End-of-life planning is one of those tasks that often gets pushed to the back burner. It’s not easy to think about your own mortality, and many of us are more focused on living in the present than on preparing for the future. However, when the time comes to handle the details, a well-organized end-of-life plan can make all the difference for both you and your loved ones.
While it’s easy to remember the big-ticket items—like writing a will, designating power of attorney, and making funeral arrangements—there are several smaller, yet equally important details that often get overlooked. These details can make a huge impact when it comes to reducing stress, preventing confusion, and ensuring that your wishes are fully carried out.
Here are some commonly forgotten aspects of end-of-life planning that deserve your attention.
1. Digital Assets and Online Accounts
In today’s digital world, our lives are intertwined with online platforms, from social media accounts to email, financial accounts, and even online subscriptions. It’s easy to forget that these accounts still need to be managed after you pass.
- Social Media Accounts: Do you want your social media profiles to remain active, be memorialized, or be deleted? Each platform has its own process for handling a deceased user’s account, and without instructions, your family may be left unsure of what to do. You can designate someone to manage your social media or include your wishes in your will or a digital asset manager.
- Online Banking and Investments: Many of us handle banking, investments, and even cryptocurrency online. Make sure someone has access to important financial accounts and knows where to find your login credentials (without giving away your passwords in an unsecured way).
- Subscriptions and Digital Media: Services like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple store your purchases and subscriptions. Make a list of these accounts and explain how you want them handled, whether that’s to cancel them or transfer the content to someone you trust.
2. Pets and Their Care
If you have pets, ensuring their well-being after you’re gone is a key part of your end-of-life planning. But it’s something that often slips through the cracks.
- Pet Guardianship: Who will take care of your pets when you can no longer do so? Many people assume family members will step in, but it’s important to make this decision explicit. Consider naming a trusted person in your will or preparing a pet care directive.
- Financial Considerations: Pets can be expensive to care for. If you want to provide for their future needs, you can set up a pet trust or allocate funds to a designated caregiver to ensure your pets are properly cared for after you pass.
3. Firearms
Gun ownership comes with some very strict and complex legal red tape. You’ll want to make sure your firearm documentation is all clear and organized during your planning.
4. Charitable Contributions
Many people want to leave a legacy by supporting causes they care about. If you want to make a charitable donation or establish a foundation, make sure this is included in your planning.
- Charitable Gifts: This can be outlined in your will, but it’s important to specify the exact organizations you want to support, how you want the donation to be made, and whether you want this to be a one-time contribution or an ongoing donation.
End-of-life planning is a multifaceted process that requires attention to detail. While it’s easy to focus on the big-picture items like your will and funeral plans, it’s the smaller, often forgotten aspects—like digital assets, pet care, and tax preparation—that can make a world of difference for your loved ones. Taking the time to address these aspects ensures that your legacy is carried out smoothly and in accordance with your wishes.
DocsBag’s end-to-end organization system covers all of these unique cases and more. The bag comes with video and text walkthroughs for all of the different documents you may need during end-of-life planning.
