Final Arrangements
Most folks will agree that it's human
nature to put off an unpleasant task. Our excuses run the gamut from, "I'm too
busy," or "I'm not in the mood," or "I don't know how to start." But for the
peace of mind of your loved ones, and maybe your own, right now is the right
time to start making some decisions on what your final wishes are in case
you're seriously incapacitated or should die suddenly. We can't help you with
your schedule, or make the subject pleasant, but we've assembled a few
resources that can help you get started. |
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Advance Directive
Americans are growing older and living
longer, thanks to scientific and medical advances. However, as they age some
individuals may be concerned that their quality of life will decline or that
they will be subjected to extreme life-preserving measures, especially if
they're terminally ill or seriously injured. A
health care advance directive is a document that describes the health care you want in the
future if you cannot speak for yourself. You can name someone to make health
decisions for you and give instructions about the kind of health care you do or
do not want. An advance directive can also alleviate some family stress. By
expressing your wishes in advance, you save family or friends from struggling
to decide what you would want to be done. |
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Other
Resources
This is just brief overview. For more
information on final arrangements check out these resources on
the World Wide Web:
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Your Estate and Your Will
It's ironic. Many of us exert great
effort in building our lives and planning our financial futures yet give little
thought to how we would want our hard-earned assets handled after we're no
longer able watch over them. Others may think, "Oh, I really don't have
anything or any money." Chances are, you do. No matter what your situation, by
making a will you get to
determine who gets custody of your property after you die and who doesn't. Your
estate isn't all about the size of your bank account; it's also about your
everyday personal items. Some very simple items around your home, a piece of
furniture or a book, could be cherished mementos after you're gone. When
planning your will, it's helpful to sit down and take a thoughtful inventory of
your assets. Once you realize its potential size, you might want to consider
some additional estate
planning, or decide to have a yard sale! Again, it's important to start
when you're feeling well, and not when you're ill or distracted by other
weighty decisions. |
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Funeral Planning
Bereaved families are also vulnerable to
unscrupulous funeral service providers, especially if they are not aware of
your final wishes in
advance. To help relieve family members and loved ones of some of the decisions
about their last wishes, increasing numbers of people are designating their
preferences, planning their own funerals, and sometimes paying for them in
advance. However, if you decide to prepay, there are several issues to
consider, such as:
- Are you protected if the firm you
dealt with goes out of business?
- What if the products or services you
purchased in advance are no longer available at the time of your
death?
- What happens if you move to a
different area?
By preplanning and leaving a written
record of your wishes, you're assured that your family knows how you would have
wanted things). |
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For more information on
other popular consumer issues check out our Consumer Focus Archive. |
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