top of page
Writer's pictureArwen Rasmussen

How to Get Your Affairs in Order




By Becky Streeter


It’s never too early to make a plan for your estate, finances, and end of life wishes. Though it’s not something many of us enjoy thinking about, the more we have prepared now, the less we will have to do later. Also, being prepared now lets you have the ultimate amount of control over decisions, which is not necessarily guaranteed the longer you wait. Below is a guide to help you get your affairs organized.


  1. Create a will that designates how your property, finances, dependants, pets, and funeral preferences should be taken care of.

  2. Create a living will specifying your advanced care directives, including the extent of life-saving and preventative measures. 

  3. Assign a power of attorney to make financial and medical decisions if you become incapacitated.

  4. Create a living trust and designate a trustee to control and distribute assets if you become unable.

  5. Give permission to your doctor and lawyer to discuss sensitive information with your caregiver and/or loved ones should there be a need.

  6. Gather all important documents, keep them together in ONE safe location such as a fireproof box, and tell your lawyer or someone you trust where these documents are held. Regularly review these documents and make changes as needed. The National Institute on Aging recommends the following documents:


•  Personal Information

  • Full legal name

  • Social Security number

  • Legal residence

  • Date and place of birth

  • Names and addresses of spouse and children

  • Certificates of birth, marriage, divorce, citizenship, and adoption

  • Employers and dates of employment

  • Education and military records

  • Names and phone numbers of religious contacts

  • Memberships in groups and awards received

  • Names and phone numbers of close friends, relatives, doctors, lawyers, and financial advisors


•  Financial information

  • Sources of income and assets (pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s, interest, etc.)

  • Social Security information

  • Insurance information (life, long-term care, home, car) with policy numbers and agents' names and phone numbers

  • Names of your banks and account numbers (checking, savings, credit union)

  • Investment income (stocks, bonds, property) and stockbrokers' names and phone numbers

  • Copy of most recent income tax return

  • Location of most up-to-date will with an original signature

  • Liabilities, including property tax — what is owed, to whom, and when payments are due

  • Mortgages and debts — how and when they are paid

  • Location of original deed of trust for home

  • Car title and registration

  • Credit and debit card names and numbers

  • Location of safe deposit box and key


•  Health Information

  • Health records

  • Current prescriptions (be sure to update this regularly)

  • Living will

  • Durable power of attorney for health care

  • Copies of medical orders or forms (i.e. DNR)

  • Health insurance information with policy and phone numbers


Make sure you talk about your preferences with your loved ones. This can be especially helpful for future medical decisions needed to be made on your behalf, including life-saving measures and potential organ donation if that is possible and desired, as well as funeral arrangements when the time comes. Having everyone on the same page helps your loved ones be prepared for your preferences and expectations. 


Source: “Getting Your Affairs in Order Checklist: Documents to Prepare for the Future.” National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/getting-your-affairs-order-checklist-documents-prepare-future#important-papers. 1 FEB 2023.

1 view0 comments

Comments


bottom of page