🌿Wednesday Wisdom: Have you had "The Talk" yet?

March 12, 2025

So let me ask you, have you had “The Talk” yet?

No, not with your kids — I mean with your parents. I’m talking about having the conversation about their health and financial well-being.

While it may be a difficult topic to approach, it’s essential to understand their wishes before an emergency arises so you're able to make informed decisions on their behalf, ensuring their desires are respected.

I experienced this firsthand with my father, who passed away at the age of 67 after battling Multiple Sclerosis. He became fully dependent on others in his final years but thankfully understood the progression of his illness and was clear about his wishes.

My brother, mother, and I took the time to have those tough conversations with my him before it was too late, ensuring we knew exactly what he wanted when the time came.

When decisions need to be made, especially during a medical or financial crisis, knowing their preferences ensures you can honor their desires, avoid conflicts, and guide the family through tough times. 

Without clear instructions, loved ones can feel lost and overwhelmed, making a hard situation even harder. And waiting until it’s too late to find out critical legal documents aren’t in place can lead to complicated legal issues.

If you haven’t had “the talk” with your parents yet — regardless of their age — I encourage you to do so. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but I promise you it is essential for everyone involved.

I love the website agingparents.com as it offers valuable advice on handling these exact topics and challenging conversations.

Feel free to reach out for support or if you have questions about how I navigated this with my dad, and the things I’m doing differently with my mom, who, thankfully, is still with us at 80 years old!

Happy Wednesday! 🌿

Lisa White Burns

lisa@herpathbegins.com 

215-620-7445

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🌿. . . "Wednesday Wisdom" was created with the goal of providing women-focused content to inspire you to grow personally and financially. Thanks for being on this journey with me!