We celebrated our 250th Roundtable meeting with a truly special guest. Diane Harris is an award-winning journalist, a speaker and an author with an expertise in personal finance and financial wellness. She’s a New York Times contributor, a former editor-in-chief of Money Magazine, and a former deputy editor of Newsweek.
Our conversation with Diane covered everything from retirement planning to solo aging, and included a sneak peek at some articles she’s currently working on.
Said Diane, “Wherever you are right now, there are things you can do to improve your financial situation.”
STARTING SMART, NO MATTER YOUR AGE
It’s never too late to take control of your finances. Small steps like bumping up retirement contributions or cutting unused subscriptions can boost savings and confidence. Prioritizing spending, building an emergency fund, and rethinking financial support for adult children can all strengthen long-term security.
SOLO AGERS NEED A PLAN
Aging without a built-in support system requires proactive planning. From naming a younger, trustworthy emergency contact to building a financial team, solo agers benefit from having structure in place. Creating a safety net helps reduce vulnerability and ensures future decisions are handled with care and clarity.
PRINT EVOLVES, DIGITAL EMPOWERS
Print media isn’t gone—it’s just different. It now offers depth, prestige, and a tactile experience digital can’t match. Meanwhile, embracing digital opens doors to innovation and connection. The key takeaway? Senior living communities can learn from media: diversify, adapt, and meet audiences where they are.
THE RETIREMENT DANGER ZONE
The five years before and after retirement are critical. Market volatility, health shifts, and lifestyle changes can seriously impact long-term financial health. Whether you’re retiring solo or as a couple, this window requires careful planning, flexibility, and often the guidance of a trusted financial advisor.
ADVISORS AS AGING GUIDES
Financial advisors do more than manage investments—they help people navigate big life transitions, like moving into senior living. From evaluating entrance fees to unlocking home equity, their insight ensures decisions align with clients’ goals, resources, and the lifestyle they want in their next chapter.
Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here.
