Take Further Action

Happy New Year!  January is a month of fresh starts and new beginnings. It is a month of  planning, reviewing, assessing, decision making, and of making resolutions. Webster’s Dictionary defines a resolution as “a decision as to further action.”  Many people resolve to get organized, and to get their affairs in order. Others decree that they are going to save money, exercise, lose weight, read the Bible cover to cover, etc… It’s all good!  An important factor in whether or not you follow through on your resolutions, is your level of determination.  For those who are determined to get their affairs in order, there is no better time than now. 

When is the last time you reviewed your insurance coverages, those you have through your job and those you purchased privately? Do you know how much coverage you have and who the beneficiary is?  Did you remember to change the beneficiary after a loss?  Who are the beneficiaries or payees on your bank accounts in the event of your death?

Have you done your Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care? Have you done your Advanced Funeral Planning? If the answer is yes, have you reviewed it lately?  

In the area of Funeral Planning you can do as much or as little as you choose, but make sure you do something.  It benefits your family greatly, to at least have funds accessible for funeral services at the time of your passing. This can be accomplished via insurance or a savings account.  Make sure you list a responsible beneficiary on your insurance policy.  Savings accounts need to be set up so that someone can withdraw at least enough funds to pay for your funeral, within a few days of your passing. 

It is helpful to your family for you to have also selected your services and merchandise. Your wishes are recorded during the Advanced Planning process.  Your Funeral Counselor is the best person to guide you and there is usually no cost for such counseling.  Funeral Counselors inform you of your options and assist you in planning thoroughly. 

Funeral Counselors can help you in many ways.  We can also call your insurance company, Employer’s Benefits Department, the cemetery, etc…to get your affairs updated and in order.  It is important to record this information and make it available to your closest relative(s).  

While making resolutions to get your affairs in order, make a decision to take further action now.  Start off the year “taking care of business”, and bless your family tremendously.

Gail Valentine Taylor, M.S.W.

Funeral Director

Woods-Valentine Mortuary

(626) 798-8941