Planning ahead is important for everyone. But when you or a loved one is navigating life without a spouse or partner, there are a few additional questions worth considering:
Who will step in if help is needed? Where will they find important information? And will they understand how you or your loved one would want those affairs handled?
For solo agers—whether widowed, divorced, unmarried, or simply planning independently—these questions are an important part of preparing for the future.
The goal isn’t to anticipate everything that could go wrong. It’s to thoughtfully put the right people, information, and resources in place so you or your loved one can maintain greater independence and feel confident that support is there if and when it’s needed.
🛡️ Start With the People You Trust
One of the most important considerations for a solo ager is identifying who you would trust to act on your behalf.
Who would serve as your Power of Attorney if you were unable to manage your financial affairs? Who would make healthcare decisions for you? Who would serve as executor or trustee when the time comes?
Just as importantly, have you named backups—and have you spoken with these individuals about the responsibilities you are asking them to take on?
The right person isn’t simply someone you trust. It should also be someone who is willing and able to fulfill the role.
📂 Organize Your Financial Household
If someone needed to step in tomorrow, would they know how your financial household works?
Creating an organized record of your bank and investment accounts, retirement assets, insurance policies, income sources, recurring expenses, tax documents, and important financial contacts can make an enormous difference.
Beneficiary designations and account ownership should also be reviewed periodically, particularly following a major life transition such as divorce or the loss of a spouse.
Good organization isn't just about having paperwork in order. It helps create financial continuity if someone else ever needs to assist you.
Healthcare planning becomes especially important when there isn't a spouse who would naturally be expected to step in.
In addition to having an up-to-date Healthcare Directive, consider keeping a current list of medications, allergies, major illnesses or surgeries, physicians, specialists, and your preferred pharmacy.
Most importantly, talk with your healthcare agent about your wishes. A document may give someone the authority to act, but a conversation can give them the confidence to make decisions that reflect what matters to you.
🔐 Don’t Forget Your Digital Life
So much of our financial and personal lives now exists online.
Banking portals, investment accounts, passwords, email, automatic payments, subscriptions, photographs, social media, and other digital assets may all require access or attention if you're unable to manage them yourself.
A secure digital inventory can help ensure that someone you trust knows what exists, where to find it, and how it should be handled.
🏡 Think Ahead About Where—and How—You Want to Live
Planning for the future also means thinking beyond financial and legal documents.
Could your current home continue to work for you if your mobility or health changed? Who could help with household maintenance? How would you get around if driving were no longer an option?
You don't need to make those decisions today. But learning about housing, transportation, care options, and community resources before the need arises can put you in a much better position to make thoughtful choices later.
🤝 Build a Circle of Support
One of the most valuable things a solo ager can do is recognize that no single person needs to fill every role.
Your circle of support might include family members, friends, neighbors, a financial advisor, estate or elder law attorney, CPA, healthcare providers, insurance professionals, Daily Money Manager, or care manager.
Different people can provide different kinds of support. The important thing is to intentionally build that network and make sure the key people know one another, or at least know whom to contact, when appropriate.
🌱 Start Small
Planning for the future can feel overwhelming when you look at everything at once. You don't have to do it all at once.
Choose one area that needs attention and begin there. Maybe it's reviewing your Power of Attorney. Perhaps it's organizing your financial accounts, talking with your healthcare agent, or simply making a list of the people you would call if you needed help.
Each step you take today can create greater clarity, independence, and confidence for the future.
The goal isn't simply to have documents in place—it's to feel confident knowing your wishes are clear, your affairs are organized, and the right people are prepared to support you when needed.
And if you're wondering where to begin—or simply need a gentle nudge to get started—I'm here to help.
Sometimes, the most important step is simply taking the first one.
For a printable, step by step version of these actions, Click HERE to download the full “Planning for the Solo Ager” Checklist in the Resource Library tab of our website
Laura Reeves, CFP®, CRPC®, MPAS™
📍1021 W Commodore Blvd. Jackson, NJ 08527 /📧Laura@LJRFinancial.com | ☎(732) 267-3507
🌐www.LJRFinancial.org
Let’s take steps today to protect tomorrow.