If something were to happen to you right this very moment, how easy or difficult would it be for your loved ones to step in and take care of your affairs – whether you were temporarily unable to handle your affairs or if you passed suddenly?
- Would they be able to find information as to your wishes – medical or funeral? Keep you alive or let nature take its course? Cremation or burial?
- Who should be notified of your situation? Where is this information?
- Where are your documents – power of attorney, health care directive, will – located?
- Where are your records with regard to your assets? Do you have a safe deposit box?
- If you keep your information electronically, do loved ones know where to find access to these electronic records?
- Do you receive benefits from retirement type accounts?
- If you are working, who should be contacted regarding employee benefits?
- Where do you keep copies of your income tax returns from prior years?
- Where can medical insurance information be located?
- Do you have life insurance?
- Do you have long-term care insurance?
- Do you have a prepaid funeral or cemetery plot?
- Where is information about your homeowners and vehicle insurance?
- Who are your medical professionals?
- How do you keep track of appointments and are there appointments which need to be addressed?
- If you are a business owner, who should be contacted to keep the business running?
- If you have minor children, is there someone authorized to take custody of your children, pick them up from school or other activities?
- If you have minor children, are their health records and medical providers available?
Be prepared. Don’t leave your loved ones having to deal with more than your immediate needs. Get organized.