Facing Life Alone? Many Women Will!
“The godly shall flourish like palm trees… even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green” Psalm 92:12-15 TLB
Statistically, women live longer than men. Whether you’re single, divorced, married, or widowed, being prepared to handle life alone is essential for your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Proverbs 14:8 advises the prudent to give thought to their ways, to acquire knowledge, and to seek it out. THAT’S WHAT EVERY ONE OF US NEEDS TO DO!
I have to admit, I don’t really want to take time to find all the documents I might need one of these days! Maybe you feel the same way? But we need to be prepared as much as we can for handling life without someone to lean on. (Sorry, I know this isn’t something most of us want to face, but we must for our own well-being.)
Many of you who have been single for some time, already know what some of us have yet to experience. With these realities on my mind, I’ve been engaging with various women via Zoom groups. Here’s a simple summary of what we’ve been discussing:
PREPARATION: WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO NOW? Planning reduces panic! It won’t eliminate the shock but knowing where to find needed documents will be of great help.
Here is a list provided by one of the women in the group that covers many of these items. Her husband put all these documents in a binder. I plan to do that also! Do you need to?
FAMILY TRUST AGREEMENT (If you have one, or list of who is to receive personal possessions)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
ADVANCE HEALTH DIRECTIVE
DISPOSITION OF REMAINS AND FUNERAL – Issue of Death Certificates, where to send them.
CONTACTS AFTER DEATH – Friends, Family, Business associates, Church pastors, etc.
OBITUARY – for Newspaper, other placements
LAST WILL WRITTEN - Lawyer
INSURANCES-- HOME, AUTO, LIFE, OTHER
MONTHLY FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS – Weekly/annual bills/giving
BANKING/CREDIT CARDS – List all account numbers/passwords for online transactions/Safety Deposit box # /key
INVESTMENTS - Name of companies, advisers, contact information
INCOME TAX – Records, system used (computer program, accountant?)
SOCIAL SECURITY – Changes to your payment
MEDICARE
PENSION SOURCES
PASSWORDS FOR ALL CONTACTS – include master password to open computer
PERSONAL NEEDS: We all need people in our lives. Socialization NOT Isolation is Essential!
Your own health needs: Chronic illness? Do you need help to get to appointments?
Your home: Need to change your situation? Downsize? Simplify? Upkeep? Care of yard? When?
Supportive and available friends
Family – nearby? Supportive and caring?
Social groups: Church, community, affinity, etc.
In my next newsletter, I’ll share with you the importance of PURPOSE WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF ALONE.
If I can support you in any way, please get in touch. And if you are interested in joining one of my free Zoom meetings to discuss these issues, let me know via email. I’ll be hosting these once a month beginning in September.
Be encouraged, God is with us at every stage and in every experience of life. He never leaves us alone and He will provide all we need – including helpful and wise advice from those who love and care for you.
Poppy