TEACH ME HOW TO DIE

This is a time when you need to take an inventory of all your assets and resources.  Begin to gather vital papers that your survivors will need when you are gone.  These are things that should be done by all persons in an ongoing schedule.  It is most critical for the terminally ill.  You may not have time to “do it later.”  Make sure your papers reflect your own desires.

Do an analysis of your financial situation.  If you have savings, make a list as to location and amounts.  If you have debts, make a list of amounts and the addresses of lenders and locations.  Do you have business interests?  Will your survivors know what to do regarding your relationship to your business concerns?

This is a good time to check your will and other legal papers.  Our lives go through so many changes we do not always keep our legal papers updated.  You will need to make sure your will expresses your present wishes.  You may have acquired new assets or disposed of old assets that are not covered in your present will.  If necessary, have your legal papers updated so that they will accomplish what you wish.

If you do not have a will you should consult an attorney.  Make sure your wishes are carried out after you are no longer in charge.  If you cannot afford an attorney, there are many kits you can buy to help you care for the basic legal needs.  You need to make sure your legal documents are accepted in the state where you hold residence.  You may wish to have a friend check with the Clerk of Court in your jurisdiction to make sure you are covered.

Take an inventory of the persons who are dependent upon you for financial support or other help.  If you are a single parent with young children, what provisions have you made for these?  You will need to make sure these needs will be cared for according to your wishes after you are no longer present to do it yourself.  Check to see what other resources will be available to them when you are no longer there.

At some point you may want to take an inventory of things you may wish to give to others after your death.  You may have guns, shop equipment, pictures, household items that you may want special persons to have.  You may want to make a gift of these items while you live.  It will prevent hard feelings when people begin to claim your items after you are not there.

When listing things you wish to give to others you may want to list separately those things you designate for others but that you wish to continue to use them during your lifetime.  Again, here is a role for your trusted friend who can keep the list and deliver after your death.