Caring in America
With Podcast Host: Richard Wexler
Episode 119
Why the Home Team Matters: Planning Today for Life’s Biggest “What Ifs”
When it comes to aging, most families aren’t prepared—they’re reactive. Decisions get made in moments of stress, emotion, and urgency. That’s exactly why the Home Team was created.
Through APlan2Age’s national initiative, teams of 10–12 trusted professionals are being assembled across the country—each bringing a different expertise to support homeowners as they age. From housing and healthcare to finances and legal planning, the Home Team exists to simplify what can otherwise feel overwhelming.
At the core of this model is a simple truth: you don’t know what you don’t know—until it’s too late.
The Wake-Up Call That Started It All
For APlan2Age Co-Founder Richard Wexler, this mission is personal.
In his early 50s—with a young family and a full life ahead—he and his wife began receiving calls no one is ever fully ready for: all four of their parents were seriously ill.
Like most Americans, they hadn’t had the conversations. They didn’t fully understand the complexities of aging, caregiving, finances, or housing decisions. And suddenly, they were navigating all of it at once.
That experience exposed a massive gap:
Families aren’t lacking care—they’re lacking coordinated guidance.
The Home Team was built to change that.
Breaking Down the Home Team: Two Critical Roles
Among the many professionals involved, two stand out as foundational pillars in any aging plan:
1. Estate Planning / Elder Law Attorney
Here’s a statistic that should stop you in your tracks:
👉 Only about 30–35% of Americans have an estate plan.
That means the majority of people are leaving critical decisions—about their assets, their family, and their legacy—up to the state.
Without an estate plan:
- Your assets go through probate (public, expensive, time-consuming)
- The state decides who gets what
- Your loved ones may face unnecessary stress and conflict
With an estate plan:
- You stay in control
- Your wishes are clearly documented
- Your family is protected and guided
And this isn’t just for retirees.
If you:
- Own a home
- Are married or have a partner
- Have children (or even pets)
- Have savings, income, or assets
👉 You need an estate plan—even in your 20s or 30s.
Life changes quickly. Marriages, births, divorces, and deaths all impact your plan. That’s why experts recommend reviewing it every 3–5 years.
The role of the estate planning attorney on the Home Team is simple but powerful:
To ensure every homeowner has a plan—and that it stays up to date.
2. Financial / Wealth Planning
From your first paycheck to your retirement years, financial decisions shape your entire life.
A financial planner helps you:
- Create a clear plan for your income and goals
- Decide what you want to save, invest, and spend
- Prepare for major purchases (homes, travel, lifestyle)
- Plan for retirement and long-term care costs
And here’s something many people underestimate:
👉 Care is expensive.
Whether it’s in-home care, assisted living, or skilled nursing, the costs can be significant—and often unexpected.
Planning early (even in your 20s or 30s) gives you options later.
The Role of Financial Planning in Aging
As homeowners age, financial decisions become even more critical:
- What happens when you sell your home?
- How do you manage the equity you’ve built?
- How do you ensure your money lasts through retirement and potential care needs?
A financial planner helps answer those questions—strategically and proactively.
Why These Roles Matter Together
Estate planning and financial planning aren’t separate conversations—they’re deeply connected.
- Your financial plan builds your wealth
- Your estate plan protects and distributes it
Together, they create a roadmap that supports:
- Your lifestyle today
- Your care tomorrow
- Your legacy for future generations
And within the Home Team model, these professionals don’t work in silos—they collaborate, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
The Bigger Picture: A Smarter Way to Plan
The Home Team isn’t about turning homeowners into experts.
It’s about giving them access to experts—all working together.
Instead of asking:
“Where do I even start?”
You simply start with one trusted connection—and the network supports you from there.
Get Involved
APlan2Age is actively building Home Teams in cities across the country, with a goal of reaching hundreds of communities.
If you are:
- A professional in estate planning, financial services, or another aging-related field
- Or someone who knows a trusted expert who should be part of this mission
👉 You’re invited to be part of something bigger.
Reach out: info@aplan2age.org
The biggest risk in aging isn’t getting older—it’s being unprepared.
The Home Team exists to make sure you—and your family—never have to navigate it alone.
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Our country is entering a new chapter, one we have never seen before… over 100 million people are 50 years of age or older, and the need for care is going to be more and more prevalent. We are dreaming of a nation where aging and care are understood and become part of our normal conversations with family.
To make this a reality, we need your help!