Things to do in '17

• Write and sign your will, file accordingly;
• Insure every bank account, insurance policy, retirement fund has a beneficiary;
• Make sure it's a beneficiary you still want (for those who first did this 30 years and two husbands and four kids ago);
• File all your records where they can be found, preferably together and then separately backed up;
• Have a file with your passwords where your loved ones can find them when needed. Or at least explain your secret code. (I will be attempting to get a job as a cryptographer when I'm done with dad's estate. Thanks, dad, always the teacher!);
• Try not to 'hide' important papers to keep them safe from thieves so your family finds them after your estate is closed;
• At least every season do a good clean out of things you don't want or need. Donate them to someone who does need them. Then stop buying so much stuff;
• Make a list, silly as it seems to you, of why that pair of silk stockings is so important. (I'm guessing you wore them on your wedding day, but I don't know.);
• Make a list of who should have what (if it's not in your will). Don't make me guess. Or give something to the wrong person.
• Don't wait to do this.

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Make sure the list is signed and stored with your will so it's easy to find.
.

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Make sure the list is signed and stored with your will so it's easy to find.
.

Click to expand...

Writing your obit makes it easier on the family also. It will say what YOU think is the important things of your life. Not being morbid - just planning ahead. We are in our 70s. And if I could decide which funeral home to use, I would have the roast & toast prepaid also (across the street has sent me NO business so I hate to reward him with my business).
.

Click to expand...

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Make sure the list is signed and stored with your will so it's easy to find.
.

Click to expand...

Writing your obit makes it easier on the family also. It will say what YOU think is the important things of your life. Not being morbid - just planning ahead. We are in our 70s. And if I could decide which funeral home to use, I would have the roast & toast prepaid also (across the street has sent me NO business so I hate to reward him with my business).
.

Click to expand...

Ah, write the obit, good one. I did this, both times. If you can believe it, both times someone criticized something i wrote.
Genealogists are upset if you leave out - mother's maiden name, date of birth, exact location of birth, cause of death, all the siblings (with married names included).
I wrote about their lives, not their deaths. Why sum up someone's life with how they died? Unless someone dies heroically, how they lived was more important.
.

Click to expand...

EmptyNest said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Make sure the list is signed and stored with your will so it's easy to find.
.

Click to expand...

Writing your obit makes it easier on the family also. It will say what YOU think is the important things of your life. Not being morbid - just planning ahead. We are in our 70s. And if I could decide which funeral home to use, I would have the roast & toast prepaid also (across the street has sent me NO business so I hate to reward him with my business).
.

Click to expand...

Ah, write the obit, good one. I did this, both times. If you can believe it, both times someone criticized something i wrote.
Genealogists are upset if you leave out - mother's maiden name, date of birth, exact location of birth, cause of death, all the siblings (with married names included).
I wrote about their lives, not their deaths. Why sum up someone's life with how they died? Unless someone dies heroically, how they lived was more important.
.

Click to expand...

If we want more than the mere facts in our newspaper...it costs $500!!! Who cares? I sure don't...and certainly not enough to pay our paper that!!!
.

Click to expand...

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Make sure the list is signed and stored with your will so it's easy to find.
.

Click to expand...

Writing your obit makes it easier on the family also. It will say what YOU think is the important things of your life. Not being morbid - just planning ahead. We are in our 70s. And if I could decide which funeral home to use, I would have the roast & toast prepaid also (across the street has sent me NO business so I hate to reward him with my business).
.

Click to expand...

Ah, write the obit, good one. I did this, both times. If you can believe it, both times someone criticized something i wrote.
Genealogists are upset if you leave out - mother's maiden name, date of birth, exact location of birth, cause of death, all the siblings (with married names included).
I wrote about their lives, not their deaths. Why sum up someone's life with how they died? Unless someone dies heroically, how they lived was more important.
.

Click to expand...

EmptyNest said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Make sure the list is signed and stored with your will so it's easy to find.
.

Click to expand...

Writing your obit makes it easier on the family also. It will say what YOU think is the important things of your life. Not being morbid - just planning ahead. We are in our 70s. And if I could decide which funeral home to use, I would have the roast & toast prepaid also (across the street has sent me NO business so I hate to reward him with my business).
.

Click to expand...

Ah, write the obit, good one. I did this, both times. If you can believe it, both times someone criticized something i wrote.
Genealogists are upset if you leave out - mother's maiden name, date of birth, exact location of birth, cause of death, all the siblings (with married names included).
I wrote about their lives, not their deaths. Why sum up someone's life with how they died? Unless someone dies heroically, how they lived was more important.
.

Click to expand...

If we want more than the mere facts in our newspaper...it costs $500!!! Who cares? I sure don't...and certainly not enough to pay our paper that!!!
.

