You can take care of your family even after you are gone if you plan your last rituals in advance. Your family will be comforted knowing that they are following your wishes. You may even help them save money by making decisions and communicating them in advance. If you do not know whether you want burial or cremation and do not know where to start, visit AMBIS. The Austin Memorial Burial & Information Society is a non-profit organization of area residents dedicated to helping our neighbors make final arrangements that are dignified, meaningful and affordable. AMBIS is a member of the Funeral Consumers Alliance, a national organization.
August Tip of the Month
How will your heirs distribute your personal possessions?
In an ideal world you would decide who should be the recipient of your worldly possessions when you die. Not only would you decide, you would communicate your wishes clearly and in writing. In our less than ideal world, the heirs are often left to figure it out themselves. Beware that the small, sentimental items can be the source of the most emotion; they have the most memories attached. A variety of systems are possible. Heirs can set up a simple round robin system where each one takes a turn choosing the item that they want. You can sell the remaining items and divide the cash. You can set up an auction--using dollars or points--and let the heirs bid for desired items. You may want to have an appraiser evaluate the items first. If sister Susy wants to spend all of her points on Grandpa's rocking chair, she can do that. You can share items that are invaluable. For example, Grandmother's cookie jar can be passed from cousin to cousin every year at the holidays. Filling the jar with Grandmother's best cookies would be a nice touch. For more suggestions, see Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate?: Your Guide to Passing On Personal Belongings or call 1-800-876-8636.
September Tip of the Month
Limit the hassles in your life
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry and end those pesky calls at dinner time. There are two methods. Free on-line registration Free call to 888-382-1222; 866-290-4236 (TTY). Be sure to call from the number you wish to register.
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