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Thursday, February 5, 2026

Honoring the Wisdom of Black Elders Through Financial Literacy

    





A commentary on Aging While Black by Raymond Jetson


During Black History Month, we celebrate the profound contributions of Black elders—individuals who, as author Raymond Jetson reminds us, are “too often seen only through the lens of vulnerability, when in truth they are pillars of ingenuity and wisdom.” His insightful work with the Aging While Black initiative challenges us to look past stereotypes and acknowledge the strength, creativity, and resilience that older Black adults continue to embody in every community.

Jetson’s 2025 book, Aging While Black: A Radical Reimaginging of Aging and Race in America, issues a clear call to action: institutions, advocates, and policymakers must recognize not only the inequities that shape the lives of Black elders but also their enduring leadership. This recognition must be paired with intentional strategies that affirm their value and transform the environments in which they age.

He further emphasizes, “I believe one of the greatest opportunities before us today is engaging older adults as resources to respond to many of the challenges impacting communities across the country while simultaneously making space for and listening to the wisdom that is emerging in younger generations.”

As a Certified Senior Advisor and financial literacy educator, I believe one of the most powerful forms of affirmation is access to financial knowledge. Many Black seniors spent a lifetime overcoming systemic barriers—limited access to wealth-building tools, discriminatory lending practices, and unequal earnings opportunities. Today, for Black seniors, financial literacy education serves as both an empowerment tool and a bridge:
- A bridge to confidently navigate retirement decisions
- A bridge to protect their assets and avoid financial exploitation
- A bridge to pass down generational wisdom and financial stability

Financial literacy honors the legacy of Black elders by giving them the information, resources, and support they deserve to thrive at every stage of aging. When we invest in their financial well-being, we strengthen entire families and communities.

This Black History Month, may we uplift not only the stories of the past but the elders who continue to shape our future—ensuring they are seen, heard, and equipped with the tools that affirm their dignity and economic security.


Author Bio:
Dr. Brenda Oldham, Ed.D., CFF, CSA, is the CEO and Owner of RAM Insurance & Financial Services and the Founder of RAM Educational Business Solutions, where she leads initiatives focused on financial literacy education, workforce development, and financial equity for individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations. Dr. Oldham serves on the Georgia Advisory Board for the Financial Educators Council and is a Business-to-Business Partner Provider with Oakland Thrive in Oakland County, Michigan, where she coaches entrepreneurs and delivers educational workshops to support business growth and sustainability. A sought-after speaker and media contributor, Dr. Oldham has appeared on Detroit’s WJR Radio station as a guest on Ann Thomas’ Women Who Lead weekly radio program. Brenda also hosts the
monthly podcast Rock Your Finances with Dr. Oldham, where she shares practical financial strategies and inspirational insights.



Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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Applying the Montessori Method to Dementia Care

   





The person-centered approach to dementia care prioritizes independence and choice.


A music therapist by training, Leslie Sedille started her career as an activities director at a senior living community. There she found her calling serving seniors and their families. But when she became director of memory care at another company, she struggled to witness how their policies affected older adults with dementia. The facility wasn’t staffed correctly, Leslie recalls, to allow aides and residents enough time to engage at each resident’s own pace. Residents who felt rushed to shower, for example, would refuse to do so because they felt scared.  

“This is just not the way it’s supposed to be,” she remembers thinking. When Leslie found the Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional® certification, “I was like–that’s me and what my principles are.”

In addition to being a CSA, Leslie is now a CMDCP®.
A CMDCP certification represents an additional level of training for health care professionals, educators, elder care attorneys, care managers, and other professionals who serve people with dementia. The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) offers the certification program as an online or in-person course and exam. 

Montessori care, like Montessori education, is person-centered. “You’re meeting the person where they’re at and adapting what you want to be done to where their skills are,” says Leslie, who is also a member of the Senior Spirit editorial board. “It’s a common sense approach, if you know dementia.” 

