Estate Planning 101

When people die, they leave behind a life that must be closed out. The funeral must be planned, bank accounts closed, pets placed in new homes and final bills paid. The job of handling those personal and legal tasks is stressful and can take a year or more to complete, all while grieving.

Below are suggested documents to have in a binder or folder that can help the loved ones or executor when the time comes.

• Marriage certificates, birth certificates and military records.

• Real estate documents including deeds and leases, mortgage loan information.

• Life, medical, Medicare, homeowners and auto insurance policies.

• Bank account information including pensions and retirement accounts; bank statements included if possible.

• Social Security number and driver’s license.

• Tax returns.

• Pink slips for vehicles and car registration and loan information.

• Recurring bills and auto payments from bank accounts.

• Keys and codes to safe deposit boxes.

• Will or Trust information.

• Funeral home or cemetery documents, if pre-planned.

• Credit card information.

• Advanced healthcare directive.

• Power of attorney.

For more information, contact Medicare insurance broker Sandra Teel at 657-204-4224 (office) or 909-856-9379 (cell).

—Sandra Teel