Welcome back. All this talk about estate planning and long-term care insurance has me thinking about my real resolutions for the New Year. If 2010 is anything like the last few years, most of the specific resolutions won’t survive the clean-up from New Year’s Eve. But here are three for consideration.
Be Prepared. I’m not talking Boy Scouts and camping here. I need to think about the potential issues in my life and what I can control. For example, after I get all those estate papers and insurance up to date, I need to make sure (1) I have provided details on what I have and where the documents are and (2) that the documents are in a safe but accessible place.
I had to help settle a family estate once where various accounts were titled in a variety of ways. Some were in one name only, others were joint owners with rights of survivorship, and still others were tenants in common. Clearing that up was almost painful – so making sure there is some consistency in our family accounts is part of the plan as well.
Smell the roses (or the scent of your choice): This time of year is more hectic than most, but in today’s society we’re pulled in a lot of different directions all the time. I mean to stop and look around once in a while; to appreciate what I have. Because I live in Colorado, I am surrounded by absolutely spectacular scenery and a multitude of opportunities to enjoy it, either from a distance or right in the middle of forests and mountains.
I am also fortunate to work for a credit union dedicated to the financial well-being of our members, with colleagues equally dedicated to that mission. I need to take time to pause and recognize those parts of my life that aren’t sources of stress. Don’t we all?
Say “Thank you” to someone every day: So much of our routine involves people who contribute in small ways to our daily lives. It may be the clerk at the corner store or a server at the cafeteria or restaurant where you have lunch. How hard is it to express a sincere “Thank you” to them for what they contribute every day?
Every day I am more and more aware of how much I depend on others to get everything done. I can’t thank them enough.
And I can’t thank you enough for joining us during 2009 in this inaugural outing of EntTalk. Have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. See you in 2010.
It’s your turn: What resolutions are on your list for 2010. What are you doing to make sure you follow up on them?
JM
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