Caregivers Resource Group

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Caregivers Resource Group

Empowering family caregivers with resources, coaching, and community for balanced, confident caregiving.

Helping family caregivers get organized—financially, strategically, and emotionally. At Caregivers Resource Group, we provide trusted tools, expert financial guidance, and strategic support to help you feel more empowered and in control—no matter where you are in your caregiving journey. Whether you're caring for a loved one now, preparing for what's ahead, or navigating life after caregiving, we offer flat-fee advice (no product sales or asset management), practical resources, and a private membership—not on Facebook—designed to support you every step of the way. Led by Scott Bown, CFP®️, MBA, our mission is simple:
Give families the clarity, confidence, and empowerment they need when caregiving becomes part of life.

👉 Free consultations available
👉 Monthly newsletter: The FamilyCare Playbook Dispatch
👉 Private membership for real-time support, tools & coaching (off-Facebook)

DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. This content does not create an advisory relationship and is not tailored to the specific needs or circumstances of any individual or entity. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal professional, or tax expert before making any financial decisions. The author and publisher are not responsible for any losses, risks, or liabilities associated with the use of or reliance on this information. Scott Bown is an Investment Advisor Representative of Advice Only, PBC, a Registered Investment Advisor. All investment advisory services are provided through Advice Only. Further details are available in our ADV or at www.adviceonly.com.

09/06/2025

💬 “Have you talked with your aging parent about how they want to handle long-term care—or how they’ll pay for it?”

It’s one of the hardest conversations adult children face. And yet, avoiding it often leads to heartbreak and chaos.

Here’s how it plays out for so many families:
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” they say.
But when crisis hits—a fall, a hospital stay—there’s no bridge. Just panic. 🚑
❌ No care plan.
❌ No financial roadmap.
❌ No clarity on whether Mom wants to stay home or move to a facility.
Instead, siblings scramble to coordinate care, cover costs upfront, and manage endless paperwork—while emotions spiral with guilt, frustration, and resentment.

🌟 Why having “the talk” matters before a crisis:

Decisions made in stress rarely reflect what your parent truly wants.

Medicare does not pay for most long-term care—home care, assisted living, and memory care are often $4,000–$8,000/month, paid out-of-pocket.

Without a plan, savings drain quickly, and the financial load falls on family.

💡 What to cover in the conversation:
🏠 Care Preferences – Do they want to age in place with support, or would they consider assisted living or nursing care if needed?
💵 Financial Planning – Have they saved for care? Do they have long-term care insurance? Would they qualify for Medicaid?
📑 Legal Documents – Is there a Power of Attorney? A will or trust covering care decisions?
👥 Family Roles – Who do they want involved in decisions? Are siblings aligned?

These talks may feel awkward at first—but starting them now gives your family more choices, less stress, and the peace of knowing you’re honoring your parent’s wishes.

✨ The best day to begin is today.
If you’re unsure where to start, I can help. Schedule a free consultation, and let’s create a roadmap that brings clarity and confidence to your family’s caregiving journey.
📅https://www.caregiversresourcegroup.com/Book_Your_Consult_Call

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The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. All investment advisory services are provided through Advice Only. Further details are available in our ADV or at www.adviceonly.com.

09/05/2025

💻 “I Have Power of Attorney—Why Can’t I Log Into My Mom’s Bank Account?”

Having a signed Power of Attorney and neatly organized paperwork doesn’t guarantee access when it matters most—especially online.

One caregiver found this out the hard way after her mom’s hospitalization. Despite holding POA, the bank refused her online access. Email and utility logins were locked by missing passwords and two-factor codes on devices she couldn’t reach. To make matters worse, her POA didn’t cover digital accounts—and every provider had its own rules. The result? Critical bills went unpaid, hours were wasted, and stress skyrocketed at the worst possible time. 😔

Here’s why this happens: Most POA documents don’t mention digital accounts. Banks often require their own forms, special digital authorizations, or in-person verification. And without current passwords or two-factor access, even well-meaning caregivers are locked out.

