Passwords are everywhere, and keeping up with updates and changes can be tough! Some people resort to using the same password for multiple sites, but that can be a recipe for disaster if one of those sites gets hacked. Saving passwords on your computer or phone is convenient, but what if they get damaged? Let's plan ahead for the “what if…”

1. Create Strong, Unique Passwords:
   • Start with a meaningful phrase, then modify it with capitals, numbers, and special characters For example, the phrase "theskyisblue" could be turned into "Th3$ky1sBlu3". Add site-specific letters to create unique passwords.
     
     
2. Use a Password Manager:
   • Consider a reputable password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each account. Remember to create a strong master password, as it will hold the keys to your password kingdom!
     
     
3. Backup Passwords Securely:
   • Keep a secure backup in a physical safe or using a secure method in case you lose access to your main password manager or forget your master password. (I’ve got a place for that in my book!)
     
     
4. Create a Password Legacy:
   • Prepare for others to access your passwords when needed. Gather them in a secure place and, if using a password keeper, share its password with a trusted person. Don't rely solely on your browser or phone, as they may not be available to someone else.
     
     

Preparing for the unknown might seem challenging, but I'm here to help you find peace of mind. Let's work together to manage your passwords and other information effectively.

Ready to dive into action? Got a “what if” question for me? Send your questions to [email protected] or call 317-732-5181 and you might be featured in an upcoming blog!

Life is full of "what if" moments. You know the ones – the "what if I left the stove on" or "what if I forgot to lock the car." But lurking in the shadows of your mind, there are those bigger "what if" questions. Ones like "What if I get sick and can't take care of my pets" or "What if something happens to me and no one knows how to pay the bills." Yeah, those...

The past few years have been a rollercoaster, and that anxiety is still with us. That's why planning ahead can be so helpful as we move forward. We all know stories of unexpected family illnesses or the loss of a loved one, and we know how emotionally draining it can be. But have you ever stopped to think about the financial and logistical mess that can follow? Imagine the chaos if the person who handled all the bills and had the keys to the financial kingdom suddenly couldn't. It's even more bewildering when they're not around to answer questions.
So, what's the game plan? Let's start now.

Every month in this blog, we’ll dive into a new “what if” scenario and give you some tips on what you can do now to plan ahead.

Why me? Well, after having a lot of things go sideways in my own life and in my family, I've actually started a business to make preparing for those "what if" moments a little less daunting. My mission is to help you gather your essential information and keep it in one organized place for a rainy day.

Preparing for the unknown might seem like a big task, but I'm here to lend a hand and help you find that peace of mind you're looking for. I look forward to sharing with you!

Got a “what if” question for me? I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions to [email protected], and you might be featured in an upcoming blog!

Given that it is the most universal of all human experiences, end of life planning remains a subject that most people prefer not to address. However, being as prepared as possible can actually give the gift of clarity and peace of mind to the ones we love. As I have worked to help many families prepare their information and navigate the loss of a loved one, I have come to recognize the most important steps that one can take to help leave a legacy of peace. Here are my top 5 recommendations:​​
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1. Have a will, healthcare and financial power of attorney, and living will (aka advance directive). A will states what you want done with your estate. Healthcare and financial power of attorney documents give authority to another person to make decisions about their respective areas if you are unable to make decisions on your own. Your living will states what measures you’d like taken if you are physically incapacitated. Best practice will be to meet with a lawyer to ensure that your documents are in order and binding, especially if you have a complicated estate, trust, or children.
2. Add beneficiaries to online accounts. If you have retirement or investment accounts, there is usually an easy way to add beneficiaries to these accounts. The beneficiaries named on those accounts will trump and information left in a will, so it is essential that those are updated and accurate.
3. Keep a list of necessary contacts/passwords/account info. I’ve actually developed a book that I go through with people so that all of this information is in one place for their executor, and I’d recommend keeping it all together in a secure location.
4. Talk about and write down your wishes with family or executor. It is easy to assume that the ones we love will know what we want, but there are so many decisions to be made that it can cause a lot of extra anxiety and conflict within a family if your wishes weren’t made clear. It is always important to write things down as you decide them, so that it is very clear and not dependent on someone’s memory of what might have been said.
5. Pre-plan what is possible. Again, making some of these decisions ahead of time can be a great gift for your loved ones who are grieving the loss and having to manage a myriad of details. You can get packets of information from a local funeral home that will help guide what decisions can be made ahead of time. You can even create a separate bank account to pay for these expenses that will only be paid out upon death ensuring that the funds are available for the choices made.

 
While, it’s not exactly a fun or easy subject, doing this work and making these decisions is really an act of love for our families. Let’s get started today.