Ebony P. White is the NCOA director of economic security and social safety net initiatives, with 15 years of experience in the field, according to NCOA's website.
In an email to Community Impact, White answered questions about best practices for senior community members and tips for financial literacy as adults age.
What resources are available, from your organization or others, for those who are unsure how to handle their finances like paying taxes and budgeting?
At NCOA, we know managing money later in life can feel overwhelming—especially with rising costs and complex systems. We offer tools like Budget CheckUp and BenefitsCheckUp.org, which help older adults identify ways to stretch their income and find programs that can lower expenses for essentials like food, medicine, or utilities. Beyond NCOA, community resources such as Area Agencies on Aging, local senior centers and nonprofit credit counseling services can also help with budgeting or navigating bills safely.
What scams are most prevalent among the senior community?
Unfortunately, we see a lot of scams targeting older adults because scammers know they often value trust and connection. Some of the most common include imposter scams, where someone pretends to be a grandchild, government official or utility company; tech support scams, claiming your computer is infected; and romance scams, where scammers build emotional relationships online to ask for money. We also see a rise in phishing and investment scams, often tied to retirement or supposed “safe returns.” What all these scams have in common is urgency and secrecy—they pressure you to act fast or keep things quiet.
What could be done to keep themselves safe?
A big part of staying safe is slowing down and verifying. If someone is pressuring you to act right away or pay in gift cards or cryptocurrency—that’s a red flag. Hang up, look up the official number yourself and call back. We encourage people to talk openly about scams with friends and family. Scammers count on silence. And using simple tools—like two-factor authentication, credit freezes and strong passwords—can go a long way. We have an online education material available for professionals and caregivers, Steps to Avoiding Scams: Savvy Saving Seniors Financial Education Module, that offers insights into education and prevention for older adults. It’s about pausing before reacting.
What can be done if someone does fall victim to these scams?
First, know that it can happen to anyone. The most important step is to act quickly. If money was transferred, contact your bank or credit card company right away to see if it can be stopped or reversed. Report the scam to www.reportfraud.ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission) and local law enforcement, especially if personal information was shared. Then, change passwords and monitor financial accounts closely. For emotional support, it can help to talk to someone—scams can leave people feeling ashamed or isolated, but we always remind people: you’re not alone, and you’re not to blame. Sharing what happened can even help prevent others from being victimized.
What sort of financial planning should be done to ensure that savings, 401(k), retirement or pensions last as long as they are needed?
That’s such an important question, and one where it’s best to seek guidance from a qualified financial professional, since everyone’s circumstances are different. At a high level, it’s wise to understand how your retirement income sources—Social Security, savings, pensions—work together, and how taxes might impact them. Many community centers host free financial literacy workshops or can connect you with certified financial planners who specialize in retirement planning.
What can a person or family member do if they believe their elderly family member is being taken advantage of?
This can be delicate, but the first step is to approach the situation with care and empathy, not judgment. Start by having an open, non-confrontational conversation. You might say, 'I’m worried someone might be trying to take advantage of you. Can we look at this together?' If you suspect abuse or exploitation, contact Adult Protective Services in your state, or local law enforcement if there’s immediate danger. Financial institutions can also flag suspicious activity.
What is the best time to begin end-of-life planning, and what are some best practices when doing so?
The best time to begin is now—while you’re healthy and able to make decisions confidently. End-of-life planning isn’t just about finances; it’s about peace of mind. It’s really about ensuring your choices are honored and reducing stress for your family later. It’s a gift of clarity and care for everyone involved.
