This is a work in progress
I’m building a website, a blog, and a book, about my experience – handling stuff that had to be done when someone dies. I learned that we can do our heirs a lot of good by preparing things for them. And a bonus, we can do ourselves a lot of good while we are at it.
I expect to have the site up and running within a month or so – today is July 9, 2025
We hate talking about death and dying. Working on this project, I discovered benefits now, and later
Benefits Now
The biggest benefit to me (and you) now is discovering financial leaks. I have expenditures on auto-pilot, subscriptions that automatically debit my credit card or checking account. More on this in the “About” page.
Benefits Later
We hope those we love to have happy memories about us. Not stress and confusion trying to figure out how to cancel accounts, collect insurance, transfer bank accounts. More on the “About” page
What Affairs?
Whenever I start working on this project, I think of topics that don’t fit my original idea. So I’ll start with four categories and add a Miscellanous for things thad don’t fit anywhere else.
Banking, Investments, Finance
You may have heard about POD (pay on death) and TOD (transfer on death). This section will address preparing your finances to save heirs a lot of trouble
Stuff
This may be the biggest topic – just look around your home. See the stuff? Under the heading of stuff we’ll talk about what your heirs will do with all that stuff. When the blog gets launched, we’ll provide real life experience – dealing with stuff
Utility Bills, Passwords
Are you old enough to remember when bills came in the mail and were paid by check? Now, some are on auto-debit, just taking money from your checking account. Some you pay online. This section will talk about how heirs will take over when you can’t.
Funerals, Cemeteries, Final Expenses
I hate this subject but addressing it now, while I’m still in good health, can save a ton of stress for heirs. I know from experience.
Legal Stuff, Wills and Trusts, Probate, Insurance
Things to discuss with professionals
I am not an attorney. Topics I discuss on this website and blog are intended to encourage you to talk to professionals. Treatment of topics will be superficial – hopefully helping you recognize what areas need your attention now, as you get your affairs in order.
Miscellaneous
Do you have hobbies, subscriptions, memberships in organizations requiring payment of dues? A hobby of mine is website design. I wonder how sites I have created will be handled? I use Google Photos, Smugmug, several web design services. “Miscellaneous” stuff.
Disclaimer
I am not an attorney. I know a little about insurance but I’ve been retired long enough that I would talk to an agent before making changes. This website/blog come from my experience. It is intended to help you identify areas worth your attendtion, and worth consulting with professionals.