Skip to content
  • Open an Account
  • Refer a Friend
  • Rates
  • Find an ATM
  • Resources
  • Support
PSECU Logo
  • Explore Our Rates

    See today's checking, savings, certificate and individual retirement account (IRA) interest rates

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
    • Account Types:
      • Checking Accounts
      • Savings Accounts
      • Money Market Accounts
      • Certificates
      • Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
    • Banking Services:
      • For College Students
      • For Teens & Parents
      • For Youth & Parents
      • For Businesses
    • Quick Links:
      • Calculators
        Estimate payments, set savings goals and more
      • Overdraft Services
        Check out PSECU's approach to overdraft services and fees
      • Understanding Money Market Accounts
        Learn how you can increase your savings with greater dividends
  • Explore Our Rates

    See today’s credit card rates

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
    • Card Types:
      • Classic Card
      • Founder's Rewards Card
      • Penn State Alumni Cards
      • Secured Visa® Card
      • Business Credit Cards
    • Card Services:
      • Balance Transfers
      • Card Comparison Guide
    • Quick Links:
      • Calculators
        Estimate payments, set savings goals and more
      • Dispute a Credit Charge
        Report unauthorized transactions on your card
      • Is a Balance Transfer Right for Me?
        Find out how consolidating can simplify your finances
  • Explore Our Rates

    See today’s auto loan, home equity product, and personal loan rates

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
    • Home & Auto:
      • Mortgages
      • Home Equity
      • Auto Loans
      • Recreational Vehicles
    • Personal & Business:
      • Personal Loans
      • Student Loans
      • Business Loans
    • Quick Links:
      • Calculators
        Estimate payments, set savings goals and more
      • Paying Your Loan
        See your loan payment options
      • Debt Consolidation
        Save money, simplify your budget and reduce stress
  • Become a Member

    Explore PSECU member benefits and learn about eligibility

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
    • What We Offer:
      • Investing
      • Insurance
      • Auto Warranty
      • Medicare Insurance
      • Estate Planning
    • Quick Links:
      • Set Up a Free IRA in Pennsylvania
        Check out this six-step guide to start reaping tax benefits
      • Missing Out on Insurance Savings?
        Get tips on how to spot savings in your insurance coverage
  • Become a Member

    Explore PSECU member benefits and learn about eligibility

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
    • Is PSECU Right for You?:
      • What's Digital-First Banking?
      • How We Serve Our Members
      • All Member Services
      • New Member Support
    • Quick Links:
      • Earn $300*!
        Open a new member account with PSECU and you can earn $300* in bonus cash when you meet promo requirements!
      • PSECU in the Community
        We’re not just about finances - we’re about making an impact.
      • Contact Us
Login
PSECU Logo
Login
  • Checking & Savings
      • Checking Accounts
      • Savings Accounts
      • Money Market Accounts
      • Certificates
      • Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
      • For College Students
      • For Teens & Parents
      • For Youth & Parents
      • For Businesses
      • Calculators
        Estimate payments, set savings goals and more
      • Overdraft Services
        Check out PSECU's approach to overdraft services and fees
      • Understanding Money Market Accounts
        Learn how you can increase your savings with greater dividends
    Explore Our Rates

    See today's checking, savings, certificate and individual retirement account (IRA) interest rates

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
  • Credit Cards
      • Classic Card
      • Founder's Rewards Card
      • Penn State Alumni Cards
      • Secured Visa® Card
      • Business Credit Cards
      • Balance Transfers
      • Card Comparison Guide
      • Calculators
        Estimate payments, set savings goals and more
      • Dispute a Credit Charge
        Report unauthorized transactions on your card
      • Is a Balance Transfer Right for Me?
        Find out how consolidating can simplify your finances
    Explore Our Rates

    See today’s credit card rates

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
  • Loans
      • Mortgages
      • Home Equity
      • Auto Loans
      • Recreational Vehicles
      • Personal Loans
      • Student Loans
      • Business Loans
      • Calculators
        Estimate payments, set savings goals and more
      • Paying Your Loan
        See your loan payment options
      • Debt Consolidation
        Save money, simplify your budget and reduce stress
    Explore Our Rates

    See today’s auto loan, home equity product, and personal loan rates

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
  • Investing & Insurance
      • Investing
      • Insurance
      • Auto Warranty
      • Medicare Insurance
      • Estate Planning
      • Set Up a Free IRA in Pennsylvania
        Check out this six-step guide to start reaping tax benefits
      • Missing Out on Insurance Savings?
        Get tips on how to spot savings in your insurance coverage
    Become a Member

    Explore PSECU member benefits and learn about eligibility

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
  • About PSECU
      • What's Digital-First Banking?
      • How We Serve Our Members
      • All Member Services
      • New Member Support
      • Earn $300*!
        Open a new member account with PSECU and you can earn $300* in bonus cash when you meet promo requirements!
      • PSECU in the Community
        We’re not just about finances - we’re about making an impact.
      • Contact Us
    Become a Member

    Explore PSECU member benefits and learn about eligibility

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
  • Open an Account
  • Refer a Friend
  • Rates
  • Find an ATM
  • Resources
  • Support
Routine maintenance is scheduled for 12 AM, Sunday March 16, 2025, and will take several hours to complete. During this timeframe, members will not be able to access digital banking, membership or loan applications, or our call center IVR menu. We apologize for any inconvenience.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but our application for membership is currently unavailable. We are currently working to resolve the issue.
Digital Banking is currently experiencing sporadic login issues. We are actively working on correcting this issue and apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
You’re Leaving PSECU's Site

 
 

Select “Proceed” to continue to , or close this window to return to PSECU.com.