The Montessori Method: Not Just for Kids
In early twentieth-century Italy, Maria Montessori developed and started to popularize her now-famous educational method. Today, Montessori schools operate around the world in many variations. All are known for their holistic, child-centered teaching philosophy, wherein the teacher functions as a gentle guide encouraging children’s natural explorations. 

Starting in the mid-1990s, dementia care practitioners and researchers began to see and study the potential of the Montessori method for dementia care. Now, various organizations promote the Montessori philosophy and specific techniques as applied to the care of people with dementia. The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) promotes Montessori for Dementia, Disability, and Ageing (MDDA). The four key principles of the MDDA method are: 
  • Self-esteem,
  • Independence,
  • Choice, and 
  • Meaningful engagement. 
“Always remember that there is a person behind the dementia,” AMI shares on their website. “We need to look for the person and focus on abilities rather than disabilities. To start, we can learn about their history, culture, lifestyle diversity, strengths, interests, needs, and more.” AMI offers another certification, the Montessori for Dementia, Disability and Ageing Certified Practitioner (MDDACP).

Montessori dementia care practitioners choose activities based on the individual’s interests. Activities use guided repetition and pattern recognition, which rely not on conscious recall, but rather on procedural and implicit memory. These kinds of memory tend to remain intact longer for people with dementia. For a person who was an interior designer, an activity might be to match different samples of wallpaper with borders. 

To promote independence and meaningful engagement, Montessori dementia care also empowers people to do the daily tasks they can still do, given adequate scaffolding and time. For example, providing a visual template for a table setting allows a resident to set their own place by using the image as a guide. In a study, residents with advanced dementia showed more constructive engagement and pleasure after participating in Montessori-based activities as compared to regular programming.

Montessori care requires an active staff trained on the philosophy at some level, says Leslie. “You have to buy into it. You have to be patient.” Supporting people with dementia to complete daily activities at their own pace, not rushing them along, takes great time and patience. But the results, according to researchers and proponents of the Montessori method, are that the people being served will be happier, safer, and more able to live with dignity. 

Both a CMDCP and CSA
Leslie is now a Family Liaison and Care Manager at Paradise Home Health Care in Boca Raton, Florida. In her current role, she uses the skills she learned as a CMDCP  while getting to know families. “I’m asking questions that really get to the heart of who their family member is so we can communicate that to the aide.” That familiarity is key because, with Montessori dementia care, the person providing care needs to understand the individual’s preferences and personality. Leslie asks questions like, “What time does your mom get up?” and “How much can she do on her own?” to prepare her aides to know what the client really needs help with, and what they prefer to continue to do for themselves. In home health care, the goal is that the client still runs their own home, with the help they need. 

Both the CMDCP and the CSA certifications are focused on the well-being of seniors, Leslie says. For her, having both certifications opens up access to different resources, people, and networks. The approaches complement each other. “Being a CSA, it’s not just sales and marketing. When potentials call, I’m talking to them and building a rapport, but it’s the way I talk with them.” She’s listening, providing resources, and speaking to the humanity of the family and their loved one. “Even if they don’t go with us, six months later I’ll get a call.” As a CSA and a CMDCP, Leslie’s approach is wholly centered on the best interest and well-being of her clients. 



Sources:



Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Five Tips for Traveling with Pets

  



Lots of seniors are bringing their best friends along on vacation. Plan ahead for a fun, safe, and comfortable trip for everyone. 


More than half of Americans over age 50 own pets, and over half of those pet owners choose to take their pets along with them when they travel, according to a Healthy Aging poll. And why not? As we know, owning a dog or cat has been shown to boost brain health, and our pets are family. As long as we know they'll be safe and comfortable, it’s a joy to bring pets along on life’s adventures. 

If you’re looking ahead to summer and planning a road trip, or maybe even looking to board a plane with your pet, here are some tips for making it a happy and safe journey for both two- and four-legged travelers.

