Before becoming a Southern Maine Agency on Aging Money Minders volunteer, Cheryl was a Tax-Aide counselor for ten years. During COVID, she was part of a small team of Tax-Aide volunteers offering pop-up, walk-in sessions to help community members with their taxes and make sure they received all their stimulus money.

“We did a pop-up at the Sam L. Cohen Center,” she said. “And SMAA nominated our team for the Governor’s Award, which we won. When we were at SMAA’s volunteer appreciation luncheon in recognition of our award, they were honoring other volunteers in each of their programs, and that’s how I learned about Money Minders. I thought, at this point in my life, this would be such a fabulous fit. So, that’s how I became a volunteer for Money Minders.”

Money Minders is a program that helps older adults stay organized, reduce financial stress, and continue living independently. Money Minders volunteers help with sorting mail, paying bills on time, tracking expenses, creating simple budgets, avoiding late fees, and more.

For Cheryl, the most surprising thing about volunteering has been the impact.

“My Money Minders client is 89 years old, and she has so much grit,” she said. “She lost her husband and some of her mobility. I just have so much admiration for her. He took care of everything for her, so now she’s learning to navigate her life and finances on top of her grief. To be a small part of her support network is so rewarding. I felt like I was ending up right where I was supposed to be when I was matched with her.”

Money Minders volunteers often develop deep trust with their clients.

“Our clients give up some privacy when we come into their homes, and you respect that,” Cheryl said. “We are their lifeline in that way. We’re often the first to see a need. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s also a privilege.”

She encourages others to volunteer for the program.

“All you need to be a Money Minder is to be of good character and to give one day a month to your client,” she said. “It doesn’t take more than that to make an impact in someone’s life. Money Minders can be the difference between an older adult living independently or not. If I can be one of the pegs that keeps that person afloat, keeping them stable in their home for as long as they want to be, if I can be a small part of that support system so she and her family don’t have to worry as much, it means a lot. I’m proud that I’ve earned her trust.”

Volunteering through Money Minders has also given Cheryl space to reflect on her own life, her values, and what it means to age with purpose.

“I feel very fortunate in my life,” Cheryl said. “When I volunteer, I get to honor that. It’s a great way to show your gratitude. I think volunteering really helps me grow older in the way that I want to, by sharing my blessings with others and staying connected.”