This Holiday Season, Give Your Loved Ones the Gift of Planning
It’s no one’s favorite topic, but it’s clearer than ever that life is short. If something were to happen to you, what kind of state would you be leaving your affairs in? Taking the time now to put things in order isn’t for you, it’s a gift for your loved ones (although one that’s hard to wrap).
Write Your Will
Recently, former Zappos CEO Tony Hseih died at the age of 46—without a will. In 2016, a Gallup poll showed that only 44% of Americans have a will. They’re not just for wealthy or famous people—it’s important for everyone to have one if you want to spare your loved ones any confusion or potential battles over anything you leave behind. You’ll want to work with a lawyer to make sure it’s filed appropriately and covers everything it needs to, but you can try starting for free with a service like Fabric.
Make a Plan for Your Online Accounts
What will happen to your Google account? Facebook? You get the idea. Many platforms offer the ability to individually log your preferences (here is the link for the settings in Google and information about adding a legacy contact on Facebook). But there’s an easier way: use a Password Manager. My favorite is LastPass Families, which costs $4/mo and makes it easy for up to six people to store their online account information and share it with each other when needed. Make sure to take advantage of that digital contingency plan feature with Emergency Access!
Put It All Together
Don’t make your loved ones dig through folders to find contact information for the one person who knows where your birth certificate is or which vet you take Fluffy to. You can create a physical binder for this information, use an online service like Everplans, or ask the attorney who helped you with your will (you did that, right?) what they recommend.
Give Compass Coordinators Services
Of course, if you have a friend or family member who is struggling to manage the affairs of a loved one who died, you can give them the gift of practical help from Compass Coordinators. Whether they need help with frustrating issues that have come up or a plan to get started, we can help you give a truly meaningful and appreciated gift. Call 980-263-9109 or email jasmine@compasscoordinators.com to learn more.
