Healthcare Essentials
A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare lets you designate a Healthcare Agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re not able to make them yourself. Your Healthcare Agent will be responsible to see that your wishes are respected if you cannot speak for yourself. If you only do one thing—this is it!
Do This First: Select Your Healthcare Agent »
A Living Will lets people know which treatments or medical procedures you wish to have at the end of your life. It can relieve your family from having to make these decisions for you.
Do This Second: Complete Your Living Will »
Print your Healthcare Essentials Worksheet »
Financial Essentials
A Durable Power of Attorney for Finances lets you designate a Financial Agent to make decisions on your behalf if you’re not able to make them yourself. Your Agent can make sure that your bills are paid, and that those who depend upon you for financial support are cared for.
Do This Third: Select Your Financial Agent »
A Will or Living Trust will prevent your assets from being distributed by your county government, and can help avoid misunderstandings among family members.
Do This Fourth: Complete Your Will or Living Trust »
Print your Financial Essentials Worksheet »
Estate Planning is an important step for anyone with financial assets (what you own) or liabilities (what you owe). You can work with a local attorney who specializes in helping individuals and families plan their estate and create the necessary legal documents. Bookstores and the Internet also provide a wealth of resources, but you must be alert to confirm that any information is valid in relation to the laws of your state.
A List of Assets and Liabilities will help ensure an orderly transfer of your bank and brokerage accounts, safe deposit box, digital assets, life insurance, real estate, vehicles, and sources of income after your death. This list will be needed to begin your Estate Planning.
Print Your List of Assets and Liabilities Worksheet ”
Congratulations!
You’ve now completed the most important elements of your end-of-life planning. This is a gift that you are giving to yourself, to your family, and to your closest friends. Take a break and give yourself a well-deserved reward. Then click here to consider your Personal Preferences.
Start the Conversation ”
Share Your Personal Preferences »
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