WISER Women: Estate Planning: Be prepared and plan ahead

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Estate Planning: Be prepared and plan ahead

Have you considered what would happen if you become seriously ill? Protecting personal wishes and loved ones should be priorities for those facing a terminal illness. One of the most important things a person can do is to be prepared. WISER suggests that you consult a lawyer or an expert in financial and estate planning, and prepare the following documents: durable power of attorney for finances, domestic partnership agreement, and last will and testament. Make a list including the names, addresses and phone numbers of anyone who should be notified about your death, such as doctors, attorneys, friends, relatives, or the executor of your estate. It is also advisable to specify what kind of funeral arrangements you would like, or to make these plans in advance. In addition, you should list liabilities and assets, for example, real estate or mortgages, bank accounts, investments, retirement and pension benefits, loans, and life insurance. Please visit the following links for more detailed information about financial planning, including helpful checklists and information on life insurance, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) for those living with HIV/AIDS.