Wouldn’t it be great if we were able to look into the future? We’d be able to see exactly what our life holds for us, foresee every moment due to take place, and most importantly, be able to plan for those events that currently like to crop up unexpectedly.
We’re all open to preparing for the positive events that may occur in our lives, but it’s those more negative ones – such as a serious illness or death – that many of us shut out and are reluctant to even discuss.
Actively discussing and preparing for the worst will help to assist your family in making the right arrangements should these events happen, as well as help to make sure your possessions and assets are dealt with in the right way, and to also make sure your loved ones are secure financially after you have gone.
So, if you’ve pushed it to the back of your mind and are just planning to deal with it when the situation arises, then now is the perfect time to address it. Here’s a simple guide on what to consider in order to help you and your loved ones to prepare for the future:
Wills
Did you know more than 50% of American’s pass away without having made a will? Although it might not seem like an important consideration after you’ve passed away, it becomes particularly important when you have specific wishes of where you’d like your personal possessions to go, or ideas on what you’d like done with your financial assets, if they go beyond just being given to your spouse or your children. A professional lawyer will help to go through every aspect of your possessions – from your house to your expensive china set – set it out in an ordered form and keep it in a safe place only for when it’s needed, to ensure that every fine detail is followed when you pass away.
Life Insurance
Now, I know it’s not an insurance policy many of us really think to take out, but as well as your annual house, contents and car insurance that you take out every year, life insurance should also be a key consideration.
Why? Because it helps to support your family with any financial aspects when the key earner or homemaker passes away – a life insurance policy quite simply helps towards the security that any existing loans, expenses, school fees and even things like childcare are covered for when you’re no longer able to pay them directly.
There are a whole range of policies to choose from, so you’re bound to be able to find the right one to suit all of you and your family’s needs.
Funeral Instructions
I know that planning your own funeral is never something you’d want or expect to do, but it’s a vital consideration when planning ahead for the future. Not only will it make sure that all of your wishes are adhered to, but it’ll also help your family work together to give you what you would have wanted (and it’ll more than likely make sure there are no arguments between who thinks who should do what!). Make a clear list of importance considerations, such as whether you’d like to be cremated or buried, and make a list of all the smaller things you’d like to be considered – from what flowers you’d like to be included in the funeral wreaths – so everything can be planned for you precisely.