The risks are real:
⚠️ Bills can’t be paid on time
⚠️ Funds and insurance access gets delayed
⚠️ Accounts remain locked during emergencies
⚠️ Caregivers lose precious time proving their right to help—when they should be focused on caregiving

✅ How to get ahead before a crisis:

Update your POA to specifically include digital assets and online accounts

Create a secure inventory of usernames, passwords, and recovery contacts

Use a password manager to safely store and share access (with consent)

Ask banks and utilities what forms they require for online access—many need their own paperwork

Add trusted contacts or co-users where possible

Legal standing is crucial, but real caregiving today also requires digital access. Don’t let missing passwords or outdated paperwork become your biggest caregiving headache.

✨ Want to make sure your family is truly prepared—on paper and online? Schedule a free consultation with us today, and let’s get your plan in place.
📅https://www.caregiversresourcegroup.com/Book_Your_Consult_Call

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The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. All investment advisory services are provided through Advice Only. Further details are available in our ADV or at www.adviceonly.com.

09/04/2025

💸 “You’re not just giving your time — you’re quietly draining your bank account.”

If you’re a family caregiver, you’ve probably picked up a bottle of Tylenol here, a box of supplements there — maybe a pack of adult diapers “just to help out.” You tell yourself, “It’s only a few dollars.” But then your credit card bill tells a very different story.

The truth? Most caregivers spend over $7,000 a year of their own money (AARP, 2024) — often without realizing it. And those little costs? They repeat every single month. 🧾

Think about it: pain relievers, digestive aids, vitamins, sleep aids, cold or allergy meds, incontinence supplies, nutrition shakes, pill organizers, blood pressure monitors, gas, tolls, and parking for appointments. Anything not covered by insurance or Medicare? That comes straight from your wallet.

👉 Nearly 75% of caregivers underestimate their spending — and most never claim the tax deductions they’re eligible for (AARP & NAC, 2024). It’s not just caregiving; it’s “death by a thousand cuts.”

Here’s how you can start protecting your finances:
✅ Track every expense — use a notebook, app, or spreadsheet.
✅ Save receipts — many supplies may be tax-deductible.
✅ Explore assistance — Medicare Savings, Medicaid, VA programs, or hospital care funds may help.
✅ Talk about it — share costs with family, and don’t carry the burden alone.

👣 You’re not “just” a caregiver. You’re also an unpaid financial manager for someone’s health. You deserve recognition, and more importantly, relief.

✨ Ready to stop the quiet financial drain? Schedule a free consultation with us today. We’ll help you track, plan, and protect your resources while caring for your loved one.
📅https://www.caregiversresourcegroup.com/Book_Your_Consult_Call

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The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. All investment advisory services are provided through Advice Only. Further details are available in our ADV or at www.adviceonly.com.

09/03/2025

⏳ Timing Is Everything: When Your Parent Loses Capacity, You Lose Options

Last month, your parent was sharp—paying bills, joking over coffee, living independently. Today, they’re in a hospital bed, confused and unable to sign even the simplest document.

One daughter shared: “My mom always said I’d handle things. But we never did the paperwork—now she’s confused, and the bank won’t even talk to me.” Her mom never signed a Power of Attorney, never appointed a health care proxy. She thought they had time. But capacity can vanish overnight—and when it does, so do your options. 💔

Here’s what happens when families wait too long:
⚖️ The only path forward is court—petitioning for guardianship just to pay bills or approve care.
💸 Weeks pass with frozen accounts, unpaid bills, and delayed treatment.
💥 Family conflict escalates at the worst possible time.
🚫 Missed opportunities for Medicaid or VA benefits—because no one had legal authority when it mattered.

The truth? This scenario isn’t rare. Most families assume they’ll “handle it later.” Too often, later is too late.

💡 The good news: You don’t have to be perfect—just proactive. If your parent still has mental capacity—even on a good day—you still have time to:
✅ Sign a Power of Attorney
✅ Document medical preferences
✅ Update account access at banks, insurers, and benefit offices

One timely conversation now can prevent months of chaos later. The biggest mistake isn’t waiting too long—it’s assuming you have more time.

