How do I talk to my aging parents about their finances and estate plans?

Start early and gently, framing it as helping them stay in control rather than taking over. Ask whether they have up-to-date documents: a will or trust, durable power of attorney, and a healthcare proxy, and where those are kept. Learn who their advisors, banks, and insurers are, and whether beneficiaries are current. Discuss how they want to handle long-term care, since the Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry data show care costs can be substantial and often surprise families. Watch for signs of scam vulnerability, which rises with age. Keep the tone collaborative and spread conversations across several sittings. Documenting this now prevents a crisis later when decisions must be made quickly and no one knows the details or has legal authority to act.