Let’s continue to spell out the remedy for the older adult disease of procrastination with a touch of denial.

A stands for Anguish.

W stands for Will.

A stands for Action Plan.  Once you have your will in hand, then develop a written plan that lists important people who could help your family or friends after your death.  Research and record who you consider to be trusted resources and experts with their name, address, phone number, and an explanation of what they do.  Have this plan of action with your will, so your family or friends will know who to contact upon your death.  These resources are people such as your attorney, financial planner, banker, real estate appraiser, personal property appraiser, estate sale professionals, and experts you trust to consult about a collection, such as stamps, coins, or books.  It is wise, too, to include where you keep your address book in your home, in case someone wishes to notify out of town friends of your death.

R stands for Responsibility and Respect.  Responsibility is one of the most lasting characteristics you can leave a family member or friend who must close out your affairs after your death.  When you have taken the personal responsibility to handle your estate, you are actually leaving a legacy of respect for those who must handle your affairs.

E stands for Educate.  Educate yourself by taking a personal evaluation and appraisal of your personal property and how you would want it distributed.  Educate others to what is valuable to you and find out what might be valuable to them.  For example, your daughter might value a chipped ceramic plate that was the platter for family birthday cakes — no monetary value, but heaped with sentimental value for her.  Give away as much in life as you are comfortable in giving.

Be “aware” of how you want people to remember you when you are no longer here to tell them yourself!

© 2009 Julie Hall