Life, Taxes and Beyond

When the passing of a loved one occurs, it’s important to take detailed notes of important conversations that will occur. 

While it's a good decision to let those know what you want before you pass there is a lot of paperwork and documentation to be taken after a death occurs. 

Again, no matter how much you have prepared yourself for this unstoppable event to occur are you truly ready? No one wants to say their goodbyes or until we meet again. 

 At the moment of death, expected or unexpected your life can seem as if a metaphorical tornado just swept though. There’s a lot to accomplish and yes you’ll have the staff at the funeral home there to help guide you and try to take as much of the stress off your shoulders as possible however, things will come up that you may have to do on your own. 

There are many of you who have personally never had to make funeral arrangements for someone and then there a lot of you who have had to face this. For those who are going through the process alone will have the funeral home trying to help and friends who are doing the same and maybe one is saying something completely different. These people aren’t trying to frustrate you; they just care and want to lend a helping hand. 

After you have heard every suggestion coming from every angle, questions will arise. My advice…write in down. 

While working with Bob Greene I have always heard him stress to families to write everything down; this has now become a staple of the conversations I have with my families All you need is a spiral notebook and write your questions down no matter the importance because chances are you will forget to ask. The question will be on the tip of your tongue and it’ll be gone. 

Another thing to keep written down is the important phone calls or appointments you might make to establishments such as the social security office, insurance companies, banks and so on. Keep the time, date, person you spoke with and a brief summary of what was discussed. This is to prevent any miscommunication that may evolve. You’re in a vulnerable state of mind; it can be easy for something to slip through the cracks. I’m not saying these people are going to send you on a wild goose chase, it’s just a helpful tool to have if an issue does arise you are able to say “I spoke with Mary Doe on July, 13 at 10:54 am and this was what was discussed…”. You’re only covering your bases. Once you have completed the task at hand you can check the page off and move on to the next. This tip can be very benificail you and all it requires is a pencil and notebook and I can save you a lot of headache and stress tears. Also keep all records of any payments made and bills settled. 

Don't be afraid to follow up if you have additional questions or concerns. Most people are only there to help and writing down questions or compiling conversations can only help them help you. Also sometimes following up can get results that you are looking for. 

Have the peace of mind knowing you have done all you can. Try to relax and lean on those around you for the support that you will need. You won't be alone. You are loved. 

Until next time Life, taxes and…

Josh