Life Planning Guide
A special publication of the Bennington Banner and Brattleboro Reformer Thursday, March 26, 2026
3 metrics that can help people gauge their financial health
Effective money management can help men and women achieve their short- and long-term goals. Wise investment strategies and a commitment to saving for retirement are great ways to manage money over the long haul, but it’s important to seek ways to do so in the short-term as well.
Monitoring financial health is a short-term strategy that can keep individuals on a path toward long-term security. While various metrics can be looked to as indicators of financial health, adults can keep these three variables in mind as they look to utilize short-term strategies to ensure their long-term success.
1. Debt-to-income ratio: Debt-toincome ratio can be a good indicator of financial health. The Consumer Finan-
cial Protection Bureau defines debt-toincome ratio (DTI) as all your monthly debt payments divided by your monthly gross income. Lenders utilize DTI to determine the creditworthiness of loan applicants, but individuals also can use it as a metric to gauge their financial health. Monthly debt payments include mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and other debt payments, including credit cards. Individuals whose debt payments total $2,000 per month and who earn a gross monthly income of $6,000 have a 33 percent DTI. The credit experts at Experian suggest a DTI of 35 percent or less is indicative that debt is being handled well, so that’s a figure to keep in mind.
2. Savings balances: Savings accounts don’t generate as much interest
as they did throughout the 1980s and 1990s. According to Nasdaq, savings interest rates climbed as high as 8 percent in the 1980s, but have fallen below 0.25 percent since the financial crisis of 2008. That’s led some to devalue savings, but savings balances can be a good indicator of financial health. A substantial savings account can help individuals avoid taking on debt when costly emergencies and expenses arise unexpectedly, thus helping them keep their DTI in a financially advantageous range.
3. Credit score: Credit score is another strong, and easily accessible, indicator of personal financial health. Individuals can now access their credit scores for free each month through their banks and credit card providers.
Experian notes that credit scores range from 300 to 850, and where a score falls in that range can indicate if a person is managing credit in a healthy or unhealthy way. Experian reports scores 740 and above are very good, while scores between 670 and 739 are considered good. Scores between 300 and 579 are considered poor, while a score between 580 and 669 is considered fair. Scores below 669 indicate there’s room to use credit more wisely, which involve reducing reliance on consumer credit, making payments on time and ensuring payments are more than the monthly minimum.
These three metrics and others can be utilized by individuals looking to gauge their financial health in an effort to realize their short- and long-term goals.
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The firm recently opened an office on Main Street, expanding its presence in southern Vermont and strengthening its ability to provide personalized, local financial advice. Founded by Bennington native Dan Cunningham, One Day In July was built around a simple philosophy: financial advice should be transparent, cost-effective, and always centered on the client’s best interests.
Retirement planning is a core part of that mission. Advisors at One Day In July help clients develop long-term strategies that integrate all aspects of their financial life, including IRAs, brokerage accounts, pensions, inheritances, and employer retirement plans. The goal is not just to accumulate assets, but to create a sustainable plan that supports a comfortable and secure retirement.
A thoughtful retirement plan considers several key questions. How much income will be needed in retirement? When is the right time to claim Social Security? How should investment portfolios evolve as retirement approaches? And how can savings be structured
to last through decades of retirement while preserving purchasing power?
One Day In July works with clients to answer these questions through personalized financial planning and disciplined investment management.
A key feature of the firm is its fiduciary commitment. As fiduciaries on every account, One Day In July advisors are legally and ethically required to act in the best interests of their clients at all times. The firm does not sell commission-based products or accept compensation for selecting specific funds. Instead, portfolios are typically built using low-cost, tax-efficient index funds designed to provide broad diversification and long-term growth. Equally important is the firm’s emphasis on relationships. Each client works directly with a dedicated advisor who takes the time to understand their goals, history, and financial circumstances. For many people, the ability to meet face-to-face with a trusted advisor in their own community makes the retirement planning process far more comfortable and effective.
For residents of Bennington and the surrounding region, the new office represents a valuable local resource for financial guidance. Whether someone is just beginning to save for retirement or approaching the transition from work to retirement income, having a clear, disciplined plan can make a significant difference over time.
Set up a free consultation in the One Day In July Bennington office by calling (802) 503-8280 or emailing welcome@onedayinjuly.com.
One Day In July LLC is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. One Day In July LLC does not guarantee actual returns or losses. This content is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice. Individual circumstances may vary.