✨ Don’t wait for capacity to slip away. Schedule a free consultation with us today and let’s make sure your family has the legal tools in place before it’s too late.
📅https://www.caregiversresourcegroup.com/Book_Your_Consult_Call

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The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. All investment advisory services are provided through Advice Only. Further details are available in our ADV or at www.adviceonly.com.

09/02/2025

💡 Hidden Life Insurance Policies: The Overlooked Asset That Could Change Your Caregiving Journey

Did you know thousands of dollars could be quietly waiting in a life insurance policy your parent forgot about? It happens more often than you think. Families sometimes discover old, paid-up whole life or endowment policies tucked away in a drawer or hidden in old files. These policies may still hold cash value or provide death benefits that could ease the rising costs of care. 💰

Imagine sorting through paperwork and uncovering a forgotten, fully paid policy. This could be the relief your family needs to cover medical bills, home care, or even end-of-life expenses. But here’s the catch—these benefits only help if you know the policy exists and claim it on time. Too often, delays, missing paperwork, or lack of awareness lead to benefits being overlooked or even denied.

Many people don’t realize that even if premium payments stopped years ago, a paid-up policy may still be active. Some hold cash value that can be accessed while your parent is still alive. Others provide benefits for loved ones after death. Ignoring them means families pay out-of-pocket for care that could have been covered.

✨ The takeaway: don’t assume there’s nothing there. Proactively review financial and insurance records, ask questions, and confirm what’s active. A little digging could uncover resources that make a big difference in your caregiving journey.

📞 Want help organizing and reviewing your loved one’s financial picture? Schedule a free consultation with us today—we’ll guide you through the process so no asset goes unnoticed.
📅https://www.caregiversresourcegroup.com/Book_Your_Consult_Call

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The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. All investment advisory services are provided through Advice Only. Further details are available in our ADV or at www.adviceonly.com.

09/01/2025

📂 What If You Can’t Find Your Parent’s Life Insurance, Pension, or Investment Records—And They Can’t Help?

It often starts small: a late bill, a strange statement, or a missing policy. Then suddenly, you’re trying to piece together your parent’s financial life—with no list, no folder, and no clear direction. Just scattered paperwork in drawers, forgotten online accounts, or old emails that don’t tell the full story.

Why does this happen so often? Many older adults don’t openly talk about money or share details. Some fear losing control, while others believe “it’s all taken care of.” In reality, important documents are often outdated, spread across different places, or locked behind passwords no one else has. 🔒

In a crisis, you may urgently need details on life insurance policies, pensions, old 401(k) or IRA accounts, investments, annuities, long-term care insurance, Social Security or VA benefits, and up-to-date beneficiary designations. The biggest danger? You might not even know some accounts exist—leading to lost benefits, unclaimed money, or policies that never get used simply because no one knew about them.

💡 The solution is simple but powerful: start the conversation early. Ask, “Can we review your accounts and policies together?” Create one clear list of accounts, policies, logins, and locations. Keep it updated and store it somewhere you both know.

A little planning now can save your family months of stress later—and ensure your parent’s hard-earned resources actually get used when it matters. ✨

📞 Ready to get organized before the scramble starts? Schedule a free consultation with us today, and we’ll help you build a system that protects both you and your loved one.
📅https://www.caregiversresourcegroup.com/Book_Your_Consult_Call

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The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. All investment advisory services are provided through Advice Only. Further details are available in our ADV or at www.adviceonly.com.

08/31/2025

🕐 “If You Can’t Find the Power of Attorney in 5 Minutes, You’re Not Ready for a Crisis.”

It doesn’t matter how perfectly your Power of Attorney is written—if you can’t put your hands on it instantly, you’re vulnerable.

