World Blog by humble servant. Consultation and prepare for death and have it your way and no begging at death preparation
One day, we’re all going to die. It’s an unavoidable fact of life, and something that many of us would prefer not to think too hard about. However, the truth is that preparing for death can make things easier for both yourself and those who love you. By getting your affairs in order, you can save them from added stress, while also making sure your wishes are heard.A lot of these steps you can take on your own, but don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. This may actually be wise, as it will mean someone knows exactly what preparations you’ve made. The list might look long and daunting, but many of these things you’ll already have lying around somewhere. It’s just a case of finding them, getting them together, and sharing them with the right people. Sections
1. Write your last will and testament
2. Communicate your funeral wishes
3. Document all of your passwords
4. Share locations for important paperwork
5. Make a list of who needs to be told
6. Consider your social media accounts
7. Make sure your car isn’t parked on the road
8. Ensure the executor has enough money
9. Arrange a home for your pet(s)
10. Check if there’s anything you want to get rid of
1. Write your last will and testament
The first practical thing many of us think about when preparing for a death is the will. This sets out what will happen to your estate and belongings when you die, who will carry out your wishes and, if you have children, who will look after them. You can write a simple will on your own or find templates on Google that you can fill in. Make sure, when you choose an executor, it is someone you trust to act fairly and do exactly as you ask. We then recommend contacting a solicitor to read over your will, provide any feedback, and ensure the final document is legally binding. This is something we at Untangle may be able to help you with, so do reach out if you’re looking for the right solicitor for you.
2. Communicate your funeral wishes
If you know there is a certain song you want played or ritual carried out at your funeral, tell the person or people who would be responsible for planning the day. Maybe you want everyone to wear a certain colour, or there’s a reading you’d like them to listen to. Whatever your funeral wishes are, write them down and pass them on to someone you trust. This isn’t just for your own peace of mind; it’s helpful for your loved ones too. They won’t have to guess or wonder (or argue over!) what you might have wanted when the time comes. Dying Matters and the National Association of Funeral Directors have created a ‘My Funeral Wishes’ leaflet, which you can print out and fill in if you need some help with ideas.
3. Document all of your passwords
So much of our lives is stored on phones and computers these days, which means that, chances are, your loved ones will need access to your devices at some point. Note down all of your passwords – including any for online banking, bill paying, emails, etc. – or better yet, use a password managing service to store them all in one place. 1Password keeps them all together, and lets you share with friends and family in a few taps. It’s completely safe (with plenty of security measures in place), but makes it easy to give people the access they need.
4. Share locations for important paperwork
Two of the most important documents you can share with your loved ones are your life insurance policy and your pension details – but these can often be overlooked while people focus on the will. So, make sure you gather them up and place them in one location in your home, then tell your loved ones where they can find all the paperwork they need. Other documents and financial details to add in are:
Debts you might owe, including mortgage statements, utility bills in your name, leases, educational loan statements and other unpaid bills.
An outline of all bank accounts and credit cards you own.
Your birth certificate and (if you have one) marriage certificate.
Life insurance documents, including mortgage cover.
Any paperwork related to your property, including mortgage agreements and property deeds or leases.
Relevant statements from Jobs & Benefits Offices (for benefits) and/or the Pension Service.
Existing valuations of expensive items, such as jewellery or artwork.
PAYE form P60 if you are employed or recent tax calculations and returns if you are self-employed.
Organ donor card.
Passport, driving licence and any relevant membership cards.
Place them all in a clearly labelled folder to make things even simpler for the person looking for them.
5. Make a list of who needs to be told
Those closest to you will probably know who to contact after you’ve passed away, but if you have some old friends you think they might forget, make sure to write their names and numbers down. This can go in the same folder as your important documents – just make sure someone knows it’s there.
6. Consider your social media accounts
There’s no denying that social media has become a big part of our lives, so you may want to have an end of life plan in place for your Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts. Perhaps you just want them removed entirely, or maybe you want someone to create a post for you. Whatever the case, this is another thing to share with those closest to you. In your Facebook settings, you can even choose a ‘legacy contact’ to look after your account after you pass away or request that your account is removed once someone confirms your death.
7. Make sure your car isn’t parked on the road
Your car insurance policy becomes invalid as soon as you have passed away, so if your car is parked on a road, nobody will be legally able to move it. Start making sure it’s parked up properly so it can’t become a problem later on.
8. Ensure the executor has enough money
It will be up to the executor of your will to gather money from your estate and pay off any debts and home bills that come through. However, they can only get money out of the estate when the grant of probate has been issued, which means they may need some funds up front to cover essential costs. Try to come to an arrangement that will ensure they have enough money to pay off those bills, as even the most straightforward estates can take months to process. Alternatively, the executor may be able to get help from a solicitor, who can contact creditors on their behalf and advise on how and when payment will be made.
9. Arrange a home for your pet(s)
If you live with just your pet(s), you’ll want them to go to a loving home; somewhere you know they’ll be taken care of and given all the care and attention they deserve. Think carefully about who you would want to look after them after you have gone. Someone they already have a relationship with would be perfect, as they’re likely to settle in much quicker. You could also register for the RSPCA’s Home for Life, and they will arrange a home for your pet on your behalf. There’s paperwork involved here so, again, make sure your pet’s plan is kept with all your other documents.
10. Check if there’s anything you want to get rid of
As well as things you’ll want to gather, there might be things you want to get rid of, too. That slightly embarrassing teenage journal comes to mind! This is just a friendly reminder to go through your belongings and check there’s nothing that makes you cringe too hard. (But don’t worry too much; the people who love you won’t judge those old ‘Dear Diary’ entries.Why Plan Ahead
There’s a lot that goes into planning a funeral, but making those arrangements beforehand gives you time to consider all of your options and make sure that you’re covering all of the necessary details. Still feeling unsure? Here are some of the most important reasons for why planning ahead may be the best option.
Welcome to Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory
Serving our community since 1902
It's Easy
Fill out a form or meet with a member of our staff to put your plan in place. Anyone can create a plan, at any stage in their life, and you always can make changes if you wish.
It Lets You Decide
Preplanning lets you create your own unique life celebration. Including your family in the planning process can help them feel connected to you both in life and in death, knowing that your arrangements reflect your desires.
It Relieves Your Family’s Burden
Preplanning relieves your family of that burden and gives them more time and energy to focus on healing and remembrance.
You Can Pre-pay if You Wish
Pre-payment means that your funds will be set aside and protected against inflation and unforeseen increases in cost. Your family won’t have to worry about payment, and can enjoy peace of mind knowing that everything has been taken care of. We’d be happy to provide you with more information and help you arrange for pre-funding of your services.
What if I Move?
We keep a record of your preplanned arrangements, and it’s easily transferable to any funeral home in the United States.
Where Do I Start?
The first step is to review our Pre-Planning Checklist to help you consider all your possibilities. Then, you can Pre-Planning Online to create your personalized arrangements. You also can schedule a time to meet with a member of our staff to discuss your options and design your plan in person.
Talking It Out With Groff:
Why it is important to pre-plan with a Certified Pre-planning Consultant Flynn ,Py, Kruse.Co LPA. 165.E Washington Row.Phone-419-6258324 The best cost efficient Senior friendly estate planners. You can get a complete estate plan under 500 Durable financial power of attorney last will and testament health care power of attorney,living will. Home transfer on death to whomever you desire cost efficient estate planning....
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