Caring for Your Future Self: Planning Ahead for Memory Changes
BY: LISA, F. COUNSELL, CTFA Vice President & Trust Officer, Trust Company of Vermont
THE STATISTICS ARE SOBERING. Studies show that as many as two out of three Americans experience some level of cognitive impairment, on average, by age 70. The CDC reports 10% of the U.S. population aged 65 and older has dementia, and nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Age-related cognitive decline is described as a gradual loss of ability characterized by subtle changes in memory, attention, processing, and problem-solving skills. While age-related cognitive decline is common and does not typically disrupt daily life, dementia is the loss of functioning that interferes with daily life and activi-
ties. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, is a progressively worsening neurodegenerative disease that destroys memory and thinking skills.
Estate and financial planning serve many purposes, one of which is to build a support system that will carry you through both the expected and unexpected trials of life, including memory loss. The good news is that the work you already have done or intend to do to establish an estate and financial plan will function as a safety net should you be faced with memory loss. To your planning, you can add a few additional considerations to assure the best possible transition and quality of life possible in the event of memory loss.
ORGANIZE
The first step is to organize information. It can be helpful to cre-
Trust Company of Vermont
ate a file or binder with the following information kept updated: •Inventory of assets
• Sources of income, including contact information (pension, annuity, Social Security, etc.)
• Recurring expenses, including contact information for payments
• Documents related to outstanding debts, including contact information for the lender (mortgage, credit cards, college loans, etc.)
• Professional and personal service contacts
• Attorney, accountant, financial manager, trustee, primary care provider, hospital of choice
• Property maintenance provider, house cleaner, emergency technicians (plumber, electrician)
• Location of important documents
Lisa F. Counsell, CTFA, Vice President & Trust O cer at Trust Company of Vermont.
While it is also helpful to keep a list of specific account information and passwords, it is critical that such information be stored securely. There are many options for secure electronic storage and you are encouraged to do careful research before choosing a provider. You may elect to keep account information and passwords in a home safe. Whatever you choose, it is important to identify a trusted agent (spouse, attorney-in-fact, trustee) who knows where you keep your file or binder and how to access the necessary account information and passwords.
IDENTIFY YOUR CARE TEAM
If you are not able to act for yourself, whom will you trust to carry out your wishes and act in your best interests? There are several important roles to fill:
• Your Agent under a General Durable Power of Attorney will be granted extensive power to act as you would in any matter related to your personal finances. Further, your Agent may be your nominee as Guardian should one be necessary.
• Your Successor Trustee will have the power to manage any and all assets owned in Trust.
• Your Healthcare Agent, under a Healthcare Power of Attorney or Advance Directive, will make decisions about your medical care when you cannot.
Trust companies, such as Trust Company of Vermont, will consider accepting an appointment as Successor Trustee. A professional trustee can be a powerful gift to your family members. Trust Company of Vermont is locally and independently operated, and has offices in Brattleboro, Manchester, Rutland, Burlington, and Keene, NH.
MAKE SURE TO LEAN ON YOUR TEAM
Begin to involve your care team now in your life and decision-making. Familiarity with your affairs will make it easier for them to fulfill their roles if needed. Just as important is the assistance they can offer you before the time, if it arrives, when you are not able to act for yourself. Close connections with others and timely help and advice can keep you independent and safe for longer. For instance,
bad actors know that ordinary age-related cognitive decline may make seniors more vulnerable to internet, mail, and phone scams, and so seniors are specially targeted for these fraudulent schemes. Take some extra time and lean on your team to ensure you’re not urged into falling for one.
PLAN FOR THE COST
Common costs related to memory care are treatment, equipment, home modifications, safety services, prescriptions, adult day care, in-home care, and full-time residential care. Familiarize yourself with the coverage offered by your Medicare plan and any long-term care insurance policies you may own.
Full-time residential care can cost $120,000 a year or more. 24hour in-home care can exceed $300,000 annually. Financial planning is a good way to consider the “what-ifs” of long-term care. Financial advisors, such as those at Trust Company of Vermont, can work with you to create and consider multiple scenarios to identify a reassuring path.
THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU WILL BE MOST COMFORTABLE
When the time comes, you may not be able to be involved in deciding where you will receive care. Regardless of whether you think you will need the assistance, take some time to research in-home care providers as well as full-time residential care facilities. There may be waiting lists to consider, and some residential facilities offer a tiered approach to care that begins with independent living. You may wish to plan ahead for downsizing and simplifying your life at some point, regardless of health.
Ultimately, you will feel better knowing that you have personally considered your options and prioritized your choices. Communicate your wishes and your research to your support network whether it be spouse, family, close friends, professionals, or any combination thereof. These are difficult and emotional conversations, but you will be giving your loved ones a gift in knowing your wishes so that, when the time comes, they can focus their attention on being with you.
