Here are some tips that I've learned with the death of my husband.
- Have your own credit cards. If you have individual credit cards you won't be responsible for your spouse's debt.
- Have a life insurance policy or a savings account with at least $10,000.
- Have a file folder with all pertinent information that should include:
- Service discharge papers
- Copy of social security card
- Power of Attorney designation
- Will
- Final wishes about the disposition of your body e.g. Viewing? Funeral? Burial of remains or cremains?
- Birth certificate
- Marriage license
- Credit card list with account numbers
- List of any/all loans, the bank and account numbers
- Your obituary
- Ready cash
- Email and social media logins and passwords
- Make sure your spouse or children know where your file folder is located.
- Have access to ready cash. You can keep it in your file folder.
- You will need a copy of the death certificate for each credit card and each loan. It's easier to get all you need at once.
- Decide if you want anyone to have access to your email or social media accounts. If so, write down the logins and passwords for each account. Keep in your file folder and keep updated.
- Freeze major credit bureaus. You will have to make accounts using your spouse's information. This will stop anyone trying to get a credit card or loan in your spouse's name. Equifax will give you a few free credit reports. This may reveal loans or credit cards you weren't aware of.
- Contact Social Security Administration (800-772-1213) to apply for widow/widower benefits. Prepare to stay on hold forever but this means more money for you.
- If your spouse has personal property in their name alone or a will, prepare for probate. You can go online in your state or county to find out what you need.
- If your spouse does NOT have personal property that is solely in their name you may only have to file a certified death certificate with the Register of Wills.
- You may have to change the beneficiaries in your life insurance or pension.
- Write your own obituary now so your family won't forget the information you want to be included.
The most important thing you can do is keep your head about you. This is hard and necessary.
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