When Tomorrow Doesn't Arrive

Even though we know that life is not forever we don’t expect tomorrow to be the end. But it may be.

Are you prepared?

I don’t mean have you made peace spiritually or amends to those you may have offended. I mean have you prepared your survivors?

We financial advisors work hard at life planning so that you live life to the fullest. A comprehensive plan will help your legacy live past your life.

Successful death planning may provide the comfort to know your life has provided for those you love.

Preparation for your survivors begins with ensuring financial security.

1. Are your accounts appropriately titled in trust name, with Payable on Death, Transfer on Death, or beneficiary designations?
2. Are your investments ready for handoff? If you are a DIY investor, do you have a capable successor (not just trustworthy but truly able)?
3. Do you have adequate insurance?
4. Do you know your estate liability and is there liquidity for taxation?
5. Are your family members prepared to accept their financial inheritance in a responsible manner?
6. Is your successor trustee and executor knowledgeable in estate settlements and next steps?
7. Have you prepaid your services? Do your survivors know your wishes?

The emotional acceptance of transition can help survivors move forward through the chaos of losing a loved one to a new normal without you. It will take time, but your open communication may assist in the transition from ending to a new normal.

1. Have you discussed your personal acceptance of death?
2. Do others know your spiritual values?
3. Have your expected survivors had their questions answered?

Finally, preparing loving memories. This is your true legacy. How you are remembered may be the best part of death – the one thing you can control.

1. Are you living life the way you want to be remembered?
2. Have you shared your thoughts and kind words with those you love and like?
3. Have you assisted your survivors with the words and pictures you would prefer shared during services, remembrance ceremonies, or celebrations of life?
4. Have you left love notes?

My father took the steps above to help me in his passing and in turn it helped him. He cleverly tucked handwritten letters to me in different areas that had been crafted at different times in his/our lives. All shared his pride in my personal and professional life, sometimes saving my articles or newspaper notices of my success. It is with tenderness and loving memories of his written thoughts of me that I offer these thoughts. Don’t wait. Tomorrow may not arrive.