Somebody is going to have to settle your financial affairs when you pass away. It can be a difficult job. So why not make it easier for that person or persons?

An article on the Huffington Post has listed nine things you might do to make it easier for your survivors to settle your affairs.

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    1)  Create a file called “My Estate Plan” and put all your estate planning documents in that file. These include your will, end-of-life instructions, organ donation wishes, real estate and financial records. Information on online accounts should also be included.

    2)  Appoint your executor. This person will settle your affairs. It could be your spouse, a child or a trusted friend or relative.

    3)  Include your executor as a co-signer to your financial accounts. This makes your money available right away to pay funeral bills and the like.

    4)  Get a bank safe deposit box and place copies of all your important documents in it. Your executor should be a co-signer to the safe deposit box.

    5)  Make a decision on organ donation and put the decision in writing.

    6) Outline your funeral requests. Do you want to be buried or cremated? What kind of funeral do you want? Put it in writing.

    7)  If you decide you want to be buried, purchase a grave site. Put the deed in your estate plan file.

    8)  Consider making charitable gifts and include them in your will.

    9)  Update your estate plan on a regular basis as things change.

If you have any questions about your estate plan, feel free to call us for a consultation at (626)-696-3145.

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