I had a dream the other day that I was out of commission – not sure if I died or just hospitalized. When I woke up I realized that my kids would never know where any important documents were if they needed them. Normally we would share this information with our spouse; if you haven’t, then do that today. However, if you are single and have children or friends, be sure they know where to find those “important documents”. My suggestion would be to have a single file or folder with copies of items such as life, health, car and property insurance documents. You should also have a file with birth certificates, social security cards, and other personal documentation for you and your family members.
If you have a Last Will and Testament, you should have instructions in the folder of where to get a copy of the will. (Might not want them to see the will until after you are gone in case you have a favorite kid). If you have specific medical instructions, that would be helpful also. Checking account information, passwords, and any retirement/investment information would also be good to put in the file.
I know it’s a morbid thought, but if you have instructions for your funeral that would also help your loved ones. For example, do you want to be buried, cremated, donate your body to science? Do you want a private ceremony or everyone you know at your service? Do you have specific songs or scripture you want read? Is there a message you want to leave behind? We are all terminal – some of us get a heads up. My father knew he was dying and was able to get things in order and share his thoughts and tell us what he wanted and didn’t want. Some of us won’t have that opportunity.
So Take Action today and get those important papers in order and show your family where they are, so if there is ever the need, they aren’t scrambling to find them.
Take Care and Take Action!
Angela
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