To continue with the steps you can take to protect your spouse in the case of death, here are the other 5 ideas that really help a spouse organize their affairs after the loss of a spouse. Taken from a recent AARP article
6> Set up advance directives: You both will need health care powers of attorney to designate the person you want to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated. You’ll also need a living will that spells out what measures you want the doctor to take to prolong your life.
7> Designate a money person. Each of you will need a financial power or attorney so you can name a trusted person to make money decision if for you if you are unable to do so.
8> Review wills and trusts. Do this every few years or when there is a significant change in your life, such as a sizable increase or decrease in your finances. If you do not have a will GET ONE! This is crucial in making it easier for your loved ones to deal with your assets after your passing. Beneficiaries change, be sure to review your beneficiaries to make sure that you have not left someone out or left an ex-spouse in.
9> Discuss funeral plans. This can save thousands of dollars be letting the surviving spouse – who may need the money- know it is OK to not to choose the most expensive funeral.
10> Learn how bills are paid. Keep a list of how bills are paid so the survivor does not miss a payment or overdraw an account.
Basically, leave a trail that can be followed for the spouse or children left behind. No one thinks of the details of their every day life, but when you are gone, no one else will be able to pick up the pieces if you do not give them the information and access to do so. Take one issue a week and get it taken care of and then you and your loved ones can have the piece of mind that you have done what you could to make it easy on them to handle your affairs and take them over while dealing with the grief of having lost you.
