I'd like to welcome those of you who are stopping by today because of the Blog Hop. You've come at an interesting time.
We're right in the middle of going over all of the things someone needs to know, and take care of, NOW ...... in case their spouse dies sooner than expected.
The way ours did.
If this is your first time here, or your first time in a while, then you might want to check out these posts (here ...... and here) before you read any further. Just so you can know what we've discussed. So far.
Today's post will be shorter than usual. That's because it's 1:43 a.m. and I need to go to bed. But I really wanted to add something to the discussion today.
And so I shall. Even though I'm bleary-eyed and ready to drop.
No one can say that I don't sacrifice myself for my Peeps.
Well, I guess they could say that.
But they would be wrong.
Very wrong!
Anyway ..... back to the list.
#4. Get all of his passwords. And give him all of your passwords.
Now. Today. ASAP.
I understand that some people might have a problem with this. After all, passwords are in place for a reason: security and privacy. Some people carry that too far, by keeping things from their spouse, but that's a whole 'nother post for a whole 'nother day.
If your spouse is hesitant to give you all of his passwords, or you are, then write them down and put them somewhere safe, with instructions on finding them in case of death.
And relax, you don't have to give each other every single password. Just the ones that would affect him/her. Like bank accounts, family sites, FaceBook so that he/she can notify friends if something happens.
This wasn't an issue 20 years ago. We didn't have passwords. Unless we were spies, or one of Ali Baba's 40 thieves.
But now? Holy cow, now we all probably have at least 5 - 10 passwords.
Bank accounts.
Utilities.
Airlines ...... with mileage accounts.
Insurance. You know. From all of that life insurance you purchased after reading my first post on this topic.
Make sure you both would have access to much-needed passwords ...... if something happened to make you need them.
#5. Sit down together and create a list of people and phone numbers that need to be called in case "it" happens.
a. first - family. And then close friends. You will need someone, or several someones, to get to you ASAP. So have a list ready, and updated, of all of those phone numbers. Hopefully you won't be the one to have to make those calls. Give that job to friends ...... who will be asking what they can do to help. Making those phone calls would be a very big help.
b. business phone numbers - the boss, HR, co-workers ...... anyone at work who would need to know ASAP that a co-worker has died. And HR so that the benefits ball can start rolling. They can begin whatever paperwork will be required in order to collect insurance, retirement, 401k, etc.
c. Insurance company/companieS - since you now, or soon will, have a significant amount of life insurance, these companies will need to be called ASAP. This also means that you need to have policy numbers written down with the phone numbers.
d. I hate to add this one, but it's a fact of
That's one of the very first questions you'll be asked ...... where do you want the body to be sent? So it really helps to already know this. This topic will later be another number in the list, where I will address it further. For now, just know that it should be on the phone list.
e. Your minister/pastor/rabbi, etc. If you are a member of a church/synagogue, you (or someone else) will need to call to let them know of the death. And to arrange for the date of the funeral/memorial. But mostly, to let the pastor/rabbi know so that they can get to you ASAP.
OK, that's it for now. It's almsot 2:30 and I'm falling asleep at the keyboard.
Keep reading and commenting/asking questions/offering advice. And don't worry if you 've made a comment but I haven't posted it, or addressed it, yet. I will. I promise. I"m just trying to do this with some sort of order.
But know that your comment/question will be addressed.
Sooner or later.
OK, Peeps. My eyes keep closing, so I'm out of here.
And dreaming of going to NY tomorrow.
Just in time for another "named" storm.
I'm not sure what that says about me ...... or NY, but I can't wait to get there.
And to have 5 of the kids there.
Happy Wednesday, Peeps.
:)
Here are the blogs of everyone participating in the monthly Blog Hop. Please stop by their blogs and say hello.
:-)
7 comments:
Such a good list - wise words......
Not only have a funeral home in mind, but think about burial vs cremation, plot vs spreading ashes. Tough to think about, but we all need to someday. I look at it as doing a favor for loved ones, it will be one less task they will have to deal with when their mind is crazy with grief.
Thanks for the reminder. Three years and four months after my wife passed away, I've only arranged who will continue to raise my kids in case I can't anymore. Passwords? My kids have better memory than I, so mine is safe with them. ;-) Lost most of my memory when I lost my wife.
Great list. We do not have to write anything down. There is a password keeper program (lots actually) which will keep them all. You only need to know one for the account. It makes it a lot easier when the one who does all of that is AOAS not available.
xxx
My husband had a folder on his computer named "_Tamara" so it would be at the top of the list. It contained one password protected file with all of his accounts, links to them, IDs and passwords. Unfortunately, he didn't tell me the password to open it! As I sat there knowing that I really needed to get into it I asked myself what was most likely. I tried MY favorite password that only he knew. It opened right up.
I came to see that as his final love letter to me.
Dear Janine. Another excellent post. I just wish no one needed the information.
and, I love you. Very much. And I am excited that you will be in NYC. Very excited. Really. And that we may get a chance to see each other. But you really didn't need to bring a storm with you again. It's not a requirement! Not that I speak for the whole east coast. But I am sure I speak for many of us!!!! Just saying!!!!!
And just kidding of course. If I get to see you it's worth putting up with a storm!!!! Hope you have a safe trip! xoxoxo
Passwords are important. I remember trying to figure out some of them. Although I knew they would be between two that he used often, it was still a little stressful. Especially when it came to our finances! All these things are important. As we all know we may not know when our last day will be.
Samantha
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