BY JESSICA DEMLER, CFP® CBDA, PRINCIPAL AT OXLER PRIVATE WEALTH®

We are living through a profound shift in technology. The financial landscape that revolved around paper statements and in-person bank visits has transformed into a digital ecosystem that can feel overwhelming, especially for older adults.

Last month, a client in her seventies admitted she hadn’t checked her investment account for some time because she couldn’t remember her password and was too frustrated by the process of resetting it. Her story isn’t unique. Many seniors face anxiety around online banking, digital fraud, and complex financial platforms designed for digital natives.

Cybersecurity education deserves special attention. Older adults are disproportionately targeted by scammers who exploit their trusting nature. Have frank conversations about common schemes: fake IRS calls, “grandchild in trouble” scams, too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities. Establish a simple rule: no legitimate institution demands immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers. Encourage a “verify first, act later” mentality—if something feels urgent, hang up and call the institution directly. Create a judgment-free zone where they feel comfortable admitting if they’ve engaged with suspicious contacts. Early intervention prevents financial devastation. 

This is where multi-generational families become invaluable. Adult children and grandchildren aren’t just tech support—they’re bridges to financial security. We work with multi-generation families all with varying technological proficiency. We often recommend “financial check-ins” where younger family members help older relatives review accounts, update security settings, and understand statements. Your parent or grandparent built their wealth through decades of smart decisions; they simply need help translating that wisdom into a new format. The goal isn’t to take over their finances—it’s to empower them.

Financial security isn’t just about having enough money; it’s about families working together to manage it confidently as systems and technology change. When generations collaborate, everyone benefits from combining digital fluency with hard-earned financial wisdom.

Jessica Demler, CFP® CBDA is a Principal at Oxler Private Wealth®, an independent, family owned and operated wealth advisory firm in Rye Brook and Manhattan, offering financial care to women and families. For a complimentary, no pressure conversation, call (212) 785-2860 or visit www.oxlerpw.com. Oxler Private Wealth is a SEC-Registered Investment Adviser. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission. Oxler Private Wealth does not provide tax or legal advice. The information presented is not a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or investment advisory services. Investing in digital assets is speculative in nature and involves risk, including the risk of loss of principal. You should speak to your investment adviser about the risks of investing in digital assets prior to investing. In addition, there may be tax implications in digital asset investing. You are encouraged to speak to your tax professional about these potential implications prior to investing in digital assets.