Gone But Not Disorganized: How To Leave a Legacy (Not a Mess)
Have you ever thought about making a ‘When I’m Gone’ checklist?
Let’s begin by quoting our own Rachel Kabb Effron: “None of our clients really want to think about what happens after they die. I understand – it’s awkward, a little morbid, and not exactly the best icebreaker at dinner parties. But here is our little secret—planning ahead is one of the kindest things you can do for your loved ones”.
You know what it’s like to wade through a mountain of paperwork, dodge “mystery keys,” and play password roulette?
We’re confident that you know exactly why this matters, and the last thing that you want is for your family to have to embark on an emotional scavenger hunt to find your missing keys to your safe deposit box. And, in some cases, all they’ll find are expired coupons.
Here’s what we, at Kabb Law, recommend: invest a little time now, and it will make a big difference later. Don’t think of it as a grim duty. Think of it as a final act of love—sort of like sending your family on a vacation but without the bottles of sunscreen or overpriced airport snacks.
Let’s call it: The “When I’m Gone” Checklist.
A “When I’m Gone” checklist serves as a practical guide for end-of-life planning, giving your loved ones easy access to the information they’ll need most. It covers everything from personal details and vital documents to financial records, funeral plans, and your final wishes.
By gathering it all in one organized place, it helps reduce stress and brings peace of mind knowing your affairs are clearly laid out.
The “When I’m Gone” Checklist
Passwords & Accounts:
Write down, or even better, use a password manager for your master list. Email your family passwords for your bank, Netflix, etc., because no one wants to be locked out of the family accounts while grieving.
We give out bonus points if you add the answers to your security questions, especially the tough ones (“Who was your next-door neighbor in 3rd grade?”).
Important Documents:
Store your will, insurance, title deeds, and medical directives where they are obvious and safe.
By this, we mean, don’t wedge them behind the boiler or tuck them inside an old shoebox under the bed.
(Pro tip: Please tell at least one responsible person where they are kept. )
Bills & Subscriptions:
Make a list of what you need to have cancelled, such as cable, streaming, utilities, and club memberships.
Personal Touches:
Here’s where you can put in a heartfelt note, such as a favorite recipe, or the secret to getting gum out of the carpet (seriously—your wisdom shouldn’t go out with you). Telling them a joke, a story, or just a reminder that you love them would be a wonderful thing to add because these little things matter more than any bank account info.
Contacts:
Make it easy for your heirs while they are in mourning and leave a list of who to tell—Aunt Susan, your quirky pickleball partner, or that neighbor who puts out treats for your dog. Help your family to avoid the awkward “Who exactly is Ken, and why should he be at the memorial?” situation.
House Stuff:
Where’s the spare key? Alarm code? Wi-Fi password? If organization isn’t your strong suit, then draw a map. It will become a family heirloom – guaranteed! And maybe, just maybe, mention the squeaky floorboard in the master bedroom that you never got around to fixing.
Funeral Wishes:
Whether you want a mass of invitees, a poetry reading, or just your extended family, jot it down. Remember, this is your last party—make sure everything is done right.
A Final Nudge (With a Wink)
When it comes to a ‘When I’m Gone’ checklist, no one’s expecting perfection. Even if your list is semi-organized, it can save your loved ones hours, dollars, and a few new emotional gray hairs. Look at it as a kind of spring cleaning for your legacy.
Finally, pour yourself a cup of coffee, queue up some beloved music, and take the time to tackle this. You’ll not only save your family trouble, but you’ll leave them with one last fond impression of you as thoughtful, prepared, and yes, just a little bit playful.
And who knows? They just might find the million dollars you were dreaming of finding.
To get started on this “down-to-earth” journey, call Rachel at Kabb Law: 216-991-5222.
