Mom has been a check writer for all bills since dad passed 10 yrs ago. Lately she’s been writing checks with wrong amounts etc, paying bills twice, being bombarded with calls and mail regarding all kinds of warranties that are needed, questionable charges, forgetting to pay bills, etc. she’s very frugal and likes to track all money activities and lately has been stressing unnecessarily. Now she is not trusting herself and ready to hand over to me. Where do we begin? Should her billing address be changed to mine? Should I get my name added on the checks so I can sign? Should I set her accounts for online billing? Do I need to do something with her bank institution? She wants control still but not the responsibility. I recently have her accepting the fact that it is time for assisted living. She still wants to be independent in some respects not always accepting responsibility. Please tell me what steps I need to take and what I should be concerned about. I have the power of attorney so I must be accountable for all financial decisions and transactions. What’s the best way to do this? Your suggestions and advice is greatly appreciated.
I also got her in the habit if she answered the phone and didn't know the person calling, she was to say "My daughter handles that" and hang up. All her utilities and any other regular bills had my phone number if Mom failed to pay her bill. My POA was filed with every doctor she had.