Planning for a time when you can't make financial decisions

Planning for your future usually includes making numerous financial decisions. But you should also plan for a future when you can no longer make those decisions.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued an "investor bulletin" urging consumers to understand they may someday have an inability to manage their finances. The SEC notes that people suffering from diminished financial capacity who haven't put a plan in place are "more vulnerable to investment fraud and other forms of financial abuse."

The bulletin is loaded with tips, including ways to organize important documents and advice on creating lists of regular debt payments and income so your family or financial advisers can seamlessly keep your finances in shape if you suddenly are incapacitated. There's also advice for friends or relatives of seniors suffering from diminished financial capacity.

To access the SEC bulletin, go to nwsdy.li/capacity.