If nothing else the pandemic has reminded us that life can be short. Although we have a Will, I feel there is more that I need to do to get my affairs in good order so I am looking for advice.....

Have all accounts in joint names , contact credit card companies and agree the other partner can deal on their behalf if needed . Same for gas , electricity etc.. Lasting power of attorney , up to date wills and leave a note of all accounts held , national savings and so on so that someone can sort them out . Tell all your family what kind of funeral you want .

I have made a file called `dying tidy` I was always the one who dealt with all financial affairs, then I became widowed and did probate. Probate opened my eyes about how important it is to have all the details in one place. My AC would not have a clue about where to look

I have two good zipped conference folders, one contains all the day to day stuff like car details, energy suppliers etc The other contains the extra things like pensions, bank accounts, insurances, my will and POA etc. Both these folders are in a medium sized suitcase plus some cash, enough for immediate expenses. Some things need immediate payment eg death certificates and executors have expenses eg travel.

These folders both have index cards so everything is easy to access and anything that needs a phone number has that number written on it

Since the recent sudden loss of my darling husband I have made sure all my information is on hand for my ACs,bank details/Insurance policies for house and animals/dates for any standing orders/water/gas/electric account numbers etc and passwords to any forums I use on a regular basis.
My DD has been informed where everything is stored so she will be able to go straight to things when needed.

Look up ‘Swedish Death Clean’. Tells you all you need to know about getting things in order.

All this overwhelms me. I have done my will and paid for my funeral. Other than that nothing. I have just ordered one of the Life Books fromAge UK using the link someone put up in this post.

travelsafar, POA is very important and should be up there with a current will. It isn`t any good leaving it because it needs to be done while one still has the ability to decide. My solicitor checked me out when she did mine, I could see her weighing up that my mental capacity is good. It might never be used but is a very important safety net for us, while we are alive