Connecting through
Money Management
After her mother had a stroke and could
no longer handle her finances with accuracy, Lavonne Gaylor, a retired Oregon
accountant, realized that many other
seniors needed help with their finances.
When she read an AARP Bulletin article
about the AARP Foundation Money
Management program, she decided to
volunteer.
Her first client was a local senior whose
bank had threatened to close her
account due to substantial overdraft fees.
With Lavonne’s help, the client kept her
bank account and eventually received
counseling to secure a reverse mortgage
that was more within her means. These
steps enabled the client to remain independent at home.
household, she assists an 84-year-old
woman and her two children with dis-abilities who live with her.
Nearly 5,900 Money Management
Program clients were able to remain
independent during 2010, protected
from the stress and loss associated
with financial mistakes or fraud.
AARP Foundation operates the Money
Management Program through many
local, state and national sponsoring
agencies, such as private nonprofit organizations and state units on aging.
Money Management
by the Numbers
5,890 people
received direct assistance
That was six years ago. Lavonne now
has seven clients. For most of them, she
is the representative payee for federal
benefits, such as Social Security. In one
41,429
accessed helpful information
online
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Why I Volunteer with Money Management
I became a Money Management Program volunteer because I knew there were
some individuals who were unable to take care of their financial situations and I
thought I could help.
I have been volunteering since March 2008. I have a client that is now turning 81
years of age and has dementia. I first started working with them when he was 78
and living under very bad conditions. His family did not want to deal with his mentally challenged condition, so he definitely was on his own. A friend was taking
him to the bank on the day his Social Security was direct-deposited. This “friend”
proceeded to get cash from his account (with him present) and pay his rent, light
bill, cable TV bill; then give him $50.00 for the month and took the rest for herself.
Finally, Social Services were informed of what was going on and I entered the picture to handle his financial affairs.
I enjoy doing this for him, as he appreciates any and everything I do, and considers
me “his real friend.” I get his groceries and got him moved into an assisted living
place which he calls “a palace” compared to the basement “cave” he was living in.
The fact that he is happy and content is good enough for me.
Jerene Thomas, Marion, IA
