Written by: Amber Stitt, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Medical emergencies, debilitating health problems and even death can strike at any moment. So, preparing for a time when you can no longer care for yourself or your family is critical. If your loved ones have all of your important details and documents clearly organized, it will significantly reduce the stress on them in an already challenging time.
In this blog, I’ve outlined the key organization steps you should follow!
Step 1: Put Yourself First
If you’re experiencing stress or other mental health-related issues, prioritizing the future of your family is hard. It’s only when you’re happy in the present that you can wholeheartedly project that energy into the future. Getting to know the real you with personality tests and emotional intelligence tools is a great place to start when preparing for the unexpected. This will allow you to figure out what makes you tick and what makes you smile.
Once you’re in a stable, happy and positive place, then you can really make a significant impact on your future with personal organization. If you’re not a fan of the trusty filing cabinet, many online storage options offer impeccable security and safety. Here are some that I would recommend:
Storing personal documents such as insurance papers, property records and financial details will reduce stress and protect your mental strength during unexpected times in the future. Keeping them online and sharing the cloud-based folder with those who would need the items is very important!
Step 2: Make a Team Effort
It’s very common for couples to designate one spouse who manages their finances, insurance, medical information and so on. Yet, if they suddenly pass away, the other is left in the dark. Feeling incompetent in a time of need will only heighten the stress they’re already experiencing.
For this reason, working together to form a viable storage system that you both have access to is important. This way, you’re both in the know and can quickly put your finger on whatever you need without scrambling through unorganized documents. Also, going through this process will help the partner who feels a little in the dark, to be on the same page, which is also great for the relationship.
Not sure which details you should prioritize? I’ve designed a checklist that covers everything you’ll need in this scenario. Take a look here!
TOP TIP: Consider Estate Planning. Despite opinions that it’s only for those with a high net worth, you have a right to decide where your assets will end up. This cuts stress for your family when navigating such tricky times.
Step 3: Organize Suitable Care
Young children and other individuals who cannot provide adequate self-care will require you to appoint a legal guardian. Although you may already be lucky to have support from friends and family, getting official plans in order is crucial.
You’re in charge of making the final decision. However, there are certain requirements to follow.
The individual must:
Be over 18
Be mentally and physically capable of fulfilling the role
Should be financially capable to handle the additional responsibilities
On a more personal level, it’s important to think about the values, beliefs, lifestyle and so on of that individual. In making them a legal guardian, will your loved one experience unnecessary stress and turmoil? If you have a person in mind but they may not have the financial resources, other insurance planning may be needed to level out the financial burden in the event they were to take over such a role. You will want to begin that discussion sooner than later so that you can bookmark additional funds for these products.
When you’ve made your decision, gathering all the necessary documents they will need is crucial. You can organize them into an online file as mentioned above for easy access at their convenience.
What’s your biggest worry about preparing for the unexpected? Maybe I can provide some guidance. Let’s talk!
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Amber Stitt, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Amber Stitt is a Financial Consultant, Business Strategist, and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach who helps individuals and businesses to take action to Catastrophe Proof their lives. She is co-owner at M.D. Disability Quotes and founder of the AmberStitt.com Blog and has been working in the financial industry for 10+ years.
Amber's passion is to help individuals identify how to implement custom planning processes that allow for those to do so within areas where they are naturally talented. She feels that it is everyone's duty to take care of those we love as well as ourselves, while we are able-bodied to. Planning can feel like a daunting project; so many or most, don't take the time to work on their overall game plan. She loves to educate and motivate those that she meets, so they achieve success and resilience with whatever obstacles they may face in life!
