“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.” --King Solomon
In the last five weeks, I attended four memorial services. I was touched to hear parents, children, grandchildren, and friends share how their loved ones impacted their lives.
Their words caused me to ponder my own impact and contemplate how I’m using my time, talents, and treasures. As Solomon wisely observed, parties don’t have the same effect.
At the time of our passing, we don’t want our loved ones’ grief due to the mess we left them. One way to ensure that’s not the case is to get our affairs in order. This idea of being ready isn’t just for seniors as Deborah Dillandiscovered. You can access her story and some very helpful tools on her website--LivingSmartGuides.com.
Applying these Timely Tips will support the people you care about most, and give you peace of mind.
Timely Tips to put your affairs in order
(These are not exhaustive lists.)
PREPARE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
These essential documents allow a person of your choosing to handle your healthcare, finances, care of minor children, etc. if you are unable.
Advance Directive
Durable Power of Attorney (for healthcare and finances)
Living Trust
COMPILE VITAL DOCUMENTS
Secure your vital documents in a safe place and let your appointed person(s) know where to locate them.
Certificates (birth, marriage, divorce, death)
Military records
Property deeds/trusts
Vehicle titles
Social Security information
Current tax documents
CREATE A CONTACT LIST
Attorney
Accountant
Financial advisor
Insurance agent
Clergy
Physician
Employer
Who to notify (family, friends, neighbors, coworkers), etc.
CONSTRUCT AN ACCOUNTS/PASSWORDS LIST
Insurance policies (Life, Health, Dental, Disability/Long-Term, Homeowners, Auto)
Pensions
Automatic deposit/withdrawal authorizations
Bank accounts
IRA/401Ks
Investments
Mortgage
Credit cards
Loans
Service providers
Medical records
Electronics’ access, email, social media, etc.
RECORD YOUR WISHES
People are bombarded with planning and decisions when a loved one passes away. You can lighten their load by listing some of your preferences:
Type of service
Location
Music
Photos
Clergy
RECORD YOUR LEGACY
What are some aspects of your life you’d like your family and friends to remember?
Accomplishments
Spiritual journey
Career highlights
Community service
Military experience
Note special memories about people, events, and places you’ve experienced. Your family will treasure these and may draw from them to create your obituary.
IDENTIFY YOUR TREASURES
Create a short list of your most precious belongings.
Designate them to individuals or families, if desired.
Give loved ones permission to keep what’s important to them, and let go of the rest.
This is our important documents binder. When the time comes for our kids to pull it out, I want them to see our smiles and be reminded of the hope we have in Jesus.
wise words
Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone. —Pablo Picasso