I thought my in-laws were responsible with their money. Then I got a look at their accounts.

Pay Dirt is Slate’s money advice column. Have a question? Send it to Kristin and Ilyce here . (It’s anonymous!)

Dear Pay Dirt,

This spring we suddenly had to move my in-laws to assisted living. My mother-in-law’s dementia was spiraling, and we discovered my father-in-law also has something similar. They had done a good job covering up what a mess their lives had become the past few years, and now we’re slowly unspooling it.

My husband has power of attorney, both financial and medical. We’re through all the medical hoops, and I’m now looking at their finances. Apparently a few years ago, they took everything out of their annuities/IRAs and dumped it all into a standard checking account (not even a money market). They have about $130,000 in capital. Their house will sell soon