Occasionally, I am invited to a church to talk about “planned giving.” Planned giving is a phrase that refers to how we manage our money and assets as we grow older and prepare to cross into glory. As people visit with me after these sessions, I am often surprised by how many people thank me for reminding them to make a list.
Most of us have experienced—or know someone who has experienced—the task of sorting through the affairs of a recently deceased loved one. Unfortunately, that can sometimes be a nightmare. We aren’t sure where the records are kept. We don’t know the account numbers. We couldn’t tell you whether they still had debts to pay—or to whom. How many credit cards did they have? Did they have the deed to the house? And didn’t they own twenty acres downstate? They worked for Company ABC, so did they have any company stock? Was there life insurance? Did anyone owe them money? Did they have retirement accounts in more than one place? Did they have a will or trust, and where is a copy? And all those family photos—where are they?
We have a thousand questions, and even if we do know much of the above, we can get stuck if we can’t find any passwords. We can’t even shut down their Facebook account without one.
I would suggest that we be good stewards in death, just as we have been in life. If you want to make things easier on those you leave behind, make a list. It could take a few hours, but you have time over the coming month. Write it on paper and put it in a binder. Make a computer file and store it on a flash drive. You might want to keep all your information in one place and your passwords in another (or with another person). If you have a lawyer, give it to them and instruct your family to contact him or her if needed.
Grief is difficult enough without the added confusion of navigating a loved one’s chaotic estate. Leave a list. When they see you in heaven, they will thank you.
Wanting a greater understanding of stewardship and giving? Your Foundation is here to help and serve your congregation. Contact us here or call us toll free at 877-391-8811.
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Glenn Howell
Director of Development
Heartland Methodist Foundation