Some folks don’t think they need a will if they don’t have kids. They’re wrong. They need estate planning perhaps even more than people who have children.
Karen Malone Wright, CEO of TheNotMom.com
My friend Karen Malone Wright, CEO of TheNotMom.com, was recently featured in a New York Times story by Anna Goldfarb, How to Leave a Legacy When You Don’t Have Children.
Some points covered:
- Put your wishes in writing – a will, advance medical directives, and medical power of attorney
- Preserve family history
- Support institutions you find meaningful
- Champion worthy causes
Contact Lists Are Important, Too
Dear Abby also recently tackled this question on the importance of having a contact list of family and friends:
DEAR ABBY: I am in my 80s. From time to time, when I have tried to contact a dear old friend or distant relative, I find they have recently passed away. Don’t you think it would be a good idea for older people to make a short list of people we want contacted in case of serious illness or death? So many times our survivors have no idea who some of our friends are or how to contact them. — GARY G. IN GEORGIA
DEAR GARY: I think your idea is a sensible one. The list should include not only names, but also contact information. Thank you for sharing this with me and my readers because — let’s face it — nobody lives forever.
It’s a good idea for everyone, not just old people, to have a contact list of family and friends. We need to know who to contact with glad news and sad news!