During leaf peeping season here in New England, we all prepare for the time when the leaves fall. We know this colorful season is the precursor to the cold and snow that is ahead. We stack wood, fill the oil tank, and gather back up provisions for the storms that are certain to appear in the winter season.

Being prepared for the inevitable is an essential component of life. Life is a bit less stressful when you are ready for the bumps along the way. Nothing flows smoothly all the time. We know that from experience. Yet, the legal quagmire of life and death often disturbs people so much they do not even start to consider what needs doing. By not dealing with the issues now, they are adding stress to their life later. (Do not need convincing? Skip below to my list of “To-Do’s)

Or they think they have done everything they need to do but never consult a professional to be sure. For example, if you did your Last Will & Testament twenty years ago, yes, it is still valid. However, consider the changes in your life since then:

Have you married?
Had children?
Moved to a new state?
Divorced?
Had family or relationship shifts through death or disconnection?
Started a business?

These life changes require a review of your estate planning documents. People often get involved in the emotional side of life changes and forget about the practical and financial side. According to a Pew Research study, only 32% of U.S. adults have a will. Yet, there is one fact of life for all of us. We will die.

Being prepared is not a death sentence. Instead, think of it as an act of love. There are many things we do for loved ones that we would rather not, but the priority of the relationship inspires us to act. Today is as good a day as any to get moving step by step on your post-life plan.

Here is what to do:

Update your will. And your estate plan. Then, destroy old wills. Having more than one around causes problems your heirs do not need.
Be sure your Power of Attorney is up to date both for your finances and health care.
Verify who are your beneficiaries for your retirement plans and life insurance. Be sure they are who you want them to be today. Request it in writing from the companies. Many people do not have current beneficiaries which delays the whole estate settlement process.
Share passwords. Whether you hand a list to a spouse or partner or just keep a file that is clearly written and easily accessible, this information is critical in today’s world. If your incapacitated or have passed on, your financial situation can be handled with more ease.
Leave a paper trail of all your assets and debts. The more information the better. And leave the list where loved ones will find it or a note where to find it.
Have a list of your automatic payments and which account they come from – this will serve you in life and others in death.
Notify those who are Executor, Trustee or Power of Attorney for health and finances. Though I suggest you talk to them before they appear in your legal documents, preparation is helpful for anyone who willing be assisting you in illness or your estate at death.
Leave a paper trail of your treasured personal assets. Label keys, family heirlooms and important photos so people know what they are looking at and perhaps who they should go to.

If you do the above, you will be organized in life. Your financial life will be smoother. Your loved ones will be grateful. Most of all, you are establishing sound financial behavior for a lifetime of success.

Still not convinced to prepare? You may have your reasons. If some of these sound familiar, think again:

Think you do not have enough assets to plan? Everyone owns clothes and household goods. Add that most have bank accounts, a car and/or jewelry. Those are enough assets no matter what the dollar amount.

Too young? We can die at any age, and I agree there is a greater chance as we age. Yet, even in our twenties there is a chance of death and a greater chance of disability.

No time? No one knows when they are going to die. Often young parents with children say they are motivated to plan because of their children’s future. They are pulled in many directions. They do need to consider what would happen to those children if they were not around to raise them. Their wishes will only be honored if they have them in writing.

Being prepared for the falling leaves of life does not make life stressful; Rather, the preparation paves the way for a smoother transition tomorrow.

Enjoy the beautiful leaves today.

For anyone who has loss a loved one recently, check out my blog post on what do next.