4 Steps to Help a Loved One Manage Debt

When caring for a loved one, costs can add up fast. Expenses from healthcare, food and housing accumulate until, before they know it, they’re beneath a mountain of debt. Particularly for seniors, whose health problems can become quite costly, debt can feel unmanageable.

To help a loved one or your aging parents through debt, we’ve outlined several tips below.

1  2  3  4  Closing

1. Start Now

Nobody likes thinking about debt. It’s one of those things that’s easy to procrastinate facing. But the longer you wait to deal with it, the more it can build up. That’s why it’s important to get it over with and deal with the debt as soon as possible.

If you don’t normally talk to your loved one about money, make sure you’re in a comfortable environment and approach the subject of debt carefully. Make it clear that you only bring up the subject because you care about their well-being.

That said, at the end of the day you cannot help someone who doesn’t want help. If they aren’t open to assistance with their debt, it could be best to let them be. Just let them know that you’re available if they need help.

2. Evaluate Their Finances

The first step toward getting out of debt is to organize your finances. Help your loved one list their current debts, their savings and their checking accounts. Once you have debts listed, you can start prioritizing which ones you want to pay off first.

Once you get started toward repaying debts, you may want to evaluate your loved one’s monthly budget. If they’re overspending on luxuries, then it’s a good idea to cut back so they can put more money toward paying off their creditors.

3. Create a Debt Repayment Plan

Once you’ve taken note of what your loved ones owe, it’s time to put together a repayment strategy. One of the best ways to tackle debt is to pay off debts with the highest interest first. This will save you the most money over time.

Another strategy you can utilize is called the Snowball Method, where you pay off the smallest debts first. This helps your loved ones feel a sense of accomplishment and progress early on, which could help motivate them to tackle the rest of their debts.

4. Check In Regularly

After you put together a debt repayment plan with your parents, it’s important to hold them accountable. Try to schedule a time once a week or once a month to discuss finances and see how far they’ve progressed towards becoming debt-free.

Closing Thoughts

Debts can weigh heavily on your shoulders when you don’t have a repayment strategy. To help your loved ones gain financial freedom, it’s helpful to walk them through the steps of assessing their finances and prioritizing which debts to pay off.

For more information on debt forgiveness tips for seniors, check out the infographic by Annuity.org below.

Please include attribution to Annuity.org with this graphic.

debt-forgiveness-for-seniors.png

Thank you Rhett Rivera for contributing this article.

Guest Articles Written for Caregiverology

From 4 Steps to Help a Loved One Manage Debt to Home

New! Comments

Have something to say about what you just read? Leave a comment in the box below.

Recent Articles

  1. Empower your Loved One With Disability to Live a Healthier Life

    Mar 04, 23 11:25 AM

    healthier life pic large
    Living with a disability can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. It can impact an individual's ability to participate in daily activities, as well as their overall health and well-being.

    Read More

  2. Lifestyle that Increases the Risk of Dementia and How to Prevent it

    Feb 22, 23 04:07 PM

    dementia risk large pic
    There has been a significant rise in the cases of dementia in recent years. The word 'Dementia' describes the symptoms of a decline in brain function.

    Read More

  3. Precautions to Take during Festivities for Seniors - Caregiverology

    Feb 14, 23 11:14 AM

    senior festivities large
    The festive season is upon us, and there is joy and cheer all around! A time for parties, family bonding and get-togethers.

    Read More