Day 10 of My Redemption Journey: Estate/Financial Planning For The Future

Today is Day 10. I met with an Estates/Financial Advisor this morning. Do not think you have to be a millionaire to do this. If you have assets, then you need to plan accordingly. 

Part of this 29-Journey is to get my “life/finances/house” in order. Even God told King Hezekiah to get his house in order (Isaiah 38:1-7 or 2 Kings 20:1-5 - one of my favorite stories in the Bible, not only was Hezekiah healed but God extended his life!!). I want to do this right, so my final wishes are carried out after I am gone. Having this type of conversation is tough. Some people avoid it because they say it is “putting death on you.” I can not agree with that mindset because death is unavoidable, and one is not in control of when it occurs (except by suicide).

Have you ever met with an Estates/Financial Advisor to plan your final wishes and assets, regardless of your current financial status?

• YES
• NO

Getting one’s affairs in order is the best gift you can give to the individuals who are left behind to sort through your life when you are not around to help guide them. The order is also for their benefit and to give you peace of mind that you are not leaving chaos behind. I remember doing this with my mom before she became ill. In fact, we started the process before she was due to have a minor surgical procedure. We went in person to her banks to sign papers adding me to her accounts. I followed that up with a financial power of attorney and the healthcare power of attorney. I then had her write down all her creditors, accounts, and passwords, including to her phone and iPad.

"Getting one’s affairs in order is the best gift you can give to the individuals who are left behind."

When the time came and she was unable to do anything for herself, I was able to easily slide into the role of managing all her personal matters, with no problem. And, because my siblings were all in agreement with everything, I got no push back or interference from them. Mom did not have insurance to leave anyone wealthy. But, she had enough to take care of her final wishes. We were out of pocket nothing and that was her goal. This journey is giving me clarity on a lot of personal matters. Often, we can be guilty of making sure everyone else is taken care of, while neglecting ourselves. I am so good at admonishing others for not taking care of their personal matters, but I do not put the same accountability on myself to ensure that my own family is taken care of. Well, that ends now. I am intentionally being proactive in making sure my “house” is in order.

Today’s breakfast was mushrooms, spinach and two fried eggs. I was gifted a Zensation salad from Zaxby’s and dinner was fruit, vegetables, and crab meat. I googled “what is processed foods” and what a rabbit hole. Way too much to comprehend. Then there are “ultra processed foods.” Processed foods can be anything you eat, including what is considered healthy. It is any food that has been altered in some way during preparation – what the heck? What hasn’t been altered that you eat? Now, this sent me over the edge. In other words, it sounds like I cannot avoid eating processed foods. There are good and bad processed foods. So, my new way of thinking is eating the “healthiest” way possible. I am exhausted thinking about this – and I must ask – am I overthinking this? Lord Help.