Finally, take some time to research and understand the resources available in your community for support. For Vermonters, the Vermont Council on Aging can be a great place to start: cvcoa.org; svoca.org; nekcouncil.org. Senior Solutions is another very helpful Vermont organization, with a focus on southern Vermont: seniorsolutionsvt.org. More generally, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a wealth of information and resources: alz.org.
No time is as good as the present to begin planning or to revisit a current plan in the context of potential memory loss. Remember that a well-crafted estate plan works for you during life, not just after death. It is always helpful to have a team in place that can offer support to you and to your family as you talk through your concerns, consider a plan, and eventually put a plan in motion when the time comes.
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Planning as We Age: A Quiet Act of Love
Planning takes on a different meaning as we move into our eighties, nineties and beyond. Earlier in life, planning often meant building—careers, families, and futures that stretched far ahead. As we age, planning becomes less about ambition and more about intention. It is no longer driven by fear or control, but by care, wisdom, and love.
There is a misconception that planning in later life is a sign of decline, or worse, a quiet surrender. In truth, it is the opposite. Thoughtful planning is an act of dignity. It allows us to remain active participants in our own lives, even as circumstances shift. It
says, I still have a voice in how my days unfold. Physical changes often arrive uninvited. Energy wanes, balance changes, and health can become unpredictable. Planning helps soften these realities. It might look like choosing a place to live that is less stressful to manage, simplifying possessions, or making peace by letting others provide help. None of this diminishes independence; it reframes it. Independence becomes less about doing everything alone and more about making wise choices that support well-being. There is also emotional planning to consider. Aging has a way of bringing
PROVIDED PHOTOS
reflection to the surface; memories, regrets, joys, and losses all seem closer somehow. Planning options for relationships, for conversation, for reconciliation if needed, becomes deeply important. Who do we want beside “us” in the years ahead? What conversations still matter? These questions deserve attention, not avoidance.
Practical matters such as finances, healthcare wishes, legal decisions, etc. are often the most difficult to face, yet they are among the most loving gifts we can give. When these things are left unspoken, they become burdens for others to carry. When they are planned with care, they become a final gesture of responsibility and grace. Planning does not hasten endings; it brings peace into the present.
There is also room for hope in planning. Aging is not only about preparing for limitations; it is about making room for meaning. Many people find
that later years open unexpected doors—to creativity, service, mentorship, prayer, or simply deeper presence. Planning allows us to ask not only What might I lose? but also What might I still gain?
Ultimately, planning as we age is not about predicting every outcome. It is about readiness; being willing to face this new reality with courage and sensitivity. It is about honoring the life we have lived and protecting the lives of those we love. And perhaps most importantly, it is about trusting that even in life’s later chapters, there is still purpose, still beauty, and, still something worth preparing for.
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Why working with a financial planner is a good move
It is never too soon to be thinking about the future and which financial decisions need to be made to ensure a long and comfortable life. Although many people have an idea of how they should manage their money, professional advice can go a long way.
According to Merill Lynch, planning ahead for events like retirement better positions individuals to reach their financial goals and manage any unexpected challenges that may arise. The benefits of hiring a wealth management financial advisor can outweigh the costs. Those still weighing whether or not to make that call can consider these reasons to seek out a financial planner.
NAVIGATE COMPLEX TAX ISSUES
A financial advisor can help people identify tax-efficient financial strategies. As income and savings grow, so, too, may tax obligations. Working with a financial advisor can help mitigate tax burdens by identifying tactics like strategic asset allocation. This strategy and more may help save a person thousands of dollars each year.
MAXIMIZE MONEY’S POTENTIAL
Some people have a large amount of cash in the bank earning minimal interest in low-yield accounts. Others may have inherited money and are not sure what to do with it. People may miss chances to put their money to work for them, which is where a financial advisor can step in. These
individuals are trained and may be certified to help make strategic decisions to maximize your earnings and savings.
RIDE OUT MARKET DOWNTURNS
Working with a financial advisor may help people navigate downturns in the market. Advisors might be
a steadying voice during turbulent times, helping individuals stay focused on long-term goals and building portfolios that can endure market volatility.
Advise for major financial changes
Whether a person is planning to buy or sell a home, get married or start a family, a financial planner can walk one through issues to begin saving and managing money for the long haul. He or she may recommend when to start saving for a child’s college education while also keeping a retirement plan on track. A financial planner also can help figure out how much debt a person can take on when it comes to buying a home. Marriage or divorce also are key milestones that call for careful financial planning. Again, a financial advisor can offer thoughtful ideas about how to navigate and make changes to financial strategies.
