What Does a Financial Planner Do?
When you think of financial planning, you might picture spreadsheets, investment strategies, and a lot of overwhelming numbers. But as Elliott Appel, founder of Kindness Financial Planning, explains, it’s so much more than that. Financial planning is about aligning your money with your life and values. It’s about creating peace of mind, especially during life’s most challenging moments, like caregiving, aging, or coping with grief.
In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, we discuss how financial planning can be an act of care for yourself and the people you love.
The Power of Preparing for the Future: Why It Matters
Facing transitions like aging or the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming. Adding financial decisions into the mix often creates even more stress. Elliott believes his job as a financial planner isn’t just about numbers; it’s about providing guidance with empathy. He meets people where they are, listens to their concerns, and helps them take small, meaningful steps toward clarity and peace.
One of the most important aspects of planning is preparing for aging. Elliott stresses the value of getting essential documents in place early, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. These documents ensure that your wishes are carried out and can simplify the process for your family. Simplifying your finances, such as consolidating accounts, is another step that makes life easier for you and your loved ones down the road. He also discussed the true costs of long-term care—something many people don’t fully understand until they’re faced with it.
The Benefits of Proactive Financial Planning
Another key topic Elliott touched on is “widow brain,” the foggy state of mind many people experience after losing a spouse. Grief makes even simple financial tasks, like paying bills, impossible. Having a financial planner who understands this and can break things down into manageable steps can make all the difference. It’s not just about solving immediate issues—it’s about creating a support system during one of the hardest times in life.
Caregiving was another focus of our discussion. Planning ahead for caregiving expenses, whether for yourself or a loved one, can reduce the emotional and financial stress of those moments. Elliott pointed out the importance of exploring options early, from aging at home to facility-based care, and understanding their financial implications.
Financial planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to reduce stress, simplify life for their loved ones, and create a legacy of care. Elliott’s message was clear: start where you are. Even small steps, like reviewing your will or organizing your accounts, can lead to greater peace of mind.
Take the Next Step Toward Peace of Mind
If you’d like to learn more about Elliott’s approach to financial planning, visit his website at https://kindnessfp.com.
Take a moment to consider: What is one step you can take today to prepare for the future? Share this page or the podcast episode above with someone who might find it helpful. Together, we can normalize these conversations and help each other navigate life’s transitions with compassion and clarity.
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