New Year resolutions tend not to stick. In fact, according to an article in Forbes.com, research indicates that 80% of people ditch their new year’s resolutions by February. Regardless of whether you are a “doer” or a “ditcher” of these good intentions, there are some lists that many of us tend to ignore and do not get around to.
One of these is the In Case of Emergency List and associated documentation that we encourage you to make a priority, even if you do ditch all the other resolutions. We invite you to work through it while your energy levels are still high, and to get your house in order for the new year.
While it may look daunting and you are not sure where to start, we have created a document that will guide you through the process and which we believe will be helpful. You can also contact us directly for a copy and we will email it to you. And one thing we can vouch for is that your loved ones will definitely be grateful for it when they come to need it.
Below is a list of some of the items that are covered and a reminder that we are here to assist you if there is anything that you are unsure of. We also recommend putting important papers and copies of legal documents together in one place and making sure that a trusted family member or friend knows where these will be kept.
Personal:
- Certified ID copy
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce order and agreement
- Birth certificates/copies of children’s identity documents
- Copy of a bank/credit card statement
- SARS tax reference number
- Company benefits statement and contact details of employer
- Proof of medical aid cover
- Financial planner’s contact details
- Family/company lawyer and doctor
- Social media details (all accounts, logins and passwords)
Assets and liabilities:
- Property deeds
- Bond agreements
- Vehicle registration papers
- Lease agreements
- Municipal accounts
- Levy statement
- Higher purchase agreements
- Firearm license
Insurance and Investments:
- Life policies
- Investment statements
- Unit trust details
- Offshore investments
- Shares
- Short term insurance policies
- Funeral cover
Will and testament:
- Valid South African Will and Testament
- Valid international (country) Will and Testament
- Letter of Wishes
- Special and General Power of Attorney
Click HERE for a copy of your very own ‘In Case of Emergency’ template and guidelines
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Excellent advice .