 May / June 2025
We often assume someone with a $1.5 million portfolio is “set for life.” But when unexpected health needs arise, even that amount can start to feel alarmingly small. One of my long-term clients—now in her 90s—recently had a significant medical setback. She went from needing a few hours of caregiver help per day to requiring 24/7 assistance. She’s also transitioned from using a rollator to a wheelchair. The financial impact of this change has been dramatic. Let’s break it down: Caregiving Costs: $25/hour × 168 hours/week = $4,200/week $4,200/week × 52 weeks = $218,400/year Even with $1.5M in the bank, that level of expense could deplete her savings in about eight years--and that’s not including inflation, medical costs, or potential wage increases. Despite regular conversations with her longtime financial advisor, she was repeatedly told she’d be “fine” financially. But without a long-term care policy and with care costs rising, we’re now actively re-evaluating what “fine” really means. As her Daily Money Manager, I’m helping her navigate difficult, but necessary decisions:
If you or someone you know is facing these kinds of questions, I offer a free 20-minute consultation to talk through options. 🧭 I work remotely bringing hands-on help and clear financial direction wherever you're located. Let’s make sure “set for life” truly means that. Warmly, Adele Tusson-Gross Certified Daily Money Manager® 706-714-1314 [email protected]  Organizing: What is the best thing that you can do to improve your home? Purge and discard of items you don’t use. Make room…make space…for what is important in your life NOW. As we get older our priorities change. Our hobbies and activities may change. We don’t have to hold onto items because they used to be important. You might feel like you are throwing a piece of yourself away when you get rid of items that were important and significant in your life. It does not erase the memories, just because you let go of the items. I don’t recommend selling items unless that is easy and enjoyable for you. The time it takes to set up accounts, take photos, package stuff, meet people and mail items is a Full-time job! If you don’t enjoy it… don’t do it! You don’t have to feel obligated to make money. I think it is empowering and provides a sense of FREEDOM to give it away. If you need extra money then that is a different story. Financial Organizing: Do you want to get a better handle on your finances? We work with clients on a per-project basis and/or an ongoing basis. Depending on your needs and goals or your loved ones needs. We can work with you to gather your history of expenses (including subscriptions that you may want to cancel), and income. Opening your eyes to the FULL picture is empowering and the only way you can begin to make change. Do you overspend? I believe the most important thing you can do is to pause before making a purchase. Really think about it for 2 days. The next most important thing you can do is to track your spending. I use Quicken but you can also use an App or an Excel sheet to track your money habits. Here is an article comparing financial apps. Educating yourself about finances is another way to encourage saving rather than spending. There are a lot of podcasts you can choose from. My favorite financial App is Her Money with Jean Chatzky- Making Money Make Sense. Listening to a podcast helps me be more mindful of my money and to make wiser decisions. You can read books or enroll in classes. 5 Good Money Habits:
Adele Gross  Happy New Year
This is a photo at Fort Mountain State Park located in Chatsworth, Georgia. We spent a few days here over the Christmas Holiday. My husband and I enjoy hiking and exploring. Are you living a life with Intention? We can't change the past but we can strive for a better tomorrow January / February 2025 In this Newsletter:
Email or Call us for a free Consultation about your Project. Interested in getting a better handle on your finances for 2025? You should start NOW. We can help. Did you set resolutions this year? Have you already stumbled on them? It’s a common joke—we resolve to “lose weight, get fit, get organized, plan a trip, visit family, and so on—only to fall short. But what if we approached this differently? Instead of “resolutions,” let’s think about “intentions.” Intentions feel more empowering and less rigid. They’re about creating a vision for what you truly want to cultivate in your life. Let me share some of my intentions for 2025. Research shows that sharing your goals makes you more likely to achieve them. One of my intentions this year is to be fully present. This involves less distractions for instance turning my phone on silent mode. Another intention is to connect more deeply with loved ones: We are planning to spend Christmas with family in San Diego. Setting these intentions and following through feels incredibly rewarding. What about you? What do you want to add or subtract in your life this year? Are there boundaries you need to create or reinforce to support your well-being? For example, I’ve learned to set boundaries around work hours by avoiding emails after 6 p.m., which has significantly improved my ability to relax and recharge. Healthy boundaries at work and in your personal life are essential for balance and fulfillment. Here are some tips to help turn your resolutions, intentions, or goals into reality: 1. Write them down. Putting your intentions on paper makes them tangible and helps you commit. 2. Be specific. Vague goals can feel overwhelming. Instead, get clear on the details. 3. Share them with a friend. Accountability can be a powerful motivator. Share your intentions with someone who can cheer you on and keep you on track. 4. Make a plan. Think about what steps are necessary to accomplish your goals. What adjustments can you make to smooth the path? 5. Set a deadline. Deadlines create urgency and help you stay focused. 6. Put it on your calendar. Treat your intentions like appointments—block out time for them and honor that commitment. 7. Stay accountable. Hold yourself accountable by tracking your progress and celebrating small wins along the way. 8. Create space for abundance. Sometimes, achieving your goals requires letting go of something else. Is there anything in your life you need to release to make room for growth and new opportunities? What do you want to make space for in 2025? Take that first step toward your intentions today, and watch how they transform your year. Adele Tusson-Gross, CDMM® Downsizing Tip: Do your ‘things” have power over you? Stuff you don’t use and don’t plan to. For example: I threw away a few Beauty Products collecting dust in my bathroom. I was not likely to ever use them. I reclaimed the space in a drawer for items I do use. Now, I can see everything without stacking. Do you have “stuff” that you would like to get rid of but you have guilt because of what you paid for it or someone gave it to you as a gift? Don’t give it power. You can Throw it Away or Give it Away. Cyber Security Tip: I took a class on Cyber Security in the Daily Money Management Conference in November. Mark Burnette owner of LBMC and Information Security & Advisory Services business recommends the following:
Hiring a Daily Money Manager (DMM) can provide a range of benefits, particularly for individuals who need assistance managing their day-to-day financial tasks. Here are several key reasons why hiring a DMM might be beneficial:
1. Financial Organization
In summary, a Daily Money Manager can be an invaluable asset, particularly for those needing assistance with the day-to-day aspects of financial management, including seniors, busy professionals, and individuals with complex financial lives. Personal Client Story:I currently serve as Durable Power of Attorney (POA) for one of my elderly clients, a role she asked me to take on "when the time comes." Her attorney created the POA in 2018, and just last week, we visited her bank, Bank of America, to have the legal document reviewed and activated. The Bank had their Legal Department review it and they have their own POA forms that must be completed. We’ve worked together for many years, and I’m grateful she made this decision in advance. Now in her 90s, her memory isn't as sharp, and writing checks has become increasingly difficult for her. She always planned to hire a person to manage her day-to-day finances. In fact, she shared that her parents had someone come in to pay their bills, and she wanted the same—rather than relying on a trust officer or a large institution. In addition to my role, she has a financial advisor who manages her investments and a CPA who handles her tax returns. Together, we collaborate to ensure her affairs are managed in her best interest. Adele Gross  Photo Credit: Driven by Decor Photo credit: Driven by Decor
Organizing a Nightstand July / August 2024 What is on your night stand and inside it?
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