Why Everyone Needs a "When I Die" Folder
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A few weeks ago, my mom handed me a super practical folder labeled "When I Die," filled with all the essentials I'd need to know if she passed away.
I shared a simple reel about this folder on social media, and wow, did it blow up!
Over 1.8 million views later (and counting), it's clear that this is something a lot of us need but aren't sure how to approach.
The Importance of Being Prepared
Losing someone is tough, and I learned that the hard way when my stepdad passed away from brain cancer. Even though we thought we had everything sorted, there were still so many things we missed.
After that experience, I’m super grateful to my mom for doing everything she could to make sure we wouldn't be caught off guard again.
But this folder isn’t just about the nitty-gritty financial stuff; it’s about making a tough time a tad easier.
It’s a real comfort to know that you won’t have to play detective through your grief, hunting for documents or making decisions you’re not prepared to handle.
Starting the Conversation
Talking about death feels super uncomfortable for many people, but it’s a chat we need to have sooner rather than later.
Start this talk with your folks or loved ones gently, maybe over a cup of coffee, and let them know it’s all about easing stress down the line—for everyone involved. It's about caring and making sure their wishes are known and respected.
Here are some questions you an ask:
"Have you thought about your future plans for when you’re no longer here?"
"I want to make sure I honor your wishes. Can we talk about how you’d like things handled?"
"Who would you like to be involved in this conversation?"
"Do you have a will or trust in place? If so, where is it kept?"
"Are there any key financial accounts or investments we should know about?"
"Do you have specific wishes regarding healthcare if you’re unable to make decisions?"
"What are your thoughts on funeral or burial arrangements?"
"Do you have an attorney, financial advisor, or insurance agent we should contact?"
"Would you feel comfortable if we revisit this conversation every year to make sure we’re all on the same page?"
What to Include in the Folder:
Here’s what to pack in that folder:
All the legal stuff like wills and power of attorney documents.
The 411 on all financial accounts, complete with login details (keep this secure!).
Personal notes on funeral wishes or how they’d like to be remembered.
A list of key people to contact (think lawyers, financial advisors, lifelong friends).
Understanding Your Financial Inheritance
Preparation isn’t just about having all the right papers in place. It’s also about understanding what’s in those papers—especially when it comes to financial matters like retirement accounts or investments you might inherit.
Make sure you have at least a basic grasp of what these financial documents mean and how they work. If stocks, bonds, or retirement accounts are involved, knowing the basics of how to manage these assets will save you a ton of headaches and could keep you from making costly mistakes.
Ways to Organize the Information
Everyone’s different, so find a method that feels right for you:
Old-school binder or file system for the paper lovers.
Digital documents stored securely online for easy sharing with family.
Services like Nokbox keep everything locked down and in order.
If you're feeling overwhelmed with where to start, grab my free template to get you started on organizing this critical info.
Putting together a "When I Die" folder isn’t just about you or me—it’s a kindness we do for those we’ll leave behind. It’s tough to think about, sure, but it’s also empowering.
Knowing you’re leaving everything in order not only helps your family but also gives you peace of mind.
Want to learn how to invest but don’t know where to start? Don’t miss my next free beginner investing workshop, happening right here.
