Plan ahead

Planning checklist

Organize wishes, documents, trusted people, and digital legacy at a pace that fits real life.

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Recently lost someone?

3 tasks

People and authority

Name who should help, who should decide, and how they can find what they need.

Pick someone organized, reachable, and able to handle family dynamics. Ask before naming them.

RequiredYou or loved one
Choose well

Choose someone who can follow your wishes under pressure and share copies with clinicians once documents are signed.

RequiredYou or loved one
Start conversation

Include close family, attorney, doctor, clergy, financial advisor, insurance agent, and anyone who should be notified quickly.

OptionalYou or loved one

2 tasks

Wishes and care preferences

Make values and preferences visible before anyone has to guess.

Write down preferences for service type, music, readings, faith or cultural needs, burial or cremation, and anything you do not want.

RequiredYou or loved one
Understand choices

Describe comfort, independence, home, hospital care, spiritual support, and who should be present if health changes.

RequiredYou or loved one
Learn hospice basics

2 tasks

Documents and accounts

Help future helpers find records without creating privacy or security problems.

List where to find IDs, will, trust, insurance, deeds, vehicle title, military records, tax returns, and safe-deposit details.

RequiredYou or loved one

List accounts and instructions, but keep passwords in a password manager with emergency access rather than a plain document.

OptionalYou or trusted helper
Plan digital legacy

2 tasks

Memorial and review

Prepare the pieces family often wishes they had and keep the plan current.

Collect names, dates, places, photos, favorite stories, service music, readings, and charities that matter.

OptionalYou or family editor
Make a memorial

Revisit documents, contacts, beneficiaries, passwords, and wishes after major life events or at least once a year.

OptionalYou or trusted helper