An Encouraging To-Do List For Getting Organized

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Jan 17, 2018

Resolutions that can actually last a lifetime.

The problem with resolutions is that they're often hopes and wishes geared toward fixing things we want to change but never seem to have the time to:

• Lose weight
• Quit bad habits
• Stay in touch with people better
• Be more adventurous

It can quickly become discouraging when a month or two into the New Year you're too busy for the gym, still biting your nails, the inbox is full with unread messages, and you've yet to plan that vacation zip-lining through the rainforest.

Don't lose hope! We're sure you'll get around to all these endeavors eventually, but how about doing a few things you can easily complete that are important and long-lasting. We're talking about the basic components of planning.

It's the perfect time. You're already excited at the prospect of a new year, so let's make some decisions that'll benefit you and your family or loved ones for the rest of your life.

1. The Best Medicine Is Often Actual Medicine (Unless You Don't Want Any)

• I've never filled out an Advance Directive, which is comprised of my Living Will and Health Care Proxy. This lets people know the types of medical treatment I want if something happens to me.

To Do

Making your medical decisions known is something you can do right now. Go to our State-By-State Advance Directive Form page, find your state, and follow the instructions.

Why it's important: Don't force someone else to make a decision you should make for yourself.

• I properly filled out an Advance Directive for my state but have no idea where I keep it. My family probably doesn't know either.

To Do

Stop what you're doing right now and find it. Seriously. We'll wait… Still waiting… *watching cute dog video on YouTube* Ok, got it? Good! Now put it somewhere prominent where people can find it.

An Advance Directive isn't something you want to keep private, like a savings account balance or how much you spent on that snazzy jacket. This document needs to be readily available, otherwise medical professionals won't follow it.

We suggest putting the location and a scan of it in your Everplan. It's sorta what we do.

• I properly filled out my state's Advance Directive form and my family and loved ones can easily locate it in case of an emergency.

I don't mean to brag, but how can a person not when they're this awesome?

2. Have A Strong Will

A Will takes care of two important things: It makes sure your assets and spouse/children/dependents (if applicable) end up in the right hands.

Guardian Angels

I haven't named a guardian for underage children, or an adult I'm caring for who has special needs.

To Do

Take some time to seriously think about who you'd want to take care of your children if you're not around. If you're not sure what steps you need to take, please feel free to give us a call for a complete review of your family situation and your Estate Plan.

Why it's important: You don't want the courts to decide for you, which they will.

• I've already named a guardian, making me a responsible person.

I have also earned the right to eat as much cake and/or pie as I choose.

Your Money and Stuff

• I haven't created a Will but I really need to.

To Do

Use our Creating A Will Checklist to get started. Then review all the particulars with us or, if you're in a pinch, do it yourself online on our Web site.

Why it's important: The same reason you need to name a Guardian. The distribution of your assets should benefit your family and loved ones, not tear them apart.

To Do

If you think your family will be fair and reasonable when it comes to distributing your assets, then you need to let them know that you purposefully didn't create a Will.

Why it's important: If you don't tell anyone you never created a Will they could spend the next year, or longer, looking for it. Plus, your Estate will have to go through Probate and unless everyone is in agreement, the court will assign an Executor.

Note: This could lead to more anger and frustration among survivors than if you left all your money and possessions to your pet hamster. Also, keep this in mind: Most Wills are can be completed relatively quickly. It's something to think about, and you really should contact us for a thorough discussion of your Estate Plan.

• I've created a Will and my family/loved ones know where it is.

This, along with my nature-sounds machine, is why I sleep like a baby every single night.

3. The Safety Net

• I don't have any Life Insurance but I really want to get some.

To Do

You might already have some Life Insurance through your job, which is very good, but it's not as reliable as a standalone policy. (Example: If you switch jobs you lose those benefits.) You probably already have car insurance, health insurance, and home insurance. Schedule some time to talk to an insurance agent to at least get an idea of what to expect.

Why it's important: If you're unexpectedly not around to provide for your family, who will?

• I have Life Insurance, my family knows I have it (probably), but they have no idea where I keep the policy.

To Do

Tell them where you keep the policy! What's the point in paying all those premiums if no one knows you have it? Do you know how much money is lost each year from unclaimed Life Insurance policies? It's probably a lot. We could Google it, but who cares about stats when the future of your family could be at stake.

• I have an up-to-date Life Insurance policy and my family can either easily locate it or know exactly who to contact if something happened to me.

Proof that I'm not only very attractive but responsible and smart as well.

4. Gotta Get The Papers, Get The Papers

• I fear all the stacks of important papers and documents littering my desk/office/den/bedroom/car/etc…

To Do

We know this can be extremely overwhelming, so we created this Documents To Organize And Share Checklist to get you started. From there, you can neatly organize everything so even a stranger could understand them.

Why it's important: If you're not around you want to make sure the bills still get paid, the vital services your family needs will remain on (example: power), and services that are no longer required are turned off (example: recurring prescriptions). While this has some crossover with Digital Estate components below, you need to get a handle on all those things on autopay, which will stay active until your credit card expires or your checking account runs dry. Give us a call for a free review of your Estate Plan.

