Staying in Control
A guide to staying in control of your money, benefits and assets
Stay in Control of your money – that’s the message of a new awareness drive to increase understanding of financial abuse. The initiative led by Safeguarding Ireland aims to highlight the many things which people can do to ‘stay in control’, even if they have reduced capacity to manage their own money.
“More than 1,500 concerns of financial abuse are reported to the HSE every year. However, the actual level is believed to be much higher. For example, a survey commissioned by Safeguarding Ireland found that 10% of adults in Ireland said they had personally experienced financial abuse, and 80% said the abuser was known to them or to the person abused.” (Safeguarding Ireland, “Stay in Control of your Money – to reduce risk of financial abuse,” May 18, 2026).
The best way to help prevent financial abuse is to stay involved in decisions about your own money as much as possible. This guide may be especially helpful for adults experiencing frailty, dementia, or disabilities. Your money remains your property, and family members, next-of-kin, or carers are not automatically legally entitled to manage your finances.
If you have decision-making capacity but would like support, you can choose to give financial responsibility to someone you trust. In situations where a person is unable to make financial decisions independently, arrangements can be made through legal processes to ensure their finances are managed in their best interests by a trusted person appointed by the Court.
To stay control of your money, you can follow the following advice:
Your money should only be used for your needs, any money you have is yours, and assets or property that you own are yours. You have the leal right to decide what to do with them.
Organise your financial information by having one document or file where you keep information on your financial affairs. The document should include details of bank accounts, pensions, insurance policies, and investments, and should be kept in a safe place.
Seek advice from your financial provider. Banks, An Post, and credit unions have staff that are trained to support banking needs.
Explore online banking. This way you can manage your accounts from home. It’s convenient because you can check your balance, pay bills, and set up direct debits.
Plan your decision support arrangements. Your ability to make decisions may change overtime, so coming up with a plan where you appoint someone to be your support now or in the future is important. Consider making an Enduring Power of Attorney while you have decision-making capacity.
Lastly, use a JAM card if you see fit. Just a Minute cards are for people who have a hidden disability or find it difficult to communicate in banks or post offices. It lets staff know you need extra time and patience. You can get a JAM card as a physical card or a digital app by contacting your bank.