estimated $4.84 billion in losses,” Weston writes. But the worst part is this type of fraud is “notoriously underreported” because the victims often feel ashamed, or because the perpetrators were their own loved ones. Weston says, “[T]he real toll may be 8.68 million cases and more than $113.7 billion in losses each year.” That’s a devastating statistic.

But she adds, “To help reduce that toll, two new [Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA] rules were approved in 2017. The first allows brokerages to put temporary holds on withdrawals when financial exploitation is suspected, and the second requires brokerages to ‘make reasonable efforts’ to get customers to name trusted contacts.” Banks, credit unions, and insurers don’t have the same rules—yet. But most still offer the opportunity to name trusted contacts on accounts even though it’s technically optional.

Beware of Fraudulent Email Requests

“One thing you shouldn’t do is respond to emails that seem to be from your financial institution asking you to name a trusted contact,” Weston says. “Those may be scams to steal your passwords or create other havoc.” Instead, Weston suggests calling your financial institution directly, or looking on its official website for a trusted contact form you can fill out.

Naming a trusted contact takes only a few minutes of your life, but it can save you big in tragic consequences down the line. In her conclusion, Weston quotes Abby Schneiderman, an estate-planner and author: “People should take two minutes out of their day and name a trusted contact.” If we can assist with this simple but vital task, contact us – we’re happy to help.

My Life, My Plan, My Way: Get Started on the Path to Retirement Success

At AgingOptions we believe the key to a secure retirement is the right retirement plan – yet statistics show that 70 percent of retirement plans fail. That’s why for nearly two decades we’ve been dedicated to the proposition that a carefully-crafted, fully comprehensive retirement plan is the best answer to virtually any contingency life may throw your way as you age.  Our slogan says it all: My Life, My Plan, My Way.

When it comes to retirement planning, most people focus on one fairly narrow issue: money. Financial planning is an important component of retirement planning. However, people heading towards retirement often make the mistake of thinking that a little financial planning is all that’s required, when in fact most financial plans are woefully inadequate. What about your medical coverage? What if you have to make a change in your housing status – will that knock your financial plan off course? Are you adequately prepared legally for the realities of retirement and estate planning? And is your family equipped to support your plans for the future as you age?

The best way we know of to successfully blend all these elements together – finance, medical, housing, legal and family – is with a LifePlan from AgingOptions. Thousands of people have discovered the power of LifePlanning and we encourage you to the same. Simply visit our website and discover a world of retirement planning resources.  Make certain your retirement planning is truly comprehensive and complete with an AgingOptions LifePlan.  Age on!

(originally reported at www.washingtonpost.com)