Moving on

redofromstart

thanks @WelshmansDaughter - that looks really useful, although like many of these things I hope there is a 'low ink' way to print it.  The pictures are pretty but they use a lot of ink!

rtandon27

@WelshmansDaughter - thanks so much for the link - I'll be sending that one to my Mom over the pond as she thinks that I'm going to be able to remember all the random pieces of info she's thrown at me over the years!  Also hoping to fill in one for OH & myself as his memory has been like a sieve for the 20 years we've been together and I know for a fact their are things he would not remember if they are not written down.

badmemory

I've had that downloaded on my computer for some time & keep meaning to print any appropriate pages. Me procrastinate - never.  However in my defence I do have a box file labelled what to do if I can't.  That has lists of all my account numbers, which I update every so often & the deeds & the freehold & will & POAs.  I just really should go through the lifebook & see if there is anything I have missed, there will be something I'm sure.  I just need that kick to sort it.  And the icing on the cake - I have already paid the co-op for my cremation service.

In a sense I cheated as I did all this after being executor for my mother.

liselle

I heard a programme on Radio 4 where it was decided that procrastination is in itself, an activity! I love that

WelshmansDaughter

For the record Cherry, the search I used was
financial records template for next of kin.

@redofromstart you can order a free printed copy from the website. Otherwise I would just copy it all into a spreadsheet or a notebook to save printing it.

WelshmansDaughter

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/end-of-life-planning/lifebook/

Link to homepage for Lifebook.

Sorry for hijack, Cherry

Cherryfudge

WelshmansDaughter said:

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/end-of-life-planning/lifebook/

Link to homepage for Lifebook.

Sorry for hijack, Cherry

You're very welcome! I rang up today and asked if I needed two copies as DH and I both want to do this. She's sending two as she advised one per person. Took about five minutes once I got through after waiting about 15 minutes, and the phone line is 24/7. The number is 0800 678 1602 (Age UK Advice line).

It's free, by the way. 

I did mention to the person I spoke to that this is something we should all do, not just official OAPs, and she agreed. It's not just about what to do in the event of a death, but the sort of things we would like to be taken into consideration if we couldn't make or express decisions, and the things like regular medication and where it's stored - so if I managed to fall off a ladder (again) and ended up in hospital (again), DH could bring my medications in or inform the ward what I need.

I imagine you could also add things like insurance renewal dates - so they don't sneak up on you with a roll-over increase.

It could also be a help if I were to shuffle off this mortal coil (obviously, I mean when not if!) because I have a freebie insurance with my union membership and I don't think DH would remember he could claim that.

Cherryfudge

badmemory said:

I do have a box file labelled what to do if I can't.  That has lists of all my account numbers, which I update every so often & the deeds & the freehold & will & POAs.  I just really should go through the lifebook & see if there is anything I have missed, there will be something I'm sure.  I just need that kick to sort it.  And the icing on the cake - I have already paid the co-op for my cremation service.

In a sense I cheated as I did all this after being executor for my mother.

It sounds as though you are much more organised than me! 'What to do if I can't' is such a good way of looking at it. Have you included where to turn utilities on/off, find a torch, spares of things and instruction booklets?

My list is getting so long I will be using the finished document as a door stop - or perhaps I can write on the front of the Lifebook where to go for Volume 2!

WelshmansDaughter

I have yet to go through it Cherry but I did fill out my dad’s booklet from the Alzheimers Society which is something to think about also. Not just in case of dementia. It covers more personal things.

Cherryfudge

And while I'm thinking of it, one of the most useful things my Mum did for us was to arrange her own funeral, which I always said I'd do for myself, but haven't yet got round to it. In a way I'm not too bothered as I won't have to sit through it, but it would be good to have it paid for and chose a hymn.