Like the other professionals people rely on to give them advice, a financial planner is an important asset who can help instruct individuals regarding smart money moves that help them to achieve their goals throughout life.
Planning Ahead for Connection, Purpose, and Peace of Mind
BY HEATHER ROBERTSON, Executive Director of The Gathering Place
When people think about planning for the future, conversations often focus on finances, housing, or healthcare. But living well as we age involves more than practical arrangements—it also means planning for connection, purpose, and meaningful days. Yet life changes such as retirement, the loss of a spouse, health challenges, or reduced mobility can make staying socially connected more difficult. Some older adults are caught off guard by the social isolation that can accompany these life changes. Research has shown that social isolation can affect health, increasing risks of depression, cognitive decline, and even heart disease. Opportunities for regular interaction, conversation, and shared activities can make a meaningful difference. Adult day programs like The Gathering Place help address this challenge by creating welcoming spaces where people can connect with others, build friendships, and stay engaged in their community.
A PLACE TO CONNECT
The Gathering Place, located in Brattleboro, offers a daytime community where older adults can spend time together, participate in activities, and enjoy the company of others. Participants might start their day with breakfast, exercise or cards with friends. Lunchtime brings everyone together for a shared meal, often a highlight of the day. Friendships grow, and laughter is common. For many participants, the program becomes a place to look forward to—a place to go, people to see, and things to do.
ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY
Participants enjoy a variety of ac-
tivities designed for engagement, movement, and social connection. Arts, music, games, and conversation are regular parts of the day, along with nutritious meals and snacks shared together. Community groups visit regularly – musicians, students, artists, cooks, and even circus arts! Throughout the year, program participants celebrate holidays and birthdays and stay connected to current events through planned activities and theme days. Transportation is available for participants throughout Windham County, making the program accessible for those with limited mobility or transportation options.
SUPPORT FOR CHANGING NEEDS
The program is equipped to support both independence and changing needs over time. In addition to activities and social engagement, participants benefit from staff who assist with health monitoring, coordination with healthcare providers, mobility, medication reminders, and personal care when needed. Familiar routines, experienced staff, and a caring environment ensure that participants feel safe while maintaining autonomy. This combination of community and support is especially valuable for families. Many adults find themselves helping an aging parent, spouse, or loved one while balancing work, family responsibilities, and their own needs.
“I wish we had started sooner.”
Staff hear this sentiment from caregivers often—sometimes families wait until they feel overwhelmed before exploring options for support. Starting earlier can make transitions smoother and give everyone a better experience. Independent older adults benefit from staying active, engaged, and exploring interests with us. If additional support is needed later— including dementia care—familiar routines and trusted staff provide continuity and comfort, allowing participants to remain part of the community they enjoy.
MAKING PARTICIPATION POSSIBLE
While there is a cost to participate, many families can access financial support, and flexible scheduling allows people to attend in a way that fits
their needs and budget. Program fees may be covered through Medicaid for eligible individuals, and long-term care insurance policies may include adult day services. The Gathering Place also offers a sliding-scale fee and can help families identify other funding sources, such as grants, to make participation possible.
Curious to see what a day at The Gathering Place is like? Call 802-2546559 to schedule a tour or enjoy a lunch with us as part of a trial visit— experience the activities, friendships, and community firsthand. After all, living well means finding places where we belong—and people with whom we can share our days.
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Supporting independence at home
Every home tells a story. In the kitchen, in the hallway, in the quiet routines that unfold each morning. As people grow older, the most important chapter is often the one that allows them to keep living that story right where they are.
Since 2006, At Home Senior Care has been helping seniors and their families navigate the realities of aging while continuing to live life on their own terms. Independently owned and locally operated, the organization has built a reputation by providing thoughtful, personalized support to older adults who wish to remain comfortable and engaged at home.
The in-home care provided by At Home Senior Care supports everyday living in ways that feel natural and steady. Services include companionship, transportation to appointments or errands, assistance with personal care, help around the home, and support that allows family caregivers to take time to rest or attend to responsibilities. Care management services also help families coordi-
nate resources and plan for changing needs. Together, these services support both seniors and their families in ways that reflect the values At Home Senior Care is built on: trust, respect, and compassion.
At the center of this work are the care professionals themselves. Caregivers at At Home Senior Care come from many walks of life: students, parents, health care professionals, retirees, teachers, and community members who share a common belief that kindness, patience, and compassion can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day. Their presence provides practical support, but just as importantly, companionship and reassurance when it matters most.
The goal is simple: helping seniors continue the life they know in the comfort of home.
For families exploring what support might look like, the next chapter starts with a conversation. To learn more about services or employment opportunities, visit athomeseniors. net or call 802-768-8565.
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