I’ve always known that if my mom needed me, I’d be there.
If she got sick or had an accident, I wouldn’t think twice about stepping in to help. I’d make the phone calls, pay the bills, keep track of the paperwork, talk to the doctors, whatever needed to be done.
At least, that’s what I always assumed.
But then I started thinking about what “helping” would actually look like.
What if I called her bank and they wouldn’t speak with me? What if I needed to handle something in one of her financial accounts and couldn’t? What if a doctor asked me to make an important decision about her care and I wasn’t completely sure what she would want?
I know my mom. I know the things that make her happy, the things that drive her crazy, and probably more of her opinions than she realizes I’ve committed to memory. But knowing someone, and loving them, isn’t the same as having the legal authority to act for them or knowing exactly what they would want during some of life's most difficult moments.
That realization made something very clear to me: If the day ever comes when my mom needs me to step in, I don't just want to be willing to help. I want to be able to help.
And that’s where a Financial Power of Attorney and healthcare directives become so important.
What Is a Financial Power of Attorney?
A Financial Power of Attorney, or POA, is a legal document that allows you to choose someone you trust to handle certain financial matters on your behalf. Depending on how the document is written and when it becomes effective, that person (often called your agent) may be able to pay bills, handle banking transactions, manage investments, sign financial documents, work with financial institutions, and take care of other financial responsibilities for you.
When I think about this in terms of my own mom, the value becomes very practical. It's not simply another document to add to an estate planning folder. It's my mom deciding, while she's able to make that decision for herself, "If I need help someday, this is the person I trust to step in."
But Finances Are Only Part of the Story
Now let's go back to that same scenario. My mom is sick, and I'm trying to help. Her bills and finances are being taken care of, but now there are decisions to be made about her medical care.
This is where the conversation gets even more personal. If I ever have to make a difficult decision for her, I don't want to be wondering, What would mom want me to do? I'd much rather know, This is what mom told me she wanted.
That's where healthcare directives come in. Healthcare directives can help document your wishes regarding medical care and identify the person you want to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself.
It's About Making a Difficult Situation a Little Easier
None of us knows exactly what the future will look like. If my mom ever needs my help, I want to be able to focus on her, rather than spending that time trying to figure out how I'm going to get permission to handle the things she needs done.
That's what good planning can provide. It doesn't eliminate the difficult situation. It simply removes one potential obstacle from it. But here's where I think the conversation becomes even more important: we shouldn't only think about whether our parents have these documents in place. We need to ask the same question of ourselves.
Up to this point, I've been talking about my mom and what I would want if she needed my help. But now I want you to think about you. Who would be there if something happened tomorrow? Think about the person who would be there for you if something happened tomorrow. Maybe it's your spouse. Maybe it's your son or daughter. Maybe it's a sibling, close friend, or another person you trust completely. If you became sick, were injured, or were otherwise unable to manage your finances, chances are that person wouldn't hesitate to help you.
But I’m Married – Can’t My Spouse Just Handle It?
It’s easy to assume that if you’re married, your spouse will automatically be able to step in and handle everything for you. But that isn’t always the case.
While jointly owned accounts may be accessible to your spouse, assets held solely in your name (such as individual bank or investment accounts and retirement accounts) can be a different story. Being your spouse doesn’t necessarily give them the authority to manage those assets or act on your behalf.
Healthcare decisions can work a little differently. Depending on state law and the circumstances, a spouse may have priority to make certain medical decisions for you. But even then, there’s another important question: Do they know what you would want?
That’s the value of having a Financial Power of Attorney and healthcare directives in place. These documents aren’t just about planning for yourself. They’re about giving the people you trust the ability and guidance to step in when you need them most.
You Don't Have to Wait for a Complete Estate Plan
Estate planning can sometimes feel overwhelming. People hear the words "estate plan" and immediately think they need a trust, a will, and every detail of their financial life figured out before they can get started.
But you don't have to tackle everything at once. A Financial Power of Attorney, along with healthcare directives, can be a practical place to begin. You don't need to have a trust in order to put these important documents in place.
We believe estate planning matters enough that we provide our clients with access to estate planning services as part of our relationship. Our clients can create a comprehensive estate plan, including wills, trusts, state-specific Financial Powers of Attorney and healthcare directives, and keep those documents current as their lives and circumstances change.
It is one more way we help our clients prepare not just for the future they expect, but for the moments when having the right plan already in place can matter most.
I started this by thinking about my mom and how much I would want to be able to help her if she needed me someday. Now I encourage you to think about the person who would want to do the same for you.
Putting the right documents in place today isn't just about preparing for yourself. It's about making sure the people who care about you have a clearer path to step in, support you, and focus on what matters most if that day ever comes.