Susan J. Hyatt

Year-end planning season brings portfolio reviews, tax strategies, and client meetings focused on financial performance. It also brings something less visible: clients quietly managing the stress of aging parents or ill family members alongside their professional and personal responsibilities. No one expects advisors to become a family therapist or care coordinator. You are, however, positioned to recognize when caregiving stress is affecting decision-making and to offer a clear, professional referral….

The festive season brings families together in ways few other times of year manage. This creates a valuable opportunity for meaningful conversations about the future. When approached with care and respect, these discussions can provide relief, clarity, and peace of mind for everyone involved. Many adult children hesitate to raise questions about ageing or care needs, concerned about causing offense or worry. This reluctance is understandable. However, waiting for a….

Recently in the news, you may have read about an older couple in Brantford, Ontario, who were scammed out of more than $ 1 million over 5 months. And another incident in Victoria, where a man was scammed out of his life savings of almost $ 1.7 million over 6 months. How does this happen, and what can advisors and families do to address the fraud epidemic? Fraud losses in….

When planning ahead, most older people will say they want to stay in their own home until the end of life. While this may be their goal, the reality is that care needs can escalate rapidly and become more complex, requiring specialized caregivers. Depending on the resources available to pay for caregivers, the breakpoint for decision-making is often twofold: the ability to manage multiple service providers in the home and….

This year, our summer weather has extended well beyond its normal time. The roses in the garden are blooming for a third time and with October here, pumpkin spice flavoring is everywhere. It’s time to celebrate the harvest and get ready for Thanksgiving. As you gather with family and friends, it’s a perfect time to start the longevity planning conversation with older family members, and then actively listen to what….