Turning Data into Decisions: Using eMoney to Model Long-Term Care Planning

By David Beas, Cavalier Associates

Featuring Samantha Logan, Nationwide Financial

Long-term care (LTC) isn’t just a line item in a financial plan — it’s a defining event in many families’ financial stories. Yet for many clients, it remains an afterthought — something to “get to later.”

During my recent discussion with Samantha Logan of Nationwide Financial, we explored how advisors can change that narrative using eMoney, one of the most powerful — and often underutilized — planning tools available today.

When clients see and feel how a potential long-term care event impacts their retirement income, estate, and legacy goals, the conversation changes. eMoney gives advisors the ability to show those ripple effects in real time, turning an abstract “risk” into a concrete, solvable problem.

The Power of Visualization

“When clients see real-world dollar impacts — not averages — that’s when the conversation clicks,” she said.

Nationwide’s Cost of Care map shows current and projected LTC costs across every state and metro region.

That local perspective matters. Clients may plan to retire in another state, so understanding where care might take place helps frame realistic expectations. And because costs rise over time, the map allows you to project forward 20 years — aligning with the age at which many LTC events begin (typically around age 80).

Human Cost + Dollar Cost

As we discussed, showing the data is one thing — making it personal is another.

When clients say, “I’ll just self-fund,” that’s a perfect moment to illustrate both the financial and human cost of that decision.

An LTC event isn’t just about dollars — it’s about family. Adult children may step in as caregivers, often at the expense of their own jobs and families. The result? Time, stress, and lost income, all compounding the financial burden.

As Sam put it:

“You might be trying to leave a legacy, but if you self-fund your care, you’re effectively reducing both your estate and your family’s quality of life.”

Modeling the Impact in eMoney

Inside eMoney, advisors can illustrate that impact with precision.

Start with a client’s baseline financial plan — their goals, assets, and desired retirement lifestyle. Then, layer in a potential LTC event at age 80.

The eMoney Goal Planner instantly shows the effect on their probability of success. A well-funded plan that once looked “green” (85%+ success probability) might suddenly drop to 70% or even lower.

That visual cue — the dial moving from green to yellow or red — is what Sam calls the “client gut-punch moment.” It makes the risk tangible.

Then, show the plan with a CareMatters or other hybrid LTC solution in place. Instantly, their probability of success rebounds. Even after accounting for the policy premium, their portfolio is back on track — and their legacy remains intact.

“Who Will Take Care of You — and Do They Know?”

That’s one of Sam’s favorite questions.

It’s a simple but profound way to connect the conversation back to the client’s values — family, independence, and dignity.

And for advisors, this is where eMoney shines. It doesn’t just show the cost of care — it reveals the choices that lead to better outcomes.

By modeling both paths — with and without coverage — you empower clients to make informed, confident decisions. They see the math. They feel the emotion. And they understand the trade-offs.

The Advisor’s Advantage

This approach also strengthens your role as a trusted advisor. You’re not just quoting premiums — you’re integrating LTC planning into the client’s overall strategy.

As I shared in our discussion:

“When you bring LTC into the same field as the rest of the portfolio, you take something complex and transition it into clarity. Clients walk away knowing why this matters — and if they choose not to act, at least they’re making an informed decision.”

The combination of Nationwide’s Cost of Care Map, eMoney modeling, and the LTC illustration creates a compelling, holistic story. It’s paperless if you want it to be — but even as a printed packet, it’s powerful: the map, the projection, and the plan, side by side.

Bringing It All Together

Long-term care planning isn’t just about protecting assets — it’s about protecting families.

With tools like eMoney and Nationwide’s Cost of Care Map, advisors can elevate the conversation, bridge the emotional and financial gap, and help clients move from uncertainty to clarity.

If you’d like to learn how to integrate LTC planning into your eMoney practice — or want to explore adding care planning solutions into your client conversations — reach out.

We’re hosting small-group sessions throughout Southern California every month, and I can connect you directly with Sam for a one-on-one walkthrough of the eMoney setup.

Let’s help clients see what’s possible — before life forces the issue.

David Beas

Life Marketing Consultant | Cavalier Associates

Email: dbeas@cavalierassociates.com

Phone: 800.350.2019