Nothing feels better than being organized and having a plan. It’s all just one less thing to worry about.
The following to-do list can help you prepare for your future in a variety of ways, from financial to legal to medical.
Note: Many of these articles are geared toward caregivers, but these are steps all of us need to take in our own personal life, too.
The goal is to document your wishes, so if anything were to happen to you, your loved ones would know what you want and be able to honor it.
Estate Management
An estate consists of property of every kind, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, life insurance, vehicles jewelry and all other possessions. Preparing one’s estate plans requires some thought about how these items will be administered and distributed after a person’s death.
Advance Directive
An advance directive is a legal document that provides written instructions for the care of a person’s health if they become temporarily or permanently unable to make decisions or communicate their wishes.
Power of Attorney
Power of attorney (POA) gives someone the legal authority to act on your behalf, including participating in decisions about property, finances or health care. It can be used to ensure your wishes are carried out.
Financial Inventory
A financial inventory is a basic accounting of income and expenses. It may include a list of financial assets, a list of financial documents, accounts and how to access them.
Personal Inventory
A personal inventory lists basic things like email accounts and passwords, where the dog goes for shots and where important documents are kept.
Medical Inventory
A medical inventory keeps track of things like chronic conditions, medications, doctors and dentists and insurance providers.
Organizing bills
Once you have a financial inventory in place, you may want to consider sources that can help you automate how your bills are paid.
Understanding the costs, financial options in long-term care
Figure out now not only a ballpark on how much long-term care costs, but how you will pay for it. The reality is, most of us need some kind of care later in our lives.