• I keep all my important documents organized so well... I make all my friends jealous.

5. It's All About The Money, Money, Money

• I'm not sure if I need to name a Power Of Attorney (POA) or create any Trusts.

To Do

Understand the basics. A POA is like a Living Will for your money. If something happens to you, your POA has complete control over your finances (example: pay bills, pay taxes, manage your money as if it were their own, etc...). You can name a POA online or through an estate attorney.

Trusts can protect your money from taxes, help pay for a big Life Insurance policy, and allow your heirs to avoid Probate after you're gone. While you can create Trusts online, it's also smart to speak with a financial planner or estate attorney to make sure it's done correctly.

In both cases, you might think that you don't have enough money to go through the trouble of naming a POA or creating a Trust. However, just because you might not have millions in the bank, if you own a house, property, cars, investment accounts, or anything else of value (jewelry, baseball card collection, etc…), it could all add up to a decent-sized estate.

Why it's important: People fight over money. While your family and loved ones might be the exception, why take the chance?

• I haven't named a Power Of Attorney or created any Trusts, but I want to.

To Do

Since you already know this is important, and you're going to be doing your taxes soon, why not feed two squirrels with one acorn? (We like this saying better than “kill two birds with a stone.” Who does that? Bird murderers, that's who!)

If you already have an accountant, financial planner, or someone who helps prepare your taxes, make a note that you need to discuss this during your appointment. Contact us for a free review of your situation.

• I will contact my attorney for advice on these important and complicated issues.

6. Let's Get Digital

• I need to get a handle on all my digital accounts (Facebook, Gmail, Amazon, etc…) so they don't float around forever after I'm gone.

To Do

It's interesting how something that didn't exist a generation ago has become one of the most important parts of our lives. It's how we communicate, stay connected with friends and loved ones, shop, pay bills, purchase entertainment, and so much more. Here are two options to keep it all organized:

High-tech: Start using a password manager. You just need to make sure someone you trust has access to the master password if something happens to you.

Low-tech: Keep a document, either on your computer or on actual paper, and make sure it's regularly updated and can be accessed by someone you trust.

Finally, you have to let the person or people you share this info with know what you want done with these accounts. Do you want them deleted, memorialized, passed to someone else? [Plug Alert: You can do this with some help. We spend countless hours thinking of every contingency so you don't have to.]

Why it's important: There are so many reasons, from personal (like giving someone access to all those digital photos you've taken) to practical (preventing fraud and identity theft). Check our Website for further assistance.

There's also the possibility that you want to take some things to the grave. We're not here to judge, only to help and here's how: Eliminate All The Skeletons In Your Closet After You Die.

• All my digital accounts -- email, social media, etc… -- are perfectly accounted for and will be dealt with properly after I'm gone because I've specifically detailed what I want done with them.

7. Don't Forget Your Furry Friends

• I need to make arrangements for my pets if something happens to me.

To Do

Identify someone in your life who can serve as a pet guardian. We have the resources to help you put a plan in place for your furry family members.

Why it's important: So many pets are left abandoned and helpless after their owner dies. It almost too sad to even think about and is completely preventable if you plan ahead.

• I've made arrangements for my pets if something happens to me.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go cuddle my puppy/kitty/bunny/pony/etc… for a few minutes.

8. One Last Thing...

• I haven't given any thought to what I want done with my body after I'm gone.

To Do

We know it's not the first thing anyone wants to think of at any point of the year, but give this question some thought:

• Do you want to be buried, cremated, or have your body donated?

From there you have to let the person or people who can make this happen know.

Why it's important: This decision can save those you leave behind from a world of hurt. We know it's not easy, and you don't have to plan your farewell to perfection, but it's really thoughtful to provide some basic direction to your family and loved ones.

• I've given thought to what I want done with my body after I'm gone but haven't told anyone.

To Do

Tell someone. Either have the conversation, write it down, or put it in your Everplans

(hint, hint). Just make it clear this is what you want; if you've already made plans, all the better. If you'd like to pre-plan, then check out this article: How To Pre-Plan Your Funeral.

• I've already decided upon my final disposition, let the people I love know about it, and now I never have to think about it again.

Someone earned themselves a cookie!

That's All Folks

We've given you a lot to think about, but hopefully, by this time next year, you'll have checked the third option on each of the eight items listed above and never have any more sleepless nights worrying about these things.

We hope you have a great 2018 and if you ever have any questions, suggestions, or planning tips, please get in touch with us. As you can tell, we love to chat about this stuff any chance we can get.

P.S. You really should give us a call and review your entire Estate Plan.

This article was provided by Gene Newman, Editorial Director, Everplans, a contributing author, and is brought to you by the Ronald J. Fichera Law  Firm, where our mission is to provide trusted, professional legal services and strategic advice to assist our clients in their personal and business matters. Our firm is committed to delivering efficient and cost-effective legal services focusing on communication, responsiveness, and attention to detail. For more information about our services, contact us today!

As a reminder, this Blog Post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or tax advice.