In the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis, stocks were the go-to investment option for more than a decade. We’d been riding a high for so long that we found ourselves caught off guard by the severe but brief bear market triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. That bear—along with the 2022 bear market spurred by record inflation and interest-rate hikes—serves as an important reminder: Declining markets are a natural part of investing.
At some time in our lives, most of us find that aging relatives begin to need much more of our attention. Taking the right steps, as early as possible, to help secure their financial situation and find necessary health and household services may allow them to remain at home and receive appropriate care.
The unexpected challenge of a spouse’s death can be overwhelming. You have to make so many critical decisions when you’re emotionally drained. Since it’s hard to know where to start, we’ve created this simple set of action steps, important questions and key documents. It can help you organize your thoughts and find some sense of control at this very difficult time.
