We know what you’re thinking: “This is too soon!”

That’s a totally reasonable response. But we believe you’re here because you know, in your heart, that no one truly knows what the future holds.

What we do know is that, in our business, most people do not prepare for the logistics of their own deaths before it is too late.

We don’t blame them, of course. No one wants to think about the inevitable.

But we’d like to ask you these questions:

• Would your family know what bills were due and where to pay them?

• Would your spouse know where to find your life insurance policy?
  
• Would your spouse know where to find your car title?

Did you answer “Yes?” “No?” Or “I don’t know?”

Planning for what happens after you pass away isn’t for you. It’s for the people you love. It’s an act of love that you can make now – today – that will be felt, and appreciated years, decades perhaps, down the line. You could plant the seed today, if you took a moment to do so.

Think of it this way: do you really want to burden your family with financial, legal and logistical problems while they’re grieving your loss?

We didn’t think so.

So here are ten steps you can take – today – that will help your family immensely.

Have life insurance. Most people have this through their job. If not, having life insurance coverage can help your family continue to thrive even if you’re not there. Knowing how much to purchase can be complicated, so it’s important to seek assistance from an insurance professional.

Have an updated will that is clearly labeled. This is a plan that is executed by those who survive you. It designates some essential roles: executors, guardians and trustees. Your executor’s first task is to locate your will. To facilitate that, place the original in an envelope with your name and “Will” written on it. Then keep the envelope in a fireproof metal box, file cabinet or home safe. Tell someone important – today – that this will exists and where it is. Try trustandwill.com.

Have a health care directive – aka a “living will.” A living will is a medical directive written in advance that tells us how to direct care, should you become unable to do so. (This happens more often than you think.) It can include when to initiate the directive and who has the decision-making responsibility to withdraw or withhold treatment. Same as above. Trustandwill.com is very straightforward and user-friendly.

Specify your final arrangements, such as burial or cremation, where you want to be buried, whether or not you want to be an organ donor, etc.

Have a list of professionals who assist you with your family’s legal and financial affairs (insurance professional, attorney, accountant, etc.). Remember that this list is meaningless unless your survivors know that it exists, and where it might be.

Designate powers of attorney. This is usually part of number three, above. This person will have broad authority over your financial affairs, should you not be able to handle them yourself. This person should be your spouse, a close friend or a relative.

Explain to heirs how your Trust works. Family meeting! Trusts are often a useful legal and estate-planning device for protecting assets from estate taxes and providing a vehicle that ensures survivors get proper administrative and investment advice and counsel. An attorney is the best source of information about trusts and whether one would be appropriate for you.

Review beneficiary designations for your financial accounts. Every year, take a look at who you have named in your insurance policies and retirement plans. Are they still relevant to your needs and wishes? Many people think that if they have a will, they are covered. Sometimes beneficiaries designated in documents fall outside the scope of a will, so it’s critical that you keep your policies and records updated.

Specify where important financial account information is located. It may sound like an obvious thing to do, but few people keep a list of where important records pertaining to their savings, retirement plans, college-funding plans, mortgage and insurance reside. Keep a master list and review it annually to check for changes or additions.

Specify where important non-financial information and valuables are located. You have lots of important items that can and will become extremely relevant upon your passing. Think about the following: marriage certificates, birth certificates, titles/deeds for the house/cars, passports, jewelry, safe deposit box key, items in storage, etc. Consolidate, and tell someone where they are.

Planning for the end of life can feel uncomfortable, but preparing as much as possible and discussing these items with your family can make all the difference. It can help ease your concerns about the future, ensure your wishes are met, and protect the people you love.

If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here for you.