5 Ways to Age-Proof Your Finances

Dan Saelinger; Prop and Wardrobe Stylist: Dominique Baynes

The best financial solutions tend to be clear and simple.

En español | You and I are about to confront two grave threats to our financial future: (1) a decline in our ability to handle our money, and (2) a stubborn denial that number 1 is really happening.

Don't just take my word for it. Take this short quiz that measures basic financial skills. I took the quiz and aced it. But I'm a financial planner, and, at 56, I'm at the peak of my financial competency, according to a study based on this quiz by Michael Finke and Sandra Huston of Texas Tech University and John Howe of the University of Missouri-Columbia. Financial-acuity scores drop by about a percentage point every year after age 60, the study finds. Troublingly, financial confidence increases. And the older we get, the bigger the gap between our perceived and actual skill levels.

Not only does this gap increase the odds that we'll make financial blunders — it makes older people tempting targets for financial predators. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with this decline. "Fading financial skills don't have to lead to bad financial outcomes," says Finke. Here's how.

1. Get moving

Many studies have found a link between physical exercise and improved cognitive processing. "Exercise is free and good for both physical and mental health," says Laura Carstensen, director of the Stanford Center on Longevity.

2. Buy a bigger safety net

Finke suggests a single-premium immediate annuity. You make an upfront payment and an insurance company sends you a fixed amount monthly for the rest of your life. "This protects you from your own mistakes," he says.

3. Get help

Though it can be difficult to discuss financial issues with family members or even close friends, they can be useful sounding boards. A good financial adviser can also help. Make sure the adviser is willing to tell you the total fees you are paying as well as the risks.

4. Consider a trust

Specifically, a revocable living trust with an incapacity clause. That gives control of your assets to a trustee in the event that you make a disastrous financial choice, such as suddenly deciding to give most of your net worth to an unfamiliar charity.

5. Keep it simple

The best financial solutions tend to be clear and simple. You can get one low-cost index fund from Vanguard, Fidelity or Charles Schwab that owns practically every stock in the world. These funds manage risk for you by buying stocks in down markets and selling after surges. Your fees should be under 0.25 percent annually (meaning you'd pay under $2.50 for each $1,000 invested).

Also of Interest

• Take charge of your money at 50, 60 and 70
• The best places to retire
• Get free help with your taxes with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

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