10 Tips to Help Protect Your Spouse

Married couples promised to love each other until death do they part, but there is a way for you to protect your spouse even after you pass away.

• Gather financial papers and important documents and store them in a fireproof box.
• Make a “must call” list comprised of your accountant, lawyer, and other important numbers.
• Keep a master list of passwords and usernames.
• Make sure beneficiaries are up to date.
• Check credit cards to make sure either both names or just one name are on the accounts, in line with you and your spouse’s wishes.
• Set up advance directives.
• Designate a power of attorney.
• Regularly review wills and trusts.
• Discuss funeral arrangements and plans with each other.
• Learn how bills are paid – and make sure the other spouse knows how as well so there are no late payments.

See Leslie Milk, 10 Tips to Help Protect Your Spouse, AARP, November 11, 2018.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.) for bringing this article to my attention.