Featured News Opinion Let’s Get a Few Things Straight
January 26, 2023
By Wendy Gladney
When life throws you a curve ball, you must either sit on the sidelines or get in the game. Recently, I had someone very close to me admitted to the hospital, and I had to not only help with things pertaining to their home and personal business, but I also had to make serious decisions pertaining to their health and overall wellbeing.
When faced with such serious matters it makes one pause and look at their own life to make sure things are decent and in order for those that may have to help us one day in the same situation. Oftentimes, we delay putting our affairs in order thinking there is always tomorrow. Now that we are in a new year, let us work on getting a few things straight.
Depending on your assets and the various things that concern you, there are different things you need to make sure you put in place. I recommend you consider first finding the right consultant that can help you do everything legally and proper.
Here is a list of things I recommend no matter what your status: life insurance, a living trust or will, a medical directive, and possibly even appointing a trustworthy person as your power of attorney.
It is very important that you make it very clear to those that you trust to know in advance what your wishes are if they must make certain life altering decisions for you.
If you are in the hospital and you do not want to be resuscitated (DNR) under certain circumstances, you must have that in writing. If you want to donate your organs, you must have that in writing as well. If you want to donate your organs, you can also communicate that information to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you renew your license. Do not leave anything that is important to you up for chance.
There are several other things you can work on getting straight for your family and loved ones that may have to step up to either help you while you are recovering or will have to handle your affairs once you are gone. One of the things I found helpful while I was helping my loved one is they had a list of all their bills and when they were due to make it easier to help keep them being paid on time. This was crucial so that when they returned home none of their utilities or basics were turned off or disconnected.
They also had a list of key people with their phone numbers that should be contacted in the case of an emergency. Have you put together your desires for your memorial service and write out what you would like to have? I know when this day comes, we will be gone, but it sure helps our loved ones while they are dealing with losing us and gives them a little more space to mourn without a lot of things falling through the cracks. This takes out the guesswork in fulfilling their wishes.
I understand discussing these types of issues can be difficult, but I have had to help in situations where people were prepared and provided a road map for those trying to assist, and I have helped people who did nothing in advance and I can tell you when you do not provide guidance it can be very difficult and decisions that are made may have negative ramifications for future generations. Take control of the situation while you can and get a few things straight.
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Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.