Morbid thoughts, but important for those left behind.

Recently a local news station did a story on several people who had a family member die at a rather young age. Those left behind did not have information about their loved ones wishes or their finances.  These are important things to consider and talk about with your spouse, friends, children or those that will take care of your "stuff". 

No one ever wants to talk about death and the devastation that it brings to a family and friends, especially when the person is fairly young.

As I have mentioned, my husband and I travel annually on our motorcycle together on long vacations.  When we leave I always email our adult children with information about "what to do if something happens."  I am a realist, I always have been.  Let us face it, traveling is always dangerous but is more so on a bike.

Things that you should tell your loved ones:

• What law firm has your will on file.  (If you do not have one, get one.  There are on line programs to do this if you can not afford to do so.)   
• Make sure your will is updated periodically
• The name of your bank
• A list with your banking passwords
• A list with other important passwords
• Your financial planner information
• Your life insurance information
• All other insurance information
• Your credit card information
• Your accountant, if you have one
• The names of your executor
• Your safe code, if you have one
• Your social security information
• A list of other things that those left behind may need. Everyone is different.

It is also wise to tell your loved ones where they may find all of the above information in your home in case they lose their list.

Death and dying is an unpleasant situation but it happens to each of us.  Being prepared for the worst and hoping for the best is always the best solution.  Having that, "I will do it soon" attitude can also get you into trouble. Do it now, it can only help.

With love from your former/retired FACS teacher,
Jane