Daily money managers (DMMs) provide personal business assistance to clients who have difficulty in managing their personal monetary affairs. The services meet a continuum of needs, from organizing and keeping track of financial and medical insurance papers, to assisting with check writing and maintaining bank accounts.

Who needs the help of a DMM?

There are many factors which contribute to the need for a DMM. DMMs work with senior citizens, people whose careers make it difficult for them to find time for their own paperwork, and with people whose medical issues simply make it difficult to keep up with their finances, among others.

Within the senior client base, most have a need for DMM services due to a physical change precipitated by the aging process, such as limited vision, arthritis or other conditions which limit the ability to write, dementia, or a simple loss of ability to follow through on tasks. Some others are so active in their retirement that travel and social activities make it difficult to keep up with paperwork, and they prefer to simply let someone else handle things for them.

It is not uncommon for the adult child of an older person to seek the assistance of a DMM if the child does not feel they have the time or ability to maintain their parents’ affairs.

If I hire a DMM, why do I need an accountant, lawyer, or social worker?

A DMM does not take the place of professionals in the accounting, investment, or social service fields; rather, their work complements the work of other professionals by facilitating the completion of the day to day tasks rather than determining long-term plans.

For example, a DMM, by organizing and maintaining accurate financial records for a client, can easily compile the necessary documents for tax preparation by an accountant. When the accountant has prepared the required tax returns, the DMM makes sure they are correctly signed, that the appropriate checks are attached, and that returns are mailed on time.

Unless your DMM happens to have separate professional credentials in other fields, he or she should not be offering you legal, investment, or tax advice. However, a good DMM should be able to recognize pertinent issues and refer you to professionals and organizations qualified to provide the other services you may need.

What types of tasks a DMM will handle?

The expertise of DMMs covers a broad range of tasks, and the actual work they do depends on client need. However, the scope of a DMMs work generally includes the following:

• Bill-paying, including calls to payees regarding incorrect bills and preparation of checks for clients to sign.
• Balancing checkbooks and maintaining organization of bank records.
• Preparing and delivering bank deposits.
• Organizing tax documents and other paperwork.
• Negotiating with creditors.
• Deciphering medical insurance papers and verifying proper processing of claims.
• General organization assistance.
• Providing referrals to legal, tax, and investment professionals.

Some, but not all, DMMs will also provide additional services, such as:

• Notary services
• Maintaining home payroll records for use in preparation of payroll tax reports
• Transportation to and from appointments
• Assistance with arrangements for moving from one’s home to a retirement or nursing facility
• Acting as power-of-attorney or representative payee for Medicare
• Preparation of payroll checks for home employees including calculation of Federal and state withholding and FICA taxes

Where do I find a DMM in my area?

Click here to find a DMM from our Member List!

You can seek DMM referrals from many sources, but you should first try to get a referral from someone you know and trust. Friends, relatives, lawyers, doctors, accountants, social workers, and residential community directors may be able to provide you with a name of a DMM.

If not, contact your local Area Agency on Aging, senior center, church, or government social service agency. You can also contact us at the American Association of Daily Money Managers Toll Free 877-326-5991.

What will the services of a DMM cost and what are the common billing methods?

Most DMMs charge for their services on an hourly basis, with rates varying with geographic areas.

In addition to the hourly rates, most DMMs charge for their travel time and for out-of-pocket expenses such as postage stamps provided to their clients and long distance charges for calls made on a client’s behalf.

Some DMMs request payment at the time of service and others bill on a monthly or bi-weekly basis. Some local governments have reduced fee or free services available for low-income clients, as does AARP (202-434-6276 or www.aarpmmp.org).

Will I be giving up my independence if I hire a DMM?

On the contrary, the assistance of a DMM is often the piece of life’s puzzle which allows many seniors to avoid guardianship or complete loss of independence.

If you find that you are late in paying bills or do not understand certain financial forms that come in the mail, your family might pressure you to move out of your home or turn over your affairs to a legal representative. Often times, a twice-monthly visit from a DMM will allow you to keep your finances under your own control, with the DMM helping you to keep on track and to avoid errors which may have raised the concern of loved ones.

The involvement of an outsider in personal financial affairs may be too intimidating for some, but most clients of DMMs find that once they have established a relationship with their DMM, they don’t know how they survived without one.

The American Association of Daily Money Managers hopes to lead the emergence of this industry in a positive manner, and we would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have about this field.