We spend a lot of our busy lives planning – be it for holidays, weddings or our financial futures. Planning for our death? Not so much. But as Macmillan Cancer Support’s Let’s Talk About Death campaign shows, it shouldn’t be a taboo subject and taking small but simple steps can help you and your family prepare emotionally, practically and financially so you can get on with living life as fully as you can. So, roll up your sleeves and add these seven simple “death admin” tasks to your to do list.
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Talk to your friends and family about your wishes
Most people don’t talk about death until it touches them in some way, but having conversations now can alleviate anxiety and make it more straight-forward when the time comes. You may want to think about what you want to say beforehand and where you want to say it – be it on a walk, over the phone or over a cup of tea – to ensure the time is right and you can make the most of the conversation.
Decide how you would like your life to be celebrated
Thinking about how you’d like your funeral to be and recording your wishes can be liberating. It’s a chance to help your loved ones come together and remember you as you would want them to. Setting out the location, songs, readings and even guest list can not only give you a sense of reassurance but also provide your family and friends with peace of mind knowing that your wishes are being followed.
Write your will
Without an up to date will your possessions, money, property, and even dependent children could be left to someone you haven’t chosen. And will writing doesn’t need to cost you time and money. There are lots of schemes out there like Macmillan’s free will writing service where you can choose when and where you’d like to write your will - be it on the phone, through a home visit or online – fitting around you and your lifestyle.
Assign guardianship for your children
Lots of people think that custody of their children will automatically go to their partner or next of kin if they die, but this isn’t the case. You can legally assign a guardian through a written declaration which is signed and dated, or in your will. Without this written record, the decision is left to the courts.
Make a list of all your important documents and contacts
When someone close to us dies the grief we feel can be amplified by the additional stress and anxiety of trying to manage their affairs – often with no idea of what bank accounts they had, who their solicitor was or how they managed their bills. To help your loved ones when you pass on, consider putting together a folder of key information that will ease their burden following your death.
Set up your life insurance
If you have family, a partner or other relative relies on your income to pay for outgoings like the mortgage or other big expenses, then you probably want to consider investing in a life insurance policy, or checking if your work provides anything. If you die, this would ensure your dependents are looked after even if you have passed on.
Record your wishes for end of life care
How many of us have thought about where we would like to die, or if we would like to receive treatment right until the very end? Considering these choices and recording them is very important because it not only means your wishes are more likely to be fulfilled, but will also help your loved ones decide on your behalf should they ever need to.
Macmillan is making it even easier to help you take that first step in planning for the future and has launched a free-will writing service so you can get on with living. Visit macmillan.org.uk/donate/gifts-in-wills