What Your Family Needs to Know…
In the event of my death – free Printable
Not long ago, my uncle (whom I shall refer to as “A”) suffered a severe stroke. Although he has not yet made a full recovery, we were thankful that he survived it. However, the many months following the stroke were incredibly difficult for my aunt (whom I shall refer to as “B”), and not just because of the health issues. You see, “A” had always handled the finances, bills, and what not. While, “B” just did her job and spent money as needed.
In the Event of My Death – Free Printable…
In the Event of My Death – Free Printable…
Well, now that “A” was no longer capable of doing his part of their routine, “B” was left with trying to handle the income and the bills. Except, “B” did not really have a clue how or what was being paid each month. She also did not know the banking information – account numbers, passwords, etc.- everything was being done online. So, month after month she was faced with collectors calling about bills that she did not know even existed. This was after spending several weeks just trying to gain access to her funds.
How that Effects You & Me:
I really got to thinking about some things since then – like what would happen in the event of my death. I have always known that I needed to have a Will and a Trust in place for my children, but I never really gave much thought to the day-to-day events that my would cause my family stress, should I become disabled or pass away.
Would my husband know how to access our accounts? Would he be able to decode my system for making payments? Does he even know how to get into my iPhone/apple account? What if something happened to him? Who do I contact at his work? And, the list of what if’s goes on from there.
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Making the Plan:
I decided right then and there that I needed to come up with a system to leave behind all of these instructions, and that is just what I did. I sat down and created a PDF file of all the paperwork that I felt I would need, not just to leave instructions behind for my husband, but also so that he could leave behind instructions for me, and so that we could both leave behind instructions for our family. (In the event that we die together).
A Step Farther:
Then, I got to thinking that this type of documentation is quite important for everyone to have. (Seriously, think about all the important details that no one would know about you – credit cards that need to be canceled, custody papers that need to be located, etc)
So, I just wanted to write up this little post to bring the issue to the forefront of everyone’s mind. While this certainly can not take the place of a proper Will, I think that it is a good idea to have something like this to supplement your end of life plans.
You can sit down and make up your very own document, and put it in a safe but easy to find place. All you need is to do is to create a spreadsheet with everything categorized in an easy to understand fashion.
I will also be placing my own PDF files down below. You are welcome to print it and use it. All I ask is that you please be honest. Don’t upload it to any other site. I trust everyone also understands that it is wrong to try to profit from someone else’s intellectual property. So, please don’t let me find this being sold on Etsy or some other website.
It is a good idea for everyone over the age of 18 to have one of these documents. I have not only made one for myself, but I have also had my husband fill in his information and will be passing a copy along to my own parents and in-laws.
Final Thoughts…
Either way, I just hope that this has brought some important issues to mind and that you take the time to sit down and plan for the inevitable. This hasn’t been one of my most exciting posts; after all, who wants to read about death? But, I do believe that it is one of the more important ones.
Please feel free to share suggestions and ideas with each other in the comments’ section below.
Click Here to Open the Printable – In the event of…
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Tralena says
Thank you for all your advice. I will be printing your sheet in the event of my coming death.
Rachel Lynn says
Your very welcome! :-)
Deborah Figie says
I am trying to print the form “what if I die” where to find things.
Please assist me
Thank you
Rachel Lynn says
Hi Deborah. All printables are located in the gallery. This one is the last one in the list. Members can access the gallery via the link located under the “Resources” tab. If you are having problems with your password or need something specific, please email me for assistance.
Hames. says
So, I’ve clicked your “gallery” link, put in my email, received your email, there’s no link for a password and no way to view your “gallery”, there is no link provided on the email, no log in on the “gallery” give me your email to spam page, and no other info.
Is this just a spam grab or is your blog just messed up??
Rachel Lynn says
Hello Hames. I completely understand your position. However, I assure you, everything is on the up-and-up. I spend many long hours creating these freebies. My only intentions are to share quality content with my loyal visitors. Unfortunately, passwords are a necessity to ensure that my work isn’t being scraped/lifted by other unscrupulous sites. [sigh…] It’s the world we must live in. But, my printable gallery has over 20k members and is full of free quality content. Please check your spam folder as I am showing that the “Welcome” email was sent to you containing your password, but has not yet been opened. It is likely in your spam folder. If you are still having trouble, please feel free to email me with any questions. I will walk you through any issues that you are having.
Felicia says
Thanks so much for all the great printables! I signed up originally just to get this one, but was so pleasantly surprised by all the other great free printables that you provide for your members. Oh, and I enjoy all the great content in your newsletters, too. ?