End-of-life checklist

Somewhere safe that a trusted person can reach, such as a fireproof box, with copies of key items. Tell them where it is. Avoid a safe deposit box that no one else can open.

For a will, trust or power of attorney, a licensed attorney in your state is the safest choice. A checklist cannot replace legal advice.

It is safer to list the institutions and where records are kept, rather than write full account numbers in a document many people can see.

Gather the key documents in one place and let a trusted person know where they are. Useful items include a will, advance directive, power of attorney, insurance policies, a list of bank accounts, pension and Social Security information, military discharge papers if applicable, and any pre-need contract. A list of online accounts and passwords stored securely also helps. What to do: make a simple folder or binder, add contact details for your attorney and financial advisor, and review it once a year. This is general information, not legal advice, so consult an attorney for your specific situation.

Tell the people most likely to carry them out, such as your spouse, adult children, a close friend, or the person named to make decisions. Share where the written plan is kept and any contract details. It also helps to tell your doctor, attorney, or clergy if relevant. Avoid keeping the plan only in a safe deposit box or locked file that no one can open quickly. What to do: have a calm conversation with two or three trusted people, give each a copy of your plan, and update them whenever your wishes or contracts change.

There is no perfect time, and many people begin when they retire, face a health change, or lose a loved one. Starting earlier gives you time to compare options and talk with family without pressure. You can begin with a free written plan and decide about prepayment later. Planning is also a kindness to those who would otherwise have to guess. What to do: choose a quiet afternoon, gather basic information such as documents and contacts, make a short list of wishes, and set a reminder to review it once a year.

Funeral pre-planning means recording your wishes and, if you choose, making arrangements and payments ahead of time. It spares your family from making many decisions while grieving, and it lets you compare prices calmly. You can write your wishes without paying anything, or purchase a pre-need contract with a provider. There is no right age to begin, and a plan can be changed whenever your wishes or circumstances change. What to do: start by writing down the type of service you want, any music, readings, or people to notify, and where important documents are, then share a copy with your family.

Writing down your funeral wishes is simple, and it helps your family act with confidence. Include whether you prefer burial or cremation, the type of service, any songs or readings, who should speak, and where you would like your remains placed. Add a few lines on budget and any people you want notified. A written note is usually not legally binding in every state, so consider also naming a trusted person. What to do: write it in plain language, sign and date it, keep copies with your family, and review it every few years.

Usually not, because an advance directive covers medical care while you are alive, not funeral arrangements. A living will and a health care power of attorney guide decisions about treatment if you cannot speak for yourself. Funeral wishes are generally recorded in a separate document, and some states allow you to name a person to control the disposition of your remains. Rules vary by state. What to do: complete your advance directive with your doctor or attorney, write your funeral wishes separately, and make sure the same trusted people know where both documents are.