1. Advance planning is key. While there’s no need to plan every pit stop, taking a look at a map for dog-friendly parks and restaurants along your route will make for smooth sailing. Plan on stopping every two or three hours, for twenty minutes or more, to give dogs a chance to get a few laps in. (More frequent breaks are a plus for most older adults, too! Having the dog along will remind you to stop and get your own body moving on long car trips.) Websites like GoPetFriendly and BringFido can help you look at your route and find pet-friendly stops you can plan around. These sites can also point you to local veterinarians at your destination.

2. Flying? Consider the pros and cons. What makes an airline pet-friendly? Most airlines will accommodate your pets, but whether they’re allowed to be in the cabin with you depends on each airline. On almost every airline, if pets are allowed in the cabin, they must be in carriers the entire flight (the one exception we found, for dogs at least, is BARK Air, described below). Consider your dog or cat’s temperament before scheduling any non-essential air travel. Total sedation is generally discouraged because it can be dangerous; most vets will prescribe a mild anti-anxiety drug for air travel. Flying is certainly stressful, but some pets will take it in stride. 

For luxury air travel with your dog, consider BARK Air, a newer company that partners with U.S. air carriers to offer flights where dogs are the VIPs. Your dog rides with you in the cabin, and the whole in-flight experience is tailored to your dog’s comfort and needs. All dogs on the flight are seated (with their persons) according to trained dog behaviorists’ assessment of  pre-flight pup socialization. That level of attention to detail makes for smooth sailing, albeit with a hefty price tag. BARK Air currently flies between New York City, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Lisbon, San Francisco, and Madrid, and flights sell out months in advance. 

3. Pack with care. In addition to the essentials–like plenty of familiar food and treats, bowls for water, and doggie bags–pack favorite blankets, toys, and other comfort items to help make new places feel more familiar. Be sure to pack all your pet’s needed medication and consider bringing a pet first-aid kit–here are some good ones. For long car trips in the heat of summer, a cooling mat can keep pets comfy. 

Before a trip, make sure your pet’s identification tags are secure and easy to read, and make sure their harness and leash are in good repair. Same goes for any crate or pen you plan to bring along. 

4. Drive pet-safe. Most dogs love a car ride. Experts caution that it’s safest for dogs to keep their heads inside moving cars to stay safe from debris and other vehicles. To cut down on distractions and protect against impacts, dogs should be in a crate or secured with a pet seat belt, and cats should be crated while cars are in motion. Dog seatbelt technology has come a long way; today’s products are comfortable and light. Many will double as a harness for walking. 
While it’s common knowledge, it can’t be overstated: never leave a pet in a hot car, even with the window cracked. Heatstroke can happen within minutes. Always err on the side of caution, and keep pets with you on hot days.

5. Take lots of pictures. Your friends and family want to see you and your pet enjoying life in far-flung locales. Don’t forget to post those photos, please!

Sources:




Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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Simple Tax Strategies to Keep More of Your Money

 






Review this checklist every February to ensure you are taking full advantage of tax-saving opportunities.


Use this simple one-page guide to reduce your tax burden and keep more of your money. These strategies are easy to understand and implement for seniors, families, and small business owners. 

1. Max Out Tax-Deductible Contributions

Contributing the maximum allowed to retirement accounts like IRAs and employer plans can lower your taxable income while strengthening your long-term financial security. 
  • Increase contributions to your 401(k), 403(b), or traditional IRA.
  • Even a 1–2% increase can lower your taxable income.
  • Check if you qualify for catch-up contributions (age 50+).

2. Use Tax Credits 

Tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe, dollar-for-dollar, making them one of the most powerful tools for keeping more of your money. 
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
  • American Opportunity Credit (education).
  • Child Tax Credit (grandparents raising grandchildren may qualify).
  • Energy-efficient home improvement credits.

