Make a list of all your belongings and what you want done with them or who you would like to have them. This includes photographs, make sure they are labeled in some way, so that records of your life can be preserved & shared with future generations.

Information that should be readily available:

• Will: Make SURE somebody knows where it is - a legal, signed copy
• Health Insurance: Policy Number, Phone number
• Life Insurance: Policy Number, Phone Number
• Pension/Retirement plan: Policy/account number, contact number
• Bank Account Information: Account Number, Bank Phone Number
• Safe Deposit Box?: Bank Name, Box Number, location of key
• Credit Cards: Account Numbers, Contact Phone Numbers

Patience. I know, not something you normally associate with having to have during this time... but believe me... You will NEED to be very patient. Don't panic, Don't feel as if you are "giving up".

Facing this is not something someone wants to do, but must face at least once in their lives! It is never easy, never pleasant, but can be less of a hassle for your spouse and loved ones left behind with a little planning.

There are a few things to put into place BEFORE you become terminally ill or unable to care for your own affairs. Feel empowered by doing this, take an active, controlling role, in planning for your passing – not being caught leaving sorrow and conflict for the lives left behind.

In addition to what has been mentioned in the other files, in your "Book about Me" .. your "Death book", whatever you wish to call it (My parents used these 2 terms) ...

Have a certified or photo copy of:

• Your Birth certificate
• Your spouse’s birth certificate or death certificate if they are deceased.
• All you children's birth certificates.
• Your claimed and named children, even if they were born out of wedlock.
• Marriage certificate of your current marriage and any marriage lasting longer than 20 years or producing children or adopting children.

Have a file or box for: All the account information on hand for all Banks, savings and loan, stock, life insurance, annuities, safe deposit boxes, all bills you pay and how – with account numbers, and listed names on account for Cable, satellite, cell phones, car payments, any insurances, newspapers, AARP anything, especially if they are electronically paid. Better yet; a paper copy for each current bill so as the account number, etc are handy is a real help.

All CURRENT passwords for all online accounts you have with CURRENT usernames. (Do not keep a username history or password history card, it confuses your kin! If you change info, toss the card!)

All magazines, newspapers, hobby newsletters, military clubs/groups/ people you associate with. Passports, any immigration or nationalization papers, any info along these lines. The will be nice mementos for family and can prove benefits that you are entitled to upon your passing for your family.

Speak with your children / Spouse before-hand to let them know where everything is.

If your spouse is still alive, have them take over the month to month bills you have dealt with in the past to prepare them for this. Have your pension info available, Social security info, 401-K payments, disability payments, any income sources. Make sure you and your spouse are aware of what will and will not continue being paid out after the named has passed on. Find out if a spouse or beneficiary can be added to ease the transition, if it will continue, so payments will not leave your spouse or beneficiaries without funds during a very scary time.

If your children are your surviving heirs, contact them. Ask who can (not wants to, but can) function as the executor/executress after you pass on. It is a large responsibility, choose wisely.

If you are diagnosed terminal, with a while to prepare, or are a realist and take time to prepare; start preparing a will or trust and shuttle all bank accounts, house title , car title , stocks / bonds, annuities, shares of ?? , any investment, any piece of real estate, real property, put it into the trust. This will save a lot of $ and trouble once you pass. Contact an attorney and or CPA to set up your needs. Each state has different rules, take action to protect your loved ones from having to battle to get what you intended to leave behind for them instead of a court battle and expenses!

Prepare your house as if it were to be sold, even if a family member will inherit it. Make it a nice thing, not a cleanup project. They will remember you fondly.

Discard all unnecessary paperwork, old account info that no longer exists, if it is considered a family memento – do not have it in the file cabinet; put it in a box labeled mementos. This will alleviate a lot of confusion and tossing of items that are to be treasured, not tossed!

Put tags on the back of larger items destined for a certain loved one to clarify. State these things in your will.

Miscellaneous household items: collect charity info on who will come and pick up items your kin will have to donate. (Verify they will come out to your address before adding it to the folder)

Rejoice in knowing you made this a little easier in a very tearful time!

Click here  to print a Word Document of this page

Click here  to print 4 pages of useful Financial Information Forms:

• Insurance, Wills, Banking, Credit Card info
• List of assets (home/property, businesses, vehicles, equipment, inventory)
• Budget (bills payable each month by the week)
• Household Inventory (list of items in each room)