But perhaps most important, they care deeply
about their families. And because so, they have arranged
their own funerals ahead of time with pre-need funeral
planning-sparing those they love this emotional and financial
burden in the future.
Keeping good records
Few of us bother to keep good records of our personal
and financial affairs. Unfortunately, disorganized or incomplete
records can lead to costly complications, if something
unexpected happens to you.
For your family's sake, write down everything
you think the executor of your estate will need to know
to carry out your wishes. This information should match
the information in your will.
You should list all your biographical and
financial information, including:
- A will
- Any children's names, addresses and telephone
numbers
- Insurance polices
- Bank accounts and securities
- Safe deposit boxes
- Benefit entitlements
- Any other important documents
Then take a few minutes regularly to review
this information and update it if necessary.
The importance of making a will
Every adult should have a will, regardless
of age or financial situation. A will is a legal document
that can prevent many serious problems for those you leave
behind. It ensures that your personal property will be
distributed according to your wishes.
Without a will, your possessions will be
distributed by a court appointed administrator. And it
is unlikely that your possessions would be distributed
the way you want.
So if you don't already have a will, plan
to have one drawn up as soon as possible. It's in your
and your family's best interests to do so.
When you have your will drawn up, you will
also want to name an executor of your estate. The executor
should be someone in whom you have complete confidence.
That's because this person will be responsible for carrying
out the provisions in your will.
In addition, since wills may be contested
due to legal technicalities, we recommend you use the services
of a competent attorney to draw up your will, as well as
to help settle your estate.
Making Arrangements When the Need Arises
- Contact
your insurance agents to update all insurance policies
and annuities for beneficiary and ownership corrections.
Make sure that the deceased is not listed as beneficiary
on any policies in force.
- Notify all former pension fund accounts of
the deceased to receive benefits and change accounts
to show proper ownership.
- Correct stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other
assets (real estate holdings, limited partnership,
etc.) to show current name of owner.
- Contact banks, savings & loans
and credit unions where finances are kept to make proper
name change. (Review with your legal advisor to possibly
add dependents or relatives names to accounts.)
- Cancel credit cards that are in the deceased's
name.
- Go to a Bureau of Motor Vehicles license
branch and change the titles of cars, trucks and boats
to reflect proper ownership.
- File a death certificate with
the county clerk's office to record the deed change and
with the county treasurer's office for taxes. (Remove
the decedent's name.)
- Update wills, trusts and organizations you
wish to provide or leave charitable contributions.
- Discuss with your family your wishes regarding
the funeral service you would want. PreArrangements made
in advance will shift the burden on many difficult decisions
from your family to your funeral director.
- To the many of your who have already placed
your trust and confidence in us by planning ahead, we thank
you.
- Check with a monument company or cemetery
to make sure the final date has been ordered on the monument
or marker. Zahoran Funeral Home will normally take care
of this for you. (Most all monument companies check with
the local cemeteries only 3 times a year to letter granite
monuments. The lettering may take awhile.)
- If you were married at the time of death,
call social security at 1-800-772-1213 to file for your
one time lump sum benefit. (Zahoran Funeral Home can only
file the basic social security form at the time of death,
but are not allowed to file of the lump sum benefit. )
This payment will be made to surviving spouse or dependent
only.
- Consider a living will. Many funeral homes
and doctor's offices have these forms available. Once complete,
your family will never have to face difficult decisions
about life support. They will know your wishes.
