Getting Your Affairs in Order

We celebrated our new girl's birthday yesterday. I think she was a bit uncomfortable as she is not used to all the hoopla. She was embarrassed to be the center of attention, but I think she was touched by the effort and kindness shown to her by all, even though she has only been with us for a week.

Ok, let's change gears drastically and talk about getting your affairs in order before you become ill or die:


This is an unpleasant subject, but part of being organized is providing your loved ones with accessibility to important information should you become ill or die. You don't want them to be scrambling around trying to find information they need in order to care for you.

Information needed:
- a list of important documents and where they are located (see below)
- a list of your internet accounts and passwords (email, Facebook, website, banking, etc.)
- a list of people to contact in case of death.

What documents are important? Here's a list:

• Health Insurance Policies
• Primary Health Insurance
• Supplemental Medical Insurance
• Medicare Card
• Long-term Care Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance (Agent, Beneficiaries)
• Funeral Insurance Policy
• Financial Accounts and Valuables
• Safety Deposit Box and Keys
• Checking and Savings Accounts
• Brokerage Accounts
• Stocks and Bonds
• Jewelry/Coins
• Appraisals and Inventory Lists
• Retirement and Benefit Plans
• 401k Plans
• Profit Sharing/Pension Plans
• IRA Accounts
• Military Benefits/Records
• Social Security Records
• Debt
• Credit Cards
• Outstanding Bills/Loans
• Taxes
• Annual Income Tax Records
• Property Tax Records

Once you have created the above lists, you'll need to inform your loved ones of the whereabouts of your lists. Better yet, copy and send them to your loved ones. If some of your documents or valuables are in a safe deposit box or safe, make sure to include the location of the keys or combination. If you are responsible for the care of a relative, make sure you know where his/her information is.

I know this is not a favorite topic, but it will give you and your loved ones peace of mind in the meantime and the ability to care for you in a timely manner if necessary.


More on preparedness:
National Preparedness Month - Choosing Emergency Contacts
National Preparedness Month - Emergency Kit #7 - Medications and Medical Supplies
National Preparedness Month - Emergency Kit #2: Landline Phone