Tying Up Loose Ends And Last Wishes

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Something none of us wants to think about is what will happen when we finally leave this earth. Part of growing old with grace is making sure your loved ones are taken care of and that they know what our last wishes are. As you get older, make sure you have a will in place. Sit down with your children or younger loved ones and have an open and honest conversation about what you want to happen when you pass. Let’s take a closer look at some of the loose ends you want to tie up and what kind of last wishes you want to communicate before it’s too late. 

Updated Will 

Let’s start with the obvious. As you get older, review and update your will. Speak to your attorney to make sure everything is covered. A will isn’t just about finances and who gets what. It’s about communicating your last wishes in a binding manner and making it easier for your family to deal with your final affairs when the time comes. It can also help you ensure those left behind get the most of what you’ve worked so hard to build over the course of your life. 

Things change. Laws change. Relationships change. Don’t wait too long to update your will. Put it on the calendar. Make an appointment to see your lawyer and get it done. It may not be the most fun to spend a Wednesday morning, but the sense of relief and peace you’ll feel after it’s done is well worth it. 

Final Rest Arrangements 

Do you know how and where you want to be buried? What kind of funeral or end-of life celebration do you want? If you have an opinion one way or another, make sure it is known. Have conversations with your loved ones about what you would like to happen. Be specific if you want. These can be hard conversations to have. If your loved ones aren’t willing or able to listen to you, consider writing it down. You can find final arrangement planners online and at your local funeral homes. Depending on your situation, you can even plan and pay for everything ahead of time. It’s a beautiful thing to do for those you leave behind. 

Let’s Talk About Accounts 

One thing most people forget about is access to various accounts. In this day and age, we have more accounts than at any other time before. And it isn’t just your mortgage and your bank account. What will happen to your utilities? And how about your online accounts? If you are active in an online community or engage in email conversations, there are people you want to be notified in the event of your passing. 

It’s a good idea to pick a person who will handle these last communications for you. Make sure they know your wishes and that they have access to a document or notebook with your login information. In some instances, you can set up legacy accounts or choose a dedicated person to take over for you. 

When it comes to banks, it’s worth having a conversation with your institution and see what you should have in place so your loved ones can easily pay your final bills and close accounts as needed. Your attorney will be able to point you in the right direction as well. 

Having a loved one pass is hard on those left behind. A little forethought and work now will make sure they have less headaches to deal with on top of everything else. They will thank you when the time comes.

And…

I have mentioned in previous blog challenges that I was writing a novel. I have actually finished it but I am not launching it until this summer. In the meantime, I wrote a prequel novella that is available for free on my author website, authordwbrooks.com. It’s a fiction story about a woman who has it all in front of her — a surgeon fiance, a great job, and life perfectly mapped out. But she’s not happy…

The main character here is the main character in my novel. It may not be for everyone but I am pretty excited! Check it out!

Loving Life — The Reboot!

Dominique

This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.