Where To Turn for Free and Low-Cost Tax Preparation

Tax preparation doesn’t have to break the bank; in fact, many seniors are eligible for free or low-cost tax prep services. Here are a few places to look for affordable tax assistance in your community. 
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). For more than 50 years, the IRS has funded these volunteer-run programs at local organizations, with a focus on households making under $67,000, taxpayers with limited English, and people with disabilities. TCE specializes in tax issues important to older adults, like Social Security and pensions, but any VITA site should be able to assist with those questions. Use the locator tool to find a VITA/TCE site near you for free tax prep.
  • Your local library. Many library systems provide free tax prep for low-income households, often through VITA. If they don’t offer it themselves, they’ll refer you to other local providers. (Just one more reason to love your library!)
  • AARP’s Tax-Aide program.  You do not have to be an AARP member to take advantage of their IRS-certified volunteer-run Tax-Aide program. They provide free tax assistance to anyone, with a focus on people over 50 years old who have low income. 
    3. Track Deductible Expenses
    Keeping good records of eligible expenses such as medical costs, charitable giving, and business or volunteer mileage can significantly reduce your taxable income. 
    • Medical and dental expenses.
    • Charitable donations (cash, clothing, household goods).
    • Property taxes and mortgage interest.
    • Business expenses (home office, mileage, supplies).
    • Keep receipts in a simple envelope or digital folder.

    4. Review Withholding & Estimated Taxes

    Regularly checking your tax withholdings or estimated payments helps prevent surprise tax bills and keeps your cash flow on track throughout the year. 
    • Use the IRS withholding calculator.
    • Adjust W-4 if you owed taxes last year.
    • Self-employed? Double-check quarterly estimated payments.

    5. Use Tax-Advantaged Accounts

    Accounts like HSAs, FSAs, and 529 plans allow your money to grow tax-free when used for qualified healthcare or education expenses, creating smart savings at any age. 
    • HSA: Save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses.
    • FSA: Use funds for childcare, medical, dental needs.
    • 529 Plans: Tax-free growth for education savings.

    April 15 always arrives before you know it. We hope that by keeping this checklist handy, you maximize your savings for tax year 2025. 


    This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice from a qualified financial advisor.


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    Monday, February 2, 2026

    Don't Let Subscription Fatigue Get You Down

     




    With so many ways to subscribe, seniors need systems for tracking recurring charges. 


    Feeling the subscription fatigue? These days, we can subscribe to everything from shaving cream to meal boxes, online magazines to smoothie mixes, credit cards to budgeting apps. Understandably, many people are tired of keeping track of what they’ve subscribed to…and exhausted from seeing all those recurring charges on their monthly statements. Let’s review some subscription fees that commonly fly under the radar, and how to recognize and put an end to the subscriptions you don’t really want.

    “Subscribe and Save” purchase options
    Amazon and other online retailers now ask if you want to “subscribe and save”--meaning you’ll pay less now if you pre-order the product for delivery in another 2 weeks or one month. This offer could save you money, if you’re definitely going to need that item again at that frequency. But…are you? Ask yourself the tough questions before hitting “subscribe” to avoid a surprise charge later.

    Printer ink subscriptions
    Depending on your printer and your printing needs, it may make financial sense to subscribe for printer ink (more on that here–it’s complicated). The important thing for seniors and families to know is that ink subscriptions are common these days, and for those who print very little, ditching the printer and its related ink subscription could be a place to save. 

    Donations to non-profits or political candidates
    When making a donation to your favorite charities or political candidates, choosing to “make it monthly” can be a convenient way to provide consistent support to the causes you care about. But only if that’s what you mean to do. It’s best practice for online donation platforms to make “one-time donation” the default choice, so that the individual making the donation would need to select a monthly donation on purpose. Of course, not every entity chooses this best practice, and it can be easy for people who aren’t as familiar with online platforms, including seniors, to make their donation recurring by accident.

    Cloud storage
    Like with printer ink, it can make sense to pay for cloud storage. The key is to pay only for what you need. GoogleOne and Apple iCloud pricing rises with the amount of storage purchased. Phone users may have seen the notice that their phone is almost out of storage and bought the recommended cloud storage right away. Review what you’re paying, how often you’re paying it, and evaluate if that cost matches your needs.

