In years past, every once in a while I'd decide it was important for me to know what to do about the paperwork in my life if something were to happen to my spouse. I'd ask him for a rundown on where insurance policies were, if our wills were still in the safety deposit box, and whom to call regarding investments, etc. He'd shake his head and tell me that everything was still in the same places as the last time I asked, and that I knew who our attorney was and I'd be fine. Neither one of us wanted to discuss it much. Another few years would go by and I'd repeat the process, and we would decide that maybe it was time to make sure we had a living will, or find we needed to change a name or address of a helpful person. And life went on. Since I'm married to a financial/investment person, I continued to be grateful that he managed the paperwork. After all, he knew what he was doing, and I had more interesting things to do.

This last time I asked about it, I got an earful about how I needed to make sure I remembered what he told me. It seems that he had just, for the umpteenth time, met with someone regarding an investment portfolio following a major transition in life. That client was more than a little lost because she didn't know what to do next, didn't know where the papers were that she needed, and had thought she "had all kinds of time." "It's hard to help someone pick up the pieces if no one knows what or where they are," he commented, his frustration visible. I too still think I have all kinds of time, but after hearing that story, I knew we needed to get much more organized - just in case. After much thought, discussion with helpful people, many trials and errors, this system was devised. Now - I am ready.

When you have completed your workbook, be sure to let the person who will be responsible know about the book, its whereabouts, and possibly, even make a copy of pertinent pages. Your children and affected relatives should be aware of it. Also, it is a good idea to make copies of important documents as well, keeping originals in your safety deposit box. The old adage that says it’s better to be safe than sorry is still a good one.