A caregiver once rushed her father to the ER and was asked for proof of her health care proxy status. The only copy was three states away at her brother’s house. Without it, doctors moved forward without her input—even though she was the trusted choice. 💔

This happens all the time. And the risks are serious:
⏳ Treatment can be delayed or denied while authority is confirmed.
🏦 Banks and hospitals may lock out even authorized family.
⚖️ Families can be forced into court or guardianship in the middle of a crisis.
💡 The person meant to advocate is left powerless when they’re needed most.

Preparedness isn’t just about having the documents—it’s about having them accessible. Updated copies should be stored in a secure cloud folder, kept in a labeled binder at home, and backed by a “Where to Find It” list shared with trusted family members. Both digital and physical access matter.

A document you can’t find is a document you can’t use. Planning isn’t just paperwork—it’s peace of mind when seconds matter. ✨

💬 Want to make sure your family is truly prepared? Schedule a free consultation with us today and let’s put a system in place that works when it counts.
📅https://www.caregiversresourcegroup.com/Book_Your_Consult_Call

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The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. All investment advisory services are provided through Advice Only. Further details are available in our ADV or at www.adviceonly.com.

08/30/2025

⚖️ No POA? Here’s Why You Might Be Headed to Court to Manage Your Parent’s Affairs

Many families assume being “next of kin” means they’ll automatically be in charge if a parent can’t manage their affairs. But the law doesn’t work that way.

Take this real scenario: A daughter had been helping her mom after a stroke—managing bills, scheduling appointments, and keeping things afloat. When she called the bank, she was shut out. She wasn’t on the account and had no Power of Attorney (POA). Without paperwork, she couldn’t access funds or make legal decisions. The only option? Filing court forms, hiring a lawyer, and notifying relatives—just to pay bills.

This happens every day. Without a valid POA, the only legal path is guardianship or conservatorship through the courts. That process is public, expensive, and time-consuming. Legal fees add up quickly, oversight can last for years, and the court—not your family—decides who’s in charge. Every major decision, from selling a home to arranging care, requires court approval. It often stirs up family conflict at the worst possible time. 😔

The risks of delaying are real: frozen accounts, inability to pay for care, mounting stress, and loss of control. And why does it happen so often? Because these conversations are hard, emotional, and easy to put off. But waiting doesn’t protect your parent—it puts their future in someone else’s hands.

✅ The good news: it doesn’t take perfection to protect your family. Start by completing Power of Attorney and other planning documents while your parent can still sign. The biggest legal messes in caregiving don’t come from bad intentions—they come from delayed decisions.

✨ Don’t wait for a crisis. Schedule a free consultation with us today, and let’s put a plan in place before the courts have to step in.
📅https://www.caregiversresourcegroup.com/Book_Your_Consult_Call

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The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. All investment advisory services are provided through Advice Only. Further details are available in our ADV or at www.adviceonly.com.

08/29/2025

❓Think You Don’t Qualify for Medicaid Help? You Might Be Missing Out on Thousands in Hidden Home Care Benefits.

A daughter caring for her aging father spent $25,000 out-of-pocket before learning he qualified for a state Medicaid waiver—money she never had to spend. She thought, “Dad owns a small house and gets a pension—so surely we don’t qualify.” Two months later, Medicaid covered much of his care.

This isn’t rare. It happens daily.
When families assume they don’t qualify for help, they risk:
❌Draining their own savings
❌Delaying needed care
❌Missing out on thousands in home care, transportation, medical supplies—even paid help for family caregivers
❌Carrying emotional and financial burdens they could be sharing

Key facts you might not know:
✅Medicaid waiver programs exist to help people stay at home, not just in nursing homes.
✅Eligibility isn’t “all or nothing”—many states exempt the family home and allow for asset spend-downs or planning.
✅Family caregivers can often get paid for the care they give, if proper steps are followed.
✅Waivers cover much more than basic care: in-home aides, adult day care, meals, transportation, respite, and home safety modifications.

The biggest myth in caregiving isn’t about money—it’s about eligibility.
Action Tips:
👉Don’t rule out Medicaid—ask for a waiver assessment through your state Medicaid office or Area Agency on Aging.
👉Even if you have a house or modest retirement income, you may still qualify.
👉Get professional guidance or a free consultation before spending down your own savings.