    Old app subscriptions, free trial “zombie” subscriptions, and other “grey charges”
    When you’re pretty sure you canceled that streaming service subscription, and then notice 5 months later that you’re still paying $12.99/month for it– that’s a grey charge. Grey charges are sneaky and sometimes illegal charges that tend to be small enough to run under the radar, and yet add up over time. If you see small, regular charges on your bank account or credit card statement that you don’t recognize, it may be that you downloaded an app that charged you a sneaky subscription fee, or it could be a fee detailed in the fine print of another service. It may be that you really did cancel that subscription, but somehow your request was never processed. 

    It’s in the interest of companies to make recurring fees as easy to accept and hard to detect as possible. This game is stacked against older adults, who may be less familiar with these newer online payment tricks. And for people with cognitive decline, keeping track of recurring fees can be a major challenge. CSAs and loved ones can keep this in mind and help older adults keep tabs on all their subscriptions.

    Ways to Identify Unwanted Recurring Charges
    Knowledge is power when it comes to these unwanted subscriptions and grey charges. 
    • Review your bank and credit card statements every month. If you see a charge you don’t recognize, reach out to the bank or credit card company for help identifying it. 
    • Try an app to help you audit your subscriptions. If you have a lot of active subscriptions–or a sneaking suspicion that you might–consider downloading an app to assist you in reviewing your recurring charges. Some popular ones are Trim and PocketGuard.
    • If you’re concerned about grey charges, set up bank or credit card alerts to notify you of charges under a certain dollar amount.
     
    For most of the subscriptions mentioned above, the ball is in the consumer’s court: you can decide what you want to pay, and cancel the subscriptions you don’t need. But when a company doesn’t immediately cancel the subscription when you ask, or if you can’t figure out what a charge is for, don’t hesitate to contact your bank, the credit card company, and/or the Federal Trade Commission to report suspected fraud.



    Sources:






    Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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    Famous & 65

     

    Look who's turning 65 this month

    Find out which celebrities are turning 65 this month!

    February 2

    This longtime sports broadcaster has become the unmistakable voice of New York Yankees baseball for generations of fans. Beginning his career as a newspaper reporter before moving into radio, he joined the Yankees’ broadcast booth in the early 1990s and went on to call some of the franchise’s most memorable moments, including multiple World Series championships. The Bronx native is known for his signature Yankees home run call: “There it goooooes… see ya!” He’s currently the host of a popular daily sports radio show in New York that bears his name.

    Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

    February 10

    This veteran journalist and political commentator became a familiar face in American media after first making his mark behind the scenes of national politics. He was a senior advisor to Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign, and then became White House communications director early on in the Clinton administration. He later joined ABC News and built a long career as a trusted interviewer and anchor. He currently hosts This Week, ABC’s Sunday morning show, and is a co-anchor with Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan of Good Morning America, the most-watched morning show for over a decade. Back in the 90s, he enjoyed some non-political media mentions on lists of the nation’s most-eligible bachelors. 

    Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

    February 16

    This British guitarist helped define the sound of 1980s pop-rock, the “New Romantic” era. As the lead guitarist of Duran Duran, he gave hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Rio,” and “The Reflex” their distinctive bite. During the band’s peak, he also co-founded a funk-driven side project, The Power Station. After departing Duran Duran in the mid-1980s, he pursued a solo career and later collaborated with other rock stars including Robert Palmer. He eventually reunited with his bandmates for the successful Astronaut album and tour. 

    Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?


    February 27

    This Lakers forward became a cornerstone of one of basketball’s great dynasties. Drafted first overall in 1982, the North Carolina native spent his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, thriving in the high-octane “Showtime” era alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Nicknamed “Big Game James” (there’s a clue), he earned NBA Finals MVP honors in 1988. Over a 12-season career, he was a seven-time All-Star and won three NBA championships, helping cement the Lakers’ dominance of the 1980s. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, he later transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a familiar voice analyzing the team he helped make legendary.

    Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)? 



    Sources:

    Wikipedia





    Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors
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