Business Mentor Notes: Erlwin has inspired thousands with the power of his teachings and principles. His message is simple and easy to understand. He has always believed that “Life is short”.
Erlwin, together with his wife Ayo are authors of acclaimed books, which are already in National Bookstore and Powerbooks nationwide and are available online at Amazon.com, including the National Best Seller, “Almost is the Same as Never” and “Buy 1 Fake 1”. They have two upcoming books “Don’t forget to remember” and “Things that Matter”.
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled. Yet, it’s just this kind of planning that can make all the difference in an emergency. The hard thing is that when emergencies caught us unprepared. After the repeated miscarriages of my wife, I gathered all the information needed on how to take actions to prepare for the next emergency.
Here’s what I got!
Steps for Getting Your Affairs in Order
• Put important papers and copies of legal documents in one place. Set up a file, put everything in a desk or dresser drawer, or just list the information and location of papers in a notebook. If the papers are in a bank safe deposit box, keep copies in a file at home. Check each year to see if there’s anything new to add.
• Tell a trusted family member or friend where you put all your important papers. Someone should know it even if it is your lawyer.
• Give consent in advance for your doctor or lawyer to talk with your caregiver as needed. There may be questions about your care, a bill, or a health insurance claim. Without your consent, your caregiver may not be able to get needed information. You can give your okay in advance to Healthcare, a credit card company, your bank, or your doctor. You may need to sign and return a form.
Legal Documents
• Wills and trusts let you name the person you want your money and property to go to after you die.
• Advance directives let you make arrangements for your care if you become sick. There are two ways to do this:
° A living will gives you a say in your health care if you are too sick to make your wishes known. In a living will, you can state what kind of care you do or don’t want. This can make it easier for family members to make tough health care decisions for you.
° A durable power of attorney for health care lets you name the person you want to make medical decisions for you if you can’t make them yourself. Make sure the person you name is willing to make those decisions for you.
For your legal matters, there are two ways to give someone you trust the power to act in your behalf:
• A durable power of attorney allows you to name someone to act on your behalf for any legal task. It stays in place if you become unable to make your own decisions.
• A general power of attorney also lets you give someone else the authority to act on your behalf, but this power will end if you are unable to make your own decisions.
Personal Records
• Full legal name
• Social Security number
• Legal residence
• Date and place of birth
• Names and addresses of spouse and children
• Location of birth and death certificates and certificates of marriage, divorce, citizenship, and adoption
• Employers and dates of employment
• Education and military records
• Names and phone numbers of religious contacts
• Memberships in groups and awards received
• Names and phone numbers of close friends, relatives, and lawyer or financial advisor
• Names and phone numbers of doctors
• Medications taken regularly
• Location of living will
Financial Records
• Sources of income and assets (Retirement funds, Businesses, Interest Incomes, Royalties, Rentals )
• Social Security and Healthcare information
• Insurance information (life, health, long-term care, home, car) with policy numbers and agents’ names and phone numbers
• Names of your banks and account numbers (checking, savings, credit union)
° Investment income (stocks, bonds, property) and stockbrokers’ names and phone numbers
• Copy of most recent income tax return
• Location of most up-to-date will with an original signature
• Liabilities, including property tax—what is owed, to whom, when payments are due
• Mortgages and debts—how and when paid
• Location of original deed of trust for home and car title and registration
• Credit and debit card names and numbers
• Location of safe deposit box and key
Funeral Arrangement
Yes, even matters involving your funeral should be prepared now! Family, relatives and friends want to honor the person who has died, but they may not agree on what’s best. The grief and stress of loss can make decisions even more challenging. Taking the time now to document your wishes for a funeral or other memorial service can both ensure that you get the kind of services you want and provide tremendous relief for your loved ones and the ones who love you.
Can you just imagine the positive ambiance of your funeral when all things are set? You can surely rest in peace.
Here is the list:
• the location of the gathering or service
• who should be invited — for example, should it be private (for invited family and friends) or public (open to anyone who wishes to attend)
• who should facilitate any ceremonies
• who should speak at the service or say the eulogy
• whether your body will be present in a casket and, if so, whether the casket should be open or closed
• any specific clothing or jewelry in which you wish your body to be attired
• who you would like to serve as pallbearers, if necessary
• whether you would like a picture or other items displayed with (or instead of) your remains
•special music, readings, food or drink, or other details
Your Obituary
•your date and place of birth
• family information, including the names of your spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings
• details about your education, employment, or military service
• memberships in organizations, and
• whether you want people to send flowers or make donations to a particular charity or organization in your name.
• You may also want to select a photograph to include or describe the newspapers or magazines where you would like your obituary published.
Resources
As early as now, you may want to talk with a lawyer about setting up a general power of attorney, durable power of attorney, joint account, trust, or advance directive. Be sure to ask about the fees before you make an appointment. You should be able to find a directory of local lawyers at your library or you can contact your local bar association for lawyers in your area. An informed family member may be able to help you manage some of these issues.
Now you know what to do! Start your preparation now! Be not casual about it or you will end up being a casualty.
—————————————————————–
You may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome for questions and more information.
By email: [email protected]
FB Page: Armando Bartolome
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franguru/