Click to expand...

EmptyNest said:

If we want more than the mere facts in our newspaper...it costs $500!!! Who cares? I sure don't...and certainly not enough to pay our paper that!!!

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

EmptyNest said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Make sure the list is signed and stored with your will so it's easy to find.
.

Click to expand...

Writing your obit makes it easier on the family also. It will say what YOU think is the important things of your life. Not being morbid - just planning ahead. We are in our 70s. And if I could decide which funeral home to use, I would have the roast & toast prepaid also (across the street has sent me NO business so I hate to reward him with my business).
.

Click to expand...

Ah, write the obit, good one. I did this, both times. If you can believe it, both times someone criticized something i wrote.
Genealogists are upset if you leave out - mother's maiden name, date of birth, exact location of birth, cause of death, all the siblings (with married names included).
I wrote about their lives, not their deaths. Why sum up someone's life with how they died? Unless someone dies heroically, how they lived was more important.
.

Click to expand...

If we want more than the mere facts in our newspaper...it costs $500!!! Who cares? I sure don't...and certainly not enough to pay our paper that!!!
.

Click to expand...

I care. I love to hear of the more fun and interesting days before the elderly became elderly. I imagine my friends will be surprised to hear my father worked in the early space program.
And in this town, everyone WILL read it.
.

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

And in this town, everyone WILL read it.

Click to expand...

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

EmptyNest said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Make sure the list is signed and stored with your will so it's easy to find.
.

Click to expand...

Writing your obit makes it easier on the family also. It will say what YOU think is the important things of your life. Not being morbid - just planning ahead. We are in our 70s. And if I could decide which funeral home to use, I would have the roast & toast prepaid also (across the street has sent me NO business so I hate to reward him with my business).
.

Click to expand...

Ah, write the obit, good one. I did this, both times. If you can believe it, both times someone criticized something i wrote.
Genealogists are upset if you leave out - mother's maiden name, date of birth, exact location of birth, cause of death, all the siblings (with married names included).
I wrote about their lives, not their deaths. Why sum up someone's life with how they died? Unless someone dies heroically, how they lived was more important.
.

Click to expand...

If we want more than the mere facts in our newspaper...it costs $500!!! Who cares? I sure don't...and certainly not enough to pay our paper that!!!
.

Click to expand...

I care. I love to hear of the more fun and interesting days before the elderly became elderly. I imagine my friends will be surprised to hear my father worked in the early space program.
And in this town, everyone WILL read it.
.

Click to expand...

TheBeachHouse said:

And in this town, everyone WILL read it.

Click to expand...

Judging by the eulogies and the priest's commentary, everyone in town read, and repeated verbatim, what I wrote! After the third or fourth person said exactly what was in the paper we were all starting to be disappointed no one seemed to have their own stories to tell. Plus, they all sounded silly after awhile.
One person did write a very touching poem that still makes me cry.
.

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Make sure the list is signed and stored with your will so it's easy to find.
.

Click to expand...

Writing your obit makes it easier on the family also. It will say what YOU think is the important things of your life. Not being morbid - just planning ahead. We are in our 70s. And if I could decide which funeral home to use, I would have the roast & toast prepaid also (across the street has sent me NO business so I hate to reward him with my business).
.

Click to expand...

Ah, write the obit, good one. I did this, both times. If you can believe it, both times someone criticized something i wrote.
Genealogists are upset if you leave out - mother's maiden name, date of birth, exact location of birth, cause of death, all the siblings (with married names included).
I wrote about their lives, not their deaths. Why sum up someone's life with how they died? Unless someone dies heroically, how they lived was more important.
.

Click to expand...

The reason for all the names etc. is not for us - it is for the generations who come later with the genealogy bug. Cause of death is a medical clue for down the road a generation or 2.
Ellis Island obliterated some family history, but much has been able to be traced and is important to many. Personally, I think it is nice to know who my ancestors were, but although what they did may be important, it is what I do that is more important to me even if it is meaningless to the "world". I do not want to have just taken up space.
.

Click to expand...

EmptyNest said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Make sure the list is signed and stored with your will so it's easy to find.
.

Click to expand...

Writing your obit makes it easier on the family also. It will say what YOU think is the important things of your life. Not being morbid - just planning ahead. We are in our 70s. And if I could decide which funeral home to use, I would have the roast & toast prepaid also (across the street has sent me NO business so I hate to reward him with my business).
.

Click to expand...

Ah, write the obit, good one. I did this, both times. If you can believe it, both times someone criticized something i wrote.
Genealogists are upset if you leave out - mother's maiden name, date of birth, exact location of birth, cause of death, all the siblings (with married names included).
I wrote about their lives, not their deaths. Why sum up someone's life with how they died? Unless someone dies heroically, how they lived was more important.
.

