How GuardianCard Will Help My ‘Sandwich Generation’

This post is written in collaboration with GuardianCard All words and opinions are my own.

The ‘Sandwich Generation’ – have you heard this phrase before? I am a member of the sandwich generation, perhaps you are too. To put it simply, it means we are sandwiched between two generations, our elderly parents plus our children and possibly looking after both! If this is the case, then keeping up with new financial innovations and discovering new technology to help us is always a bonus. Therefore, let me introduce you to GuardianCard, a simple and secure solution to taking care of the finances of an older or vulnerable family member.

GuardianCard for the sandwich generation.

What is GuardianCard?

GuardianCard can be used like a debit card but allows the account holder to issue a physical or virtual card to a carer or relative so they can shop or pay bills on their behalf. Each card issued can be given a name and the main account holder will be able to see how the money on the card is being spent. The account is easily managed via the GuardianCard app. I can assure you it is extremely easy to use, having experienced it myself.

“A GuardianCard can be used like a debit card but allows the account holder to issue a physical or virtual card to a carer or relative so they can shop or pay bills on their behalf”

Why Would I Need GuardianCard?

The card enables an elderly relative who is housebound, or perhaps in quarantine due to Covid to manage their bank account safely by giving out a carer’s shopping card and knowing they are safely in charge of their money. I wish we had a card like this to give to my Nanny when she was alive. Hopefully, my Mum will benefit from GuardianCard and we will have peace of mind, knowing that she will not be taken advantage of by rogue traders or financial scammers.

GuardianCard recently released their In Safe Hands report which revealed that shockingly, 1 in 4 over 70s have been a victim of financial abuse.

Lending someone your debit card isn’t secure, and any losses cannot be recovered. GuardianCard eliminates this problem by allowing vulnerable people to nominate someone trusted, such as a son, daughter or friend to have their own card and go shopping for them

Avoids Temptation Theft.

GuardianCard puts a stop to ‘temptation theft’ where someone you thought you could trust adds something for themselves into a shopping bag. Now that little something may only be a loaf of bread or a tin of cat food but over time this can add up to hundreds of pounds. Although it sounds harsh, this is an example of financial abuse. The GuardianCard app gives you information on where your card was used and what was spent, a simple but brilliant idea!

“The GuardianCard app gives you information on where your card was used and what was spent, a simple but brilliant idea!”

Using the Guardian Card App.

After registering for my card, I installed the App on my phone. It was extremely easy to use, it gave the balance on my card and made it easy to top up or issue another card.

Immediately after I’d used it, I was notified of where and when the card had been used and how much had been spent. From the app I could freeze the card at any time. For a physical card I could easily report it lost or stolen. I can highly recommend this card and I’m pleased to have discovered it!

Where I can use the card?

I love the idea of this card so much, it comes with freedom built-in as standard. It can be used anywhere your regular debit card could – online, in-store and at cashpoints too.