Making these moves now will make things easier for your family later
No one really wants to talk about death. But physical death is inevitable, for everyone.
The death of a spouse, family member or close friend brings a deep sadness as the complications of grieving begin. At such a difficult time when you are experiencing the emotional, mental and physical lethargy that comes with such an experience of loss, there is the added strain of having to be mentally centered to make, what seems to be, endless decisions such as: Notification of family and friends, taking care of funeral arrangements, scheduling religious visitation, making arrangements for out-of-town guests, ordering death certificates, and handling immediate financial issues.
On top of all that you have to be mindful of the timely requirements of the IRS, Social Security Administration, compliance with state inheritance laws, handling of other grieving family members and possibly those who feel entitled to resources left behind. Some of the decisions that you will be required to make during this difficult and highly charged emotional time can have permanent repercussions for your life going forward.
- Discuss the issue of death openly with your family.
- Make yourself aware of the inheritance laws in your state.
- If you find that you will need to hire an attorney, choose one that is qualified in estate, probate and tax planning who is highly rated by his or her peers.
- Prepare for the consultation with your attorney.
- Make sure your beneficiary assignments are current and accurate.
- Consider setting up a joint checking account with your chosen executor.
- Set up a secure filing system that is easily accessible to keep your most important documents such as birth certificates, Social Security numbers, military discharge papers, marriage licenses or copies of a divorce decree. (Digital Legacy).
- Secure a list of all passwords for your electronic files, online accounts, PIN numbers for debit accounts, codes to get into your vehicle(s), passwords for cellphones for you and your spouse as well as all social media usernames and passwords. (Digital Legacy).
- If you manage your investments, think through what would happen to your portfolio if your spouse or partner and children weren’t capable of continuing that work. (Digital Legacy).
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Catastrophe can happen in an instant. Take care of yourself…and those around you. You should also protect what you have! Get a home inventory today. I’m offering a 10% discount for any bookings confirmed by August 30, 2018. Contact me via phone at 925-206-0103 or by email uniquelyyours@outlook.com to schedule your inventory today.