Help is out there—if you know to look. You might be leaving thousands on the table.

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The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. All investment advisory services are provided through Advice Only. Further details are available in our ADV or at www.adviceonly.com.

08/28/2025

🚫 Emergency Access Denied: How to Avoid Financial Roadblocks as a Caregiver

“You think you’re ready—until the bank says no.”

That’s exactly what happened to a daughter after her mom’s sudden stroke. She rushed to pay bills and manage care with her Power of Attorney in hand—but the bank refused to speak with her. They demanded internal forms, in-person signatures, and extra legal reviews. Because her POA wasn’t “on file,” the account was locked. Bills went unpaid, caregivers threatened to pause services, and insurance claims stalled.

This isn’t rare—it happens to families every day. Banks and insurers often require their own paperwork. Accounts can freeze as soon as a loved one is incapacitated. Automatic payments keep draining funds, yet no one can stop or redirect them. Insurance claims may be blocked, and doctors won’t share updates without their own forms. The result? Stress multiplies when you’re already in crisis. 😔

The truth is—the problem isn’t just paperwork, it’s timing. A valid POA or proxy isn’t enough if it’s not already recognized and accepted by each institution. Waiting until a crisis means everything slows down. Financial, legal, and medical access can grind to a halt for weeks.

The solution is preparation. ✅ Contact banks, insurers, and providers ahead of time. File the POA and proxy documents while your loved one can still sign. Confirm authorization in writing, keep copies organized in an “access folder,” and make sure backups know where everything is. A little work now prevents devastating delays later.

Caregiving isn’t just physical and emotional—it’s also about being prepared. The right paperwork only helps if the right doors are already open. 💡

✨ Don’t wait for an emergency. Schedule a free consultation with us today, and let’s make sure you have the access you need when it matters most.
📅https://www.caregiversresourcegroup.com/Book_Your_Consult_Call

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The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. All investment advisory services are provided through Advice Only. Further details are available in our ADV or at www.adviceonly.com.

08/27/2025

“Thousands of caregivers quit their jobs each month—without knowing the financial fallout.”

What would walking away from your income really mean for your family?
→ Before you decide, let’s walk through the numbers. Book a free session.
🔗https://bit.ly/3Gkbrk2

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08/26/2025

🏠 Don’t Count on Selling the House: Why Your Parent’s Home May Not Be the Safety Net You Think It Is

“Selling the house was the plan—until it wasn’t.”

One family thought dad’s paid-off home would easily cover memory care. But when it came time to sell, they hit a wall. Dad no longer had the capacity to sign. His Power of Attorney was outdated and not real estate–specific. A title search revealed an old lien that delayed closing. What should have been simple turned into months of legal, financial, and emotional hurdles.

This isn’t unusual. Families often run into hidden challenges when relying on a home sale for care costs. Without proper planning, you may discover too late that:
👉 You lack legal authority to sell after your parent loses capacity.
👉 Title issues or old liens stop the sale.
👉 The home gets tied up in probate due to no trust or updated will.
👉 Family members disagree on the sale or proceeds.
👉 Medicaid eligibility is put at risk if the sale isn’t handled correctly.

Meanwhile, care costs don’t wait. Bills pile up, stress increases, and what was meant to be a safety net can quickly feel like an anchor. 💸

The good news? You can take steps now to avoid these setbacks: review the title, update legal documents (with real estate–specific POA), create or update trusts and wills, and understand how a sale impacts Medicaid. Most importantly—start these conversations early, even if you’re not ready to sell yet.

The biggest myth is believing the house will be “ready” when you need it. Planning now is the key to protecting your loved one’s care and your family’s peace of mind. 💡

✨ If this sounds like your situation—or you want to avoid it—schedule a free consultation with us today. Let’s map out a clear plan before a crisis hits.
📩https://www.caregiversresourcegroup.com/Book_Your_Consult_Call

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