By Contributing Writer James L. Marshall, Jr., Financial Advisor, Financial Educator & Author
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” – Matthew 24:36
No one gets out alive!
And the best thing we can do to ease the pain of our loved ones is to make sure our affairs are in good order.
The following are documents you should have in place and keep updated:
• Last Will and Testament: This document decides the fate of all your real property, trust, and belongings. It also names the person (executor) in charge of carrying out your wishes as described in your will (choose this person wisely).
• Living Will (Advanced Directive): This document details your wishes regarding medical treatment when you are unable to communicate them. Such as resuscitation, tube feeding, mechanical ventilation, organ donation, or palliative care.
• Health Care Power of Attorney: This document will name the person or persons who can make decisions for you about the details outlined in your living will.
• HIPAA Authorization for release of protected health information
• Durable Power of Attorney: This document gives someone of your choosing the right to make all important financial decisions about your estate before you die.
“And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” – Ecclesiastes 12:7
Make sure that you have an updated inventory of your stuff:
• Assets
• Debts
• Income sources
• Expenses
• Taxes
• Life insurance and beneficiaries (remember
beneficiaries override your will unless your estate is your beneficiary).
A comprehensive financial plan will include all of this information. Be sure to list institutions and account numbers for all these items.
Create a file with all your deeds, registrations, and other proof of ownership documents.
Don’t forget to make a list of all your digital accounts, usernames, and passwords for:
• Computers, tablets, and cellphones
• Social media sites
• Emails and any other online portal or service you use
Most importantly; make sure you communicate fully with specific people about your wishes, mainly your spouse or significant other. Make sure they know:
• The location of your important paperwork and documents
• Where to find the key or combination of any safes or safe deposit boxes
• The location of any money you have stashed in secret hiding places
• The names of your professional advisors, i.e., financial advisor, attorney, accountant, insurance agent, etc.
This is how you assure a good goodbye.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whomever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26
Outline your funeral arrangements with as much detail as you can. Your loved ones will be grieving, and any stress you can take off them by making your wishes clear and with instructions will be helpful.
Your wishes may include:
- End-of-life wishes – burial, cremation, donating to science, etc.
- Ceremony – funeral home, casket/urn, church, wake, memorial service, and cemetery
- Music– What songs do you want to be sung and who would you like to sing them?
- peakers– Who do you want to give your eulogy and whom else do you want to speak?
- Pallbearers– Make a list of primary and honorary pallbearers.
- Guests – Make a list of family and friends you want to be contacted. Be sure to include their contact information.
- Organization memberships – Be sure to make a list of any organizations that you belong to that may have transition rituals or may want to participate in your homegoing. Organizations such as military, fraternal, church, etc.
Psalm 23 King James Version
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
James Marshall is a registered investment advisor registered in Texas and Kentucky. He can be reached at James@Marshallyourmoney.com. Visit him on the web at Marshallyourmoney.com.
