How to Organize Your Finances in Case You Become Sick (or Worse) — A Smart New Year’s Resolution

How to Organize Your Finances in Case You Become Sick (or Worse) — A Smart New Year’s Resolution

As we ring in the new year, many of us think about resolutions — healthier habits, getting organized, spending time with loved ones. But one resolution that’s often overlooked (yet incredibly important) is this:

Get your financial and legal affairs in order — now.

Because life can be unpredictable. A serious illness, accident, or unexpected change can leave you unable to make decisions for yourself. Without a plan, your loved ones may face confusion, delays, or worse just when they need clarity and direction.

That’s where thoughtful planning — and action — matter.

Why this matters for everyone

• An estate plan is not just for the wealthy — it’s for every adult.

• If you become incapacitated or pass away without plans in place, courts may step in to decide who handles your affairs or care. That can bring emotional stress, legal fees, and delays.

• A proper plan gives you control. It ensures your wishes — for medical care, finances, asset distribution, and guardianship (if you have kids) — are respected.

With the support of Protected Roots Law, you can make it happen — clearly, legally, and compassionately.

🧰 What Does “Getting Organized” Look Like?

Here are the key steps and documents that make up a sound estate/financial plan — especially useful if you get sick or incapacitated.

1. Prepare Legal Documents — Your “Safety Net”

These are the core legal tools that protect you and your loved ones:

• Last Will & Testament — outlines who inherits your assets, who becomes executor, and (if applicable) who becomes guardian for minor children.

• Durable Power of Attorney (Financial / Legal POA) — grants a trusted person the power to handle financial matters on your behalf if you cannot.

• Medical Power of Attorney & Advance Health Care Directive (Living Will) — sets out your medical and end-of-life decisions (e.g. treatments, whether you want life-prolonging care, organ donation, comfort care, etc.) and names someone to act on your behalf.

• Trusts (if appropriate) — for some people, a revocable trust can help avoid probate, make asset distribution smoother, and give you control over how assets are managed or distributed.

Protected Roots Law emphasizes that estate planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all service — a good attorney will tailor the plan to your family, assets, and unique wishes.

✅ What to Do Now — Your New Year’s Resolution Checklist

Make this one of your top priorities this year. Here’s a step-by-step plan:

1. Take inventory of your assets and obligations

   • List bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, insurance policies, real estate, vehicles, digital assets, personal property, debts, etc.

   • Consider any ongoing obligations (child support, care for dependents, etc.)
     
     

2. Gather important documents

   • Birth certificates, marriage / divorce certificates, social security numbers, property deeds/titles, insurance policies, retirement account info, beneficiary designations, loan/credit info, etc.

   • Make both physical and digital copies; store safely (and securely).
     
     

3. Decide who will act for you if you can’t

   • Choose a trusted person (or people) as your financial agent (for POA) and health care agent (for medical POA / directives).

   • Talk to them about your values, wishes, and expectations — before you need them to act.
     
     

4. Create or update your estate plan

   • Work with a qualified estate-planning attorney (such as Protected Roots Law) to draft the documents suited to your situation.

   • If you already have documents, review them — especially if you’ve had life changes (marriage, new children, new assets, divorce, etc.)
     
     

5. Inform the right people

   • Give key documents or copies to your agent(s), executor, and maybe a trusted friend or family member.

   • Tell them where originals are stored, and what to do if something happens.
     

6. Review and update periodically

   • Life changes — new jobs, children, property, financial shifts — may require updates.

   • Revisiting your plan every few years is a smart move.

Why Make This a “New Year’s Resolution”?

Because starting the year with clarity and security is powerful.

• It gives you and your loved ones peace of mind.

• It means fewer surprises, less stress, and fewer legal complications if something happens.

• It’s a gift of protection — showing your family you care enough to plan ahead.

• It’s often easier (and less emotional) to do this while healthy, capable, and in control.
  

Final Thought

No matter your age, health, or how modest or extensive your financial picture is — organizing your documents and making a plan is a smart, responsible step.

This year, instead of (or in addition to) the usual resolutions, consider this:

Resolve to protect your future, and your family’s — by putting your financial and legal plan in place.