The Financial Resources File
Starting a financial resources file for an older adult will save on time and confusion. It is helpful to keep all information in one place. Below is a list of some of the items that should be included:
- List all bank accounts:
- Checking, savings, and money market
 - Names and phone numbers of banking officers, stockbrokers, and any other important people involved with financial concerns
 
 - List names and telephone numbers of all financial advisors, accountants, and social-service workers.
 - Put together a monthly income statement, with any of these that apply:
- Salaries, wages
 - Rents
 - Social security for both husband and wife
 - Royalties, individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
 - Pensions for both husband and wife
 - Bonds
 - Annuities for both husband and wife
 - Mutual funds
 - Stock dividends
 
 - Estimate a monthly expenses statement, with any of these that apply:
- Mortgage or rent
 - Paid housekeeping services
 - Utilities
 - Legal
 - Telephone
 - Accounting
 - Maintenance, repairs
 - Equipment rentals
 - Out-of-pocket medical and dental
 - Insurance premiums
 - Medicines
 - Food
 - Gifts
 - Clothing
 - Charitable contributions
 - Transportation
 - Miscellaneous
 
 - Estimate a net-worth statement from the information above by subtracting expenses from income and assets.
 
Workplace Options. (Revised 2025). The financial resources file. Raleigh, NC: Author.