One of the most important things you can do for the people who mean the most to you is prepare for when you are gone. Having your financial affairs, materials and end-of-life instructions in order will give you all peace of mind. By documenting your wishes, you increase the likelihood that they will be respected and might also help prevent potential disagreements among family members regarding your medical care or the handling of your estate.
Make sure to write down account numbers and passwords and alert those who will be responsible for handling your affairs where to locate the information once you’re gone.
Documents
- Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
- Marriage Certificate/Domestic Partnership Agreement
- Living Trust
- Last Will and Testament
- Health Care Power of Attorney/Health Care Proxy/Durable Medical Power of Attorney
- Living Will
- Organ or tissue donor designation
List of Your Assets/Liabilities w/Account Numbers
- Real Estate/Mortgages
- Savings Accounts/Plans
- Checking/Bank Accounts
- Investment Accounts
- Life Insurance/Insurance Polices/Medicare Card
- Pension/Retirement Benefits
- Outstanding Loans
- Credit Cards
- Monthly Bills and Commitments
List of Your Online Accounts Including User Name and Password
- Bank/Savings Accounts
- Online Bill Pay/Subscriptions
- Email Accounts
- Social Media Accounts/Subscriptions
List of People to Contact and Where They Can Be Reached
- Anyone named in your Will
- Close Friends
- Business Associates
- Religious & Social Organizations
- Beneficiaries of Your:
- IRA
- Annuity
- Life Insurance
- Your Attorney
- Your Executor/Trustee
Make Funeral Arrangements or Specify Your Wishes
- Preferred Funeral Home and Information
- Buried or Cremated
- Funeral or Memorial Service or Viewing
- Private Service – Religious/Denomination
- Military Service
- Eulogy, Music and/or Readings
- Headstone or Marker
- Obituary – newspaper, social media
- Memorials – donations in your name to charities or organizations
Make Arrangements for Pets, Plants, Personal Items
- Local Rescue or Humane Society for planned support of your pet
- Groomer, medications, feeding schedule, vet and boarding facilities/pet sitter
- Local nursery to donate indoor/outdoor potted plants
- Local charity to donate clothes, dishes, toiletries, furniture, etc.