Click to expand...

The reason for all the names etc. is not for us - it is for the generations who come later with the genealogy bug. Cause of death is a medical clue for down the road a generation or 2.
Ellis Island obliterated some family history, but much has been able to be traced and is important to many. Personally, I think it is nice to know who my ancestors were, but although what they did may be important, it is what I do that is more important to me even if it is meaningless to the "world". I do not want to have just taken up space.
.

Click to expand...

Our line ends with us ;-) Here's a link that may be helpful. I sure need it. https://www.obituaryhelp.net
Enough morbidity for today.

.

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

EmptyNest said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Make sure the list is signed and stored with your will so it's easy to find.
.

Click to expand...

Writing your obit makes it easier on the family also. It will say what YOU think is the important things of your life. Not being morbid - just planning ahead. We are in our 70s. And if I could decide which funeral home to use, I would have the roast & toast prepaid also (across the street has sent me NO business so I hate to reward him with my business).
.

Click to expand...

Ah, write the obit, good one. I did this, both times. If you can believe it, both times someone criticized something i wrote.
Genealogists are upset if you leave out - mother's maiden name, date of birth, exact location of birth, cause of death, all the siblings (with married names included).
I wrote about their lives, not their deaths. Why sum up someone's life with how they died? Unless someone dies heroically, how they lived was more important.
.

Click to expand...

The reason for all the names etc. is not for us - it is for the generations who come later with the genealogy bug. Cause of death is a medical clue for down the road a generation or 2.
Ellis Island obliterated some family history, but much has been able to be traced and is important to many. Personally, I think it is nice to know who my ancestors were, but although what they did may be important, it is what I do that is more important to me even if it is meaningless to the "world". I do not want to have just taken up space.
.

Click to expand...

Our line ends with us ;-) Here's a link that may be helpful. I sure need it. https://www.obituaryhelp.net
Enough morbidity for today.

.

Click to expand...

Not morbid - facts of life. We are ere to help each other and many still have to face the inevitable with parents or, like me with Himself.
.

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

EmptyNest said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

Morticia said:

gillumhouse said:

We just redid our wills last year - if he dies first #1 in my agenda is to change mine.
I am happy to say that he actually sold almost all his "toys" that I was afraid I would have to deal with not knowing values. Remaining toys are tagged. It is sad to admit, but I actually have nothing of value - no diamonds or anything like that. The bari sax was it and I already donated it to the Community Band after the Dec 4 concert
If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

If you have collections it needs to be written down who gets. The lawyer who did our wills said we just have to write a list - hand write, not typed or on the computer - of who gets what of the "stuff" we have.

Click to expand...

Make sure the list is signed and stored with your will so it's easy to find.
.

Click to expand...

Writing your obit makes it easier on the family also. It will say what YOU think is the important things of your life. Not being morbid - just planning ahead. We are in our 70s. And if I could decide which funeral home to use, I would have the roast & toast prepaid also (across the street has sent me NO business so I hate to reward him with my business).
.

Click to expand...

Ah, write the obit, good one. I did this, both times. If you can believe it, both times someone criticized something i wrote.
Genealogists are upset if you leave out - mother's maiden name, date of birth, exact location of birth, cause of death, all the siblings (with married names included).
I wrote about their lives, not their deaths. Why sum up someone's life with how they died? Unless someone dies heroically, how they lived was more important.
.

Click to expand...

The reason for all the names etc. is not for us - it is for the generations who come later with the genealogy bug. Cause of death is a medical clue for down the road a generation or 2.
Ellis Island obliterated some family history, but much has been able to be traced and is important to many. Personally, I think it is nice to know who my ancestors were, but although what they did may be important, it is what I do that is more important to me even if it is meaningless to the "world". I do not want to have just taken up space.
.

Click to expand...

Our line ends with us ;-) Here's a link that may be helpful. I sure need it. https://www.obituaryhelp.net
Enough morbidity for today.

.

Click to expand...

Not morbid - facts of life. We are ere to help each other and many still have to face the inevitable with parents or, like me with Himself.
.

Click to expand...

Generic said:

My list would add, put the responsible one in charge of that paperwork.
Have the paperwork available, and not in a place where you need the paperwork to get the paperwork.
Have the money for the funeral in an account. If I hadn't had money, my father would still be waiting... my sibling doesn't have 2 nickels to rub together and the accounts were frozen..

Click to expand...

Generic said:

Have the money for the funeral in an account. If I hadn't had money, my father would still be waiting... my sibling doesn't have 2 nickels to rub together and the accounts were frozen.

Click to expand...