Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Daily Money Manager?
A DMM is a professional who helps people with their personal and household finances. DMMs provide confidential personal services to individuals and families who need or want assistance with managing everyday financial affairs. Services range from bill paying and account reconciliation to processing mail and insurance issues to filing, record keeping and tax preparation.
What is a Certified Senior Advisor®?
The CSA is a leading certification for professionals serving older adults, and is a designation awarded to qualified individuals. Earning the CSA certification requires individuals to pass a rigorous exam, take annual continuing education courses and adhere to the CSA Code of Professional Responsibility. CSAs are multidisciplinary professionals who have demonstrated advance knowledge in the multiple processes of aging.
What is a Fiduciary?
A fiduciary is someone who manages the financial and/or personal affairs of someone who is unable to care for themselves. A fiduciary is responsible legally and ethically to act in the best interest of that individual. I often work with seniors who, due to age or physical/mental incapacity, have difficulty managing their own affairs. I also work with family members of these individuals who are concerned for their loved one. I can also be hired by someone that is already a fiduciary who needs support in their role.
Are you insured and background checked?
Yes, I am covered by a Professional Liability Insurance policy carrying Errors & Omissions Insurance through underwriters at Lloyd’s of London, hold a Bond through Western Surety and am background checked through Global Investigative Services.
What is your confidentiality policy? What about my privacy and security?
I am keenly aware of the importance of handling sensitive client data and ensuring the information stays confidential. I never share, distribute, or exchange information with any third party without your (the client’s) consent. I take your privacy very seriously. I have a company Confidentiality and Privacy Policy Agreement and I respect and adhere to my professional associations’ Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Will I lose control or my independence if I hire you?
Absolutely not, the client always has access and control over all his/her accounts and records. Everything from acquiring the required documents, keeping a detailed record-keeping system to communication with others will be done with your preferences and needs kept in mind. Clients or their legal agents retain total control and final authority.
Do you replace the need for other professionals such as my accountant, attorney, or financial advisor?
While I do not provide legal, financial or tax advice, my services complement these professionals by preparing, organizing and providing documents and information so they can more effectively serve you.
Do I have to commit to a certain amount of time?
There is no set requirement. Time needs and commitments are flexible. I help clients with short-term projects, long-term projects and ongoing arrangements managing all or part of your financial and/or household affairs.
How do I know if I need a fiduciary?
People may need a fiduciary for many reasons, including: Your loved one needs assistance, but you don’t have the knowledge or time to help them; There is no loved one to take on the responsibility; Your loved one needs help, but you live far away and need someone local to work with you or act as a proxy in your place; You need an independent, neutral third-party to administer your trust.
How long does it take to execute an estate?
A general rule of thumb is 6-9 months. However, be prepared for it to take a year or longer depending on size and complexity of the estate. The average executor effort can be 350 hours for a small (<$50K) estate to over 700 hours for a larger (>$1M) estate.
Can you help me settle my loved one’s estate?
I work with your attorney, accountant, banker, appraiser, realtor and all other applicable professionals to ensure your loved one’s wishes are followed accurately, compassionately and in a timely manner. Your involvement can be limited to only when your signature or presence is required.
Resources
GOVERNMENT SITES
Administration on Aging https://acl.gov/
Affordable Health Care Act https://www.healthcare.gov/
Do Not Call Registry https://www.donotcall.gov/
Elder Care Locator https://eldercare.acl.gov/
Federal Trade Commission (Identity Theft) https://www.identitytheft.gov/
IRS – Internal Revenue Service https://www.irs.gov/
Medicare https://www.medicare.gov/
National Center on Elder Abuse https://ncea.acl.gov/
Social Security Administration https://www.ssa.gov/
U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs https://www.va.gov/
SITES SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO SENIORS
AARP – American Association of Retired Persons https://www.aarp.org/
Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/
Family Caregiver Alliance https://caregiver.org/
National Council on Aging https://www.ncoa.org/
Society of Certified Senior Advisors https://www.csa.us/
ESTATE PLANNING
Conversation Project https://theconversationproject.org/
Funeral Consumers Alliance https://funerals.org/
National Association of Elder Law Attorneys https://www.naela.org/
GENERAL SITES FOR EVERYONE
Free Annual Credit Report https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
National Guardianship Association https://www.guardianship.org/