Getting Started

The first steps to coming up with a plan can be overwhelming. Just remember, start small and build up over time. Just a single paper helping is better than nothing. A single letter of affection could make the difference of a broken heart and rekindled resolve.

If you are lost, start with something you can do in ten minutes (and maybe a quick trip to the grocery store):

• Set up a password manager
• Find a large envelope you can seal
• Write down how to get into your passwords including one-time passwords
• Put it into the envelope and seal it
• Write “In Case of Death or Incapacitation” on the front
• Put it somewhere safe
• Let someone know

Every once in a while, you want to expand on the details beyond just the passwords:

• If you have an idea that someone needs, write it down
• Review what you write on occasion and expand on it

While you are doing this, you want to figure out who can you can trust to do things:

• Figure out who you can trust to help
• Figure out who can help your trusted folk
• Find someone to take care of your children and pets
• Select someone to handle financial information
• Write letters and thank them, put it in your file
• Let them know what you are doing
• Write up notices and post them various places

There is also a knot of legal tasks you want to get done. Thankfully, these don't require much effort once they are done, but you'll still want to review them occasion.

• Get a will
• Figure out your powers of attorneys
• Find a way of handling incapacitation