Proceed
  1. Back to Home
  2. Resource Center
  3. Budgeting
  4. Becoming a Financial...
Article
3 Minute Read

Becoming a Financial Caregiver

Share on email Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter

Anyone can be faced with the need for a financial caregiver at any time. Financial caregivers play a valuable role in managing day-to-day finances as well as making long-term care decisions. It may feel overwhelming to think about the financial care of a loved one, but having a plan in place can make the process a bit easier for everyone involved.

What You Should Consider

First, you’ll need to determine who may need assistance. Is it a parent, a family member, or a friend? This may impact who needs to be involved in the planning process. If a parent needs a financial caregiver, you may need to involve siblings or other relatives in your plan. Next, determine what type of assistance is needed. Is the individual able to live on their own, or will they need to move in with you? If longer-term care is needed, you may need to review what caregiving facilities are available and what forms of assistance they offer.

Recognize what types of care you’ll be able to provide and what is outside your comfort zone. Be honest about your abilities as a caregiver and determine when you would need to ask for outside assistance. If you’re caring for a parent or family member, you may need to divide the responsibilities amongst siblings or family members to lessen the workload. 

Keep in mind that being a financial caregiver may require having legal documentation to authorize you to perform certain duties. Please consult with a professional, such as a lawyer, to determine what is recommended for you to act as a financial caregiver.

What Steps You Should Take

You’ll want to collect necessary financial information to create an organized system and help determine what financial needs will be addressed by the financial caregiver. Gather bank statements, ownership records, healthcare information, and any legal documents, like wills or estate plans. Once you’ve collected the necessary documents, take time to review all the information together so you can get a better idea of where the individual stands financially and what plans they already have in place.

Determine if their current financial projections will provide enough to cover their eldercare needs in the future, or what can be done if there aren’t enough funds. Review all their insurance documents so you know what’s covered, and what isn’t, as you put together a plan for future care. You’ll want to consider if any legal documents need to be filed in advance, like a durable power of attorney. If you’re unsure of the next steps, you may need to consult a professional for guidance. Lawyers, doctors, caregiving specialists, and others may be able to guide you on what steps to consider.

Check their eligibility for any public assistance programs. Individuals over 65 may be eligible for Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid, depending on their circumstances. Additionally, there may be benefits available at a local level if finances are tight, like food pantries.

Importance of Planning Ahead

By planning ahead, you can quickly and efficiently address any future situations that may arise. You’ll be able to accommodate the needs and wishes of your loved ones and take some of the decision-making off you as the caregiver. Being proactive can provide peace of mind for everyone involved, even if circumstances get stressful. 

If you wait too long to create a plan, you may find that the individual in need of care is unable to express their wishes. It may force you into hasty decision-making if an urgent decision is needed. Keep in mind that becoming a financial caregiver can be an emotional process, especially when dealing with close family, so delaying your planning may cause unnecessary stress and disagreements between others.

Planning Tips

Being a financial caregiver can take a toll, both emotionally and mentally. Don’t overlook your own needs as a caregiver. Take time to build a reliable network of support that you can depend on throughout the process. If tensions get high between family members, don’t hesitate to reach out to an impartial third party to assist in the decision-making process.

Create an area to keep important documents, phone numbers, and resources that are separate from your financial information. Keeping records organized will allow you to have easy access, and having them separate from your financial documents will avoid any confusion. In addition to staying organized, try to be transparent to show that your decisions are in the best interest of the individual. When writing checks, use the memo field to document what the check was for so you can refer to that information in the future.

In addition to planning for someone else’s care, you’ll want to make sure your finances are on track, too. For more financial tips for every stage of life, visit our WalletWorks page.

The content provided in this publication is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated is to be construed as financial or legal advice. Some products not offered by PSECU. PSECU does not endorse any third parties, including, but not limited to, referenced individuals, companies, organizations, products, blogs, or websites. PSECU does not warrant any advice provided by third parties. PSECU does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by third parties. PSECU recommends that you seek the advice of a qualified financial, tax, legal, or other professional if you have questions.

By: PSECU
Need to talk to us directly?
800.237.7328
Routing #: 231381116
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Awards Designations
  • Get to Know Us:
    • What's Digital-First Banking?
    • How We Serve Our Members
    • Financials
    • PSECU for Employers
    • Careers We're Hiring!
    • Resource Center
    • PSECU in the Community
  • Quick Links:
    • Rates
    • Calculators
    • Downloadable Forms
    • Become a Member
    • Refer a Friend
  • Contact & Support:
    • Support
    • Browse FAQs
    • Resume an Application
    • Find an ATM
    • Contact Us
  • Download the App:
    • App Store
    • Play Store
  • Sitemap
  • Disclosures & Agreements
  • Terms of Use
  • Fraud Prevention
  • Privacy
  • © 2025 PSECU. All Rights Reserved.
  • NCUA Insured by NCUA
  • Equal Housing Lender Equal Housing Lender