This month’s mission moment comes from Money Minders volunteer, Susan Powell, and her client, Karen*.
It’s a Friday afternoon in November and Susan and Karen are cozied up at a bright desk, smiling and chatting kindly to each other. From their happy and caring tone, you might think they were planning a fun trip together or setting the menu for a yummy meal…but in fact, they are reviewing Karen’s recent bank statements!
Susan has been a Bill Payer volunteer in SMAA’s Money Minders program since 2011. She was matched with Karen in the fall of 2016, and eight years later they are still meeting on a monthly basis.
Money Minders volunteers are matched with clients who need help organizing their finances. Volunteers and clients work together, one-on-one, at monthly visits in the client’s home. They sort bills, make payments, keep checkbooks balanced, and ensure no late payments or overdraft fees are incurred. Just as importantly, Money Minders visits double as a monthly check-in, and matches often grow into caring friendships.
Susan and Karen began their November visit by bringing each other up to speed with life events since they last met. Karen had recently lost a loved one, and Susan checked in on her grief, offering a listening ear and words of comfort. After reconvening, Susan was ready to review bank statements and Karen already had everything ready. Karen’s statements were reviewed and additional bills were tabbed to ensure that Karen had enough funds in her checking account to cover expenses. During this visit, Susan was able to help Karen manage everything right on her iPad and even helped update her password. Susan and Karen share that they have developed a system together to keep things straight. Toward the end of the visit, Karen brought out some older Medicare statements, asking if she needed to keep them around. Susan wasn’t sure but offered to find out and report back at the next visit.
Money Minders volunteers like Susan have a huge impact in helping older Mainers maintain independence through financial well-being and caring connections. SMAA is aware of many older adults who could use some assistance with finances throughout York and Cumberland counties, and we need more volunteers! To get involved with the Money Minders program — and make a difference like Susan — please reach out to volunteer@smaaa.org.
*Name changed for privacy
