My shopping list for new Conservators

I tell my clients to treat a conservatorship as a small business. It is important for Conservators to keep great records, and that goes for people acting under Powers of Attorney or as Trustees, too. If you have been appointed as Conservator, Agent, or Trustee for another person, and if finances permit, consider these products to help maximize your accuracy and to save time (but check with your actual attorney before spending your principal’s money):

A GOOD Scanner: You need to save bank statements, receipts, copies of checks, correspondence from SSA, the VA, DSHS, etc. A good scanner will help you save these documents AND be able to deliver them to your accountant or attorney in a snap. My favorite is the Fujitsu ScanSnap, which costs about $300.

A Calendar Program with a mobile App. You probably have one of these already on your phone. Start using it, and label when you have an appointment for on on behalf of your principal, so it will be easy to find later if you need to report on the time you spent.

Basic Accounting Software. I have had clients work hard on accounting then deliver spreadsheets or other records in a format which no one else on the planet can use. Then we have to RE-do your hard work, and that’s no good. Stick to the basics! Quickbooks or Quicken will do the job for most of you, and these programs will allow you to export data in a format your attorney or accountant can open. There are less-expensive alternatives, but I suggest you check with your attorney or accountant first to make sure an alternative program will meet your needs.

If you don’t have the skills to use accounting software, don’t worry. Just keep a check register and balance the checking account monthly. It is easier for us to input the bank statements, check registers, check copies, etc., and enter it ourselves rather than recreate your work.

Hope this is helpful to someone!