When you make a durable power of attorney for finances, you can give your partner (or other attorney-in-fact) as much or as little control over your finances as you wish. The powers you grant may include:

• using your assets to pay your bills and everyday expenses
• buying, selling, maintaining, paying taxes on, and mortgaging real estate and other property
• collecting benefits from Social Security, Medicare, or other government programs or civil or military service 
• investing your money in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
• handling transactions with banks and other financial institutions
• buying and selling insurance policies and annuities for you
• filing and paying your taxes
• operating your small business
• claiming property you inherit or are otherwise entitled to
• hiring someone to represent you in court, and
• managing your retirement accounts.

Like health care directives, you can make a durable power of attorney for finances if you are at least 18 years old and of sound mind. And you can change or cancel your document at any time, as long as you are of sound mind.