One of my goals for this year is to prepare for the worst. An item that’s been on my list for a long time is to make copies of all my important documents.
Reading about fires and floods, documentation is always something that people discuss. As well, having been through Matt’s death, I know exactly how much paperwork is involved and how helpful it is for my executor to have it all in one place.
I know why I should do this. But it’s overwhelming to think about getting it all together.
Then last year, I saw an article about a “death binder” in our community paper. The author wrote, “a death binder is a comprehensive collection of documents and information that can help your loved ones manage your affairs in the event of your passing.”
He listed all of the items a death binder should include: personal and financial information like your social insurance number and bank account details, as well as important contacts, passwords, pet care instructions, messages for loved ones and more.
It was a clear, simple list. It felt doable.
Even better, it was divided into seven different sections. So I came up with the plan of doing one section a month. I also invited my Mom to do it with me.
January was for personal information. February was financial. In March we did properties and assets. Now we’re working on accounts and passwords. May will be funeral and burial wishes, June letters and messages, July any other considerations.
I’m making hard copies as well as digital copies of everything. I’ll keep one set for myself and give another to my executor.
Working through it piece by piece feels manageable, and I’m glad to finally be making progress on this important task.
Home on 129 Acres 
Happy Easter Monday Julia.
I hope you had a beautiful Easter weekend. Please say âhiâ to Steve for us.
Jaro and I attended a Good Friday service at an Evangelical church on our street. Although we are not members we found the self guided walk through the Cross stations in the quiet dimly lit gym space to be very moving. We hosted an Easter brunch yesterday and all enjoyed a game of Yahtzee after the meal. Tonight we are looking forward to seeing our granddaughter perform in the year end dance recital.
The Death binder is a practical and loving piece of yourself to leave for your loved ones for your wishes âwhen Iâm no longer hereâ. I have a small book I ordered on Amazon of the same title. This is also on my to do list in completing it this year. I like your strategy in dividing the content to be completed by months making the task less daunting to finish.
For me, apart from naming the executor or in my case joint executors, is naming the POA. One doesnât know what the futures hold. It is very important while still alive to have your wishes of care met while we are still here.
Happy Spring ! ð·
Hugs, Pam
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