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Of Course You're Bulletproof: What You Need To Do Today To Be Prepared in 2003! -plus- Here's Some Free Medical Powers of Attorney Forms...And One Less Excuse For You In Your Quest To Organize Your Estate -plus- Do You Wear Dogtags? Here's a Free On-Line ID Card Resource & Link For You To Use -plus- Why You Need To Protect Yourself From Un/Under-Insured Idiots In The New Year
January 2, 2003
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Dear Ben: I've scanned your website, but haven't found what I'm looking for...yet. Since you always subject us to your annual "get your act together" lecture around this time of year, I think I'll (finally) take your advice and use the new year as a catalyst for getting my personal affairs in order. Two questions: What do you think of using one of those software-generated "Will Kits" that I've seen in the software section of computer (or book) stores? And my second question: Where can I get a blank sample Medical Power of Attorney and a Living Will form?
Kim in Arlington
Dear Kim: My response is going to sound a bit contradictory, but indulge me for a second and you'll "get it." I'm not a big fan of those "Last Will & Testament-In-A-Box" software packages. There are too many legal variables unique to every situation that may eventually blow up, costing survivors/family members/beneficiaries big bucks on attorneys fees. Multiple marriages, step-parents, half-siblings and other potential probate-sabotaging wildcards simply cannot be effectively covered in a boilerplate software program. However, these software programs do have a useful purpose: They're very useful in the initial stages of the process, and will help you organize your affairs before going "on the clock" and in front of a qualified attorney. And while I'm not a fan of theses software programs because of their boilerplate nature, I am willing to use a boilerplate Medical Power of Attorney and Directive To Physicians and Families. I've located some pretty good forms, drafted by the non-profit (Washington D.C.-based) Partnership For Caring organization. They've created specific and unique forms for use in each of the 50 states. It seems that this touchy subject is addressed as part of what's often a lengthy hospital admissions process; I'd rather see you sign these forms when you're not under emotional distress and have the chance to clearly think things through. And since you're committed to getting your affairs in order, how about handling two other key areas while you're at it?
- Check out The Beneficiary Book by Marty Kuritz. It's a really good "here's where everything's located/hidden/buried" guide (it comes in traditional book or software formats) and will help whomever's in the handling-your-affairs hot-seat locate all of your papers, insurance policies, cash (or anything else that's appropriate) after you've checked out. It's an extremely effective tool to help make you think about stuff you might not normally considered, and for $29.95, it's a steal. Order from his website: www.active-insights.com
or by phone: (800) 222-9125.
Do you wear dogtags? I didn't think so...and I'll bet the ID card in your wallet's probably nothing more than a Driver's License or an outdated ID card (at best). I found a website that allows you to create and print-right on the spot-a fold-up ID card that fits right behind your license. It's not perfect, but it's a start...and an improvement over what you're probably carrying now. The ID card and all of the updated resources I've described today are available on my website:
www.bendover.com/beprepared.asp.
Dose of Dover For The Week: It's time to add to your "must do" list and re-visit my annual suggested New Year's resolutions, starting with:
Insurance/Part I: Last week I urged you to add un-insured/under-insured motorist coverage to your existing policy; it'll protect you from someone either driving without insurance or bare minimum (low limits) coverage required by law. It's not that expensive and worth every penny.
Insurance/Part II: Check your limits on your homeowners (or renters) and life insurance policies and make your insurance agent review these with you.
"Insurance"/Part III: Gotta cell phone? Then you've got access to one of the most affordable forms of insurance: These "roadside assistance" programs are cheap insurance for protection from breakdowns, flat tires, "lockouts", dead batteries, etc. and most are priced for less than $3 a month. I've been covered through my cell phone for several years, so here's a little tip. Make sure you update your roadside assistance number at least once a year. I recently needed to use my service for the first time in a couple of years, and quickly realized the number programmed in my cell phone was woefully outdated.
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