ANNE BRENTAR’S MORNING EMAIL

Today’s task is to do something for the people in your life who will be left behind when you are gone.  I know–it’s not ever going to happen, right?  Not to me.  But here’s why we can do it today.  I know you don’t like to think sad or morbid thoughts–me either.  But it’s like carrying an umbrella on a rainy day–you know it never pours when you’ve got the umbrella, right?  So here goes…

Today you (and I) are going to look around and organize all of those important papers–like birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates.  Don’t forget those adoption papers, passports, military records, and social security cards.  Gather the mortgage/loan documents, titles and deeds for the property you own and don’t forget about the cars.  Since you’re already my hero, I know you need to pull those insurance papers from the file, and don’t forget the trust papers.  Got them together already?  You are the Best!  If not, do it now.  Get a fireproof box at the minimum and rent a safe deposit box at the bank, if you can.  Along with copies of everything in your fireproof box at home, make a copy for the safe deposit box at the bank.  Remember, don’t put the originals of your will or powers of attorney with the other paperwork in the bank, as the bank may seal the box temporarily if you die.  Might even make sense to give someone else a copy of your will that’s offsite from your home–maybe with your best friend.