My aging parents are both over 80. They live in their own home and are managing their day-to-day activities and financial affairs with admirable fervor and zest.

I see them every few months, and we talk regularly on the phone. They acknowledge things are changing.

As a daughter, a CFP professional, and financial life strategist, I know the ‘talk’ is not a one-and-done. It also can’t start with a discussion about dollars. The financial talk will bloom from cultivating the soil of self-awareness, trust, respect, and team work.

It is healthy monetary mindsets and the willingness to make constant course corrections that will ease the financial transition into and through elderhood. Here are four tips I have found helpful both with my own aging parents and thinking forward as a parent myself.

#1 Recognize and Wrestle with Your Own Emotions

Talking about aging and money is emotionally charged. Reflect on how you feel about having these conversations, understanding that all emotions are valid, and often – negative.

It is ok to be nervous, angry, sad, frustrated. With a prepared awareness, the negative emotions will less likely dominate the conversations.

In my case, I had to acknowledge emotions of warranted concern and my perceived inadequacies. My dad is engaged and competent. An engineer, entrepreneur, and stock analysis aficionado, he still trades his portfolio and assesses real estate deals.

While I am a trained financial professional and have expertise in many areas, I am still his ‘little girl’, and I wrestle with thoughts like, “Do I know enough?” While his mind is still sharp, macular degeneration clouds his vision, and I’m concerned about the effect of computer screens and how he places trades.

These emotions come into play when we sit down to talk about how he and my mom want to handle their finances moving forward.

#2 Find the Space and Cover It with Grace

Create a safe environment and build your parents’ financial efficacy. Many times, shame and guilt around past financial decisions or future uncertainties can shut down conversations.

Find areas of their financial life that you can build on to open up discussions. “You did a great job of _______, and, moving forward, I want to hear what is important to you in taking care of yourself and how I can help.”

You can also build financial rapport by sharing stories. I asked my parents how they handled financial challenges in their past and what they learned from them. This opened up the opportunity to talk about changes they will be facing in the near future with managing accounts, cash flow, and other aging concerns.

My dad financially walked alongside my aging aunt (who passed away a few years ago), and we have talked about what went well in that relationship or what they want to do differently.

#3 Create an Environment of Support Not Control

After some time of building trust, you will be seen as an advocate. They need to make their own decisions. Your job is to help unpack the reasonable choices.

My mom and I were recently talking about my Uber experience. I was expounding on how easy it was and how much I enjoyed being chauffeured around. This opened up the conversation about “giving up the car keys” and my willingness to help them explore new ways of getting around town.

We all want autonomy – the freedom to direct our own destiny. The key lies in recognizing that as our parents age, their autonomous world becomes smaller. So the more we can help them find things that are still within their control, the better they will feel.

When my aunt was in assisted living and in the throes of dementia, she maintained that she wanted to pay for meals when I came to visit. I always encouraged her to bring her purse (which had a few dollars in it) with her, but of course, she never got a bill at the end of a meal.

We enjoyed our time together and as the plates were removed, I would say, “Thank you for lunch.” It affirmed in her head that she was in charge!

#4 Alliances Not Alienation

What team members do you want to put in place? Are there other family members that need to be involved? Are there professionals that your parents have worked with that you need to get to know?

You will have different skill sets and strengths but find common ground that you can build on. Are there bridges that need to be rebuilt? Is there forgiveness that needs to be sought or extended?

It is hard work to support family members in their aging process with financial integrity. However, the relational wealth and the dignity that will be brought out is more than worth it. If you are within five years of retirement, I invite you to download your copy of my Monetary Manifesto today!

What is your experience dealing with aging parents’ financial matters? Have you had to take control? How do you feel about that role? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.