The trust trap: How scammers target seniors and their wealth

The trust trap: How scammers target seniors and their wealth

Seniors have long been a favorite target for scammers, but the rise of artificial intelligence is making the risks we all face harder to recognize and avoid. In this episode of I’ve Been Meaning To Do That, host and Truist Wealth Head of Investment Management Oscarlyn Elder invites Charlotte Edwards, vice president of operations at Cyberwolf, onto the show to talk about protection strategies that can help reduce the danger. Cyberwolf is a referral partner of Truist Financial Corporation, specializing in online security for people with a heightened need for protection. Edwards offers advice based on her years of experience working with clients of all ages to prevent fraud. Also in the discussion: • How scammers are using AI to exploit their victims • Specific warning signs that a senior is being targeted • Why investment scams are a particular danger for affluent seniors • The importance of establishing a “trusted circle,” and how to make it effective Additional information: If you’d like to take notes on today’s episode, you can download this free template. Podcast worksheet [https://www.truist.com/content/dam/truist-bank/us/en/documents/media/podcast/truist-PWP-podcast4-worksheet-v01.pdf] Have a question for Oscarlyn or her guests? Email DoThat@truist.com

How to make smart Social Security decisions

For many high-net-worth retirees, Social Security can feel either uncertain or insignificant compared to other sources of wealth. But misunderstanding the rules or claiming benefits without a considered plan, can have costly consequences. In this episode of I’ve Been Meaning To Do That, host and Truist Wealth Head of Investment Management Oscarlyn Elder invites her colleague Tony Bryan in to talk about Social Security myths and strategies. Bryan is a wealth advisor with extensive knowledge of Social Security, and he shares tips and anecdotes about the effect decisions have on taxes, survivor benefits, and long-term retirement planning. Also in the discussion: • Why the belief that Social Security is “going bankrupt” often leads people to claim benefits too early • How Social Security fits into retirement planning for families with significant wealth • Situations in which divorced spouses or widows are eligible for benefits they might not expect • Topics to consider with your tax advisor related to strategies such as Roth conversions If you’d like to take notes on today’s episode, you can download this free template. Podcast worksheet [https://www.truist.com/content/dam/truist-bank/us/en/documents/media/podcast/truist-PWP-podcast4-worksheet-v01.pdf] Have a question for Oscarlyn or her guests? Email DoThat@truist.com

Why dementia care belongs in your financial plan

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are widely recognized as significant health risks of aging, but their potential effects on your wealth plan and family dynamics can be severe as well. In this episode of I’ve Been Meaning To Do That, host Oscarlyn Elder talks with Annalee Kruger, founder of Care Right Inc. and author of The Invisible Patient, for an important conversation about the risks of waiting until a crisis hits to make care plans, and the benefits of being proactive. Kruger’s experience caring for her own aging parents informs her practical guidance that can help lessen the risk of later regret about a loved one’s care. Also in the discussion: • The widespread misconceptions about the high cost of memory care • The necessary components of a dementia care plan • How to help your kids or caregivers now so they can better help you when you need them • How to make plans if you’re single, widowed, or divorced If you’d like to take notes on today’s episode, you can download this free template. Podcast worksheet [https://www.truist.com/content/dam/truist-bank/us/en/documents/media/podcast/truist-PWP-podcast4-worksheet-v01.pdf] Have a question for Oscarlyn or her guests? Email DoThat@truist.com

How credit can support your wealth plan

How can credit support your wealth plan? Credit can preserve investment positions, help you take advantage of market opportunities, or meet short-term liquidity needs without disrupting your long-term plan. In this episode of I’ve Been Meaning To Do That, Oscarlyn Elder and Elizabeth Greene explore the strategic uses of credit, and how consultations about credit with your advisory team can help support your overall goals. Also in the discussion: • Why having credit solutions in place before you need them can give you flexibility, speed, and negotiating power • The importance of customization, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach • How experts match careful cash flow and risk analysis alongside credit use • A team approach for collaboration among advisors, lenders, investment professionals, and estate planners If you’d like to take notes on today’s episode, you can download this free template. Podcast worksheet [https://www.truist.com/content/dam/truist-bank/us/en/documents/media/podcast/truist-PWP-podcast4-worksheet-v01.pdf] Have a question for Oscarlyn or her guests? Email DoThat@truist.com

Investing with discipline in 2026

Uncertainty is part of every investing year, and 2026 is no exception. Markets in the U.S. and around the world have been moving higher through questions about valuation, government policy, and the health of the global economy. As the current cycle enters what Keith Lerner calls the “seventh inning stretch,” investors are asking if the bull run still has room to play out. In this episode of I’ve Been Meaning To Do That, Oscarlyn Elder and Keith Lerner have a wide-ranging discussion about the forces that will shape the year ahead in the markets. With a focus on history, data, and fundamental portfolio principles, they share their thoughts about how to navigate risk and opportunity in 2026. Also in the discussion: • Why the U.S. economic expansion and market cycle may still have room to run • How investment opportunities may spread beyond the biggest tech stocks • How gold can help you weather a volatile stock market • Why “boring” fixed income can help stabilize your portfolio • What investors can do to manage risk without losing sight of long-term goals. You can download the 2026 Economic & Market Outlook: Seventh Inning Stretch [https://www.truist.com/wealth/insights/special-commentary/annual-outlook], and also keep up with monthly Market Navigator reports at Truist.com/wealth/insights [https://www.truist.com/wealth/insights]. Have a question for Oscarlyn or her guests? Email DoThat@truist.com