My two siblings and I share caregiving responsibilities for our 85 year old mother, though I help with most of her day to day needs and manage her finances. Based on her current expenditures, she only has enough money to last another 2-3 years, but neither I nor my two siblings can afford to support her if she runs out of money. So every penny counts. The problem is my brother. He often asks her for money, and my mother, not appreciating her constrained financial situation, is only too happy to give it to him. I’ve tried talking with my brother, but it doesn't change anything. I don't want to be the bad guy in what appears to be a lose-lose situation for me. Any suggestions? Carol, Cooper City, FL
There are many steps you can take to preserve your mother’s assets. Even in the absence of family issues, it’s a good idea to have a few safeguards in place to protect her assets. It's not so much protection from family members, but from scammers. If you handle her finances, I am assuming you are on her bank account. The most relevant solution to this situation is to have the bank set your account such that any check over a certain amount requires two signatures for it to be valid.