Protecting your family and loved ones is one of your most important responsibilities. Many people think about protection in terms of physical acts, such as practicing safe driving, but there are many more aspects of your lifestyle and home that affect your loved ones’ safety. Here are five ways you can protect your family in 2017.5 Ways to Protect Your Family in 2017
Protect your family’s financial health If you don’t have life insurance, it’s never too soon to explore your coverage options. You may be able to save on premiums and get more coverage for your dollar by completing a health exam as part of your application, which helps build a more accurate assessment of your health. If you do have coverage, it’s a good idea to regularly review your coverage to ensure it still meets your needs. Also check your beneficiaries to ensure your policies are updated with your current information, especially if your family has grown. Ensure your family is breathing safe air Radon is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that can go undetected in homes until it is too late. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers in America, and claims the lives of nearly 21,000 Americans each year. January is National Radon Action Month, so it’s a good time to learn more about radon testing and obtain a test kit for your home. To locate a qualified radon professional, visit epa.gov/radon. Know your own health status Many employers and health plans offer health screenings. If you have applied for life insurance, many policies provide the laboratory results from your application that you can share with your physician. Find a checklist of important preventive screenings at CDC.gov/Prevention. Protect the home of your loved ones Safeguard your family from fire hazards In addition to regularly checking alarms and batteries, it’s a good idea to make a family escape plan in the event of a fire. Keep your loved ones safe and find more ways to protect your family at MyExamOne.com. SOURCE:ExamOne If you’re in the throes of settling an estate, whether by yourself or with the assistance of your siblings, consider these tips for getting organized; seeking help; selling property, such as a parents’ home; planning for the unexpected; and taking time to grieve to help chart a smoother course following the loss of a parent.
5 Smart Strategies to Settle an Estate(Family Features) When a parent passes away, it’s usually left to their offspring to manage and disperse the remaining estate. In the wake of such a loss, emotions can run high, and the sheer amount of paperwork can quickly become overwhelming. If you’re in the throes of settling an estate, whether by yourself or with the assistance of your siblings, consider these tips to help chart a smoother course. Get organized. Keep a seemingly endless to-do list manageable by writing everything down. Create a system for prioritizing each task and if there are others who are willing to help, delegate what you can. Establish categories such as bills to pay and other outstanding debts, accounts to close, agencies and organizations that need to be notified of the death and so on. Know your limits. Some estates are simple and straightforward: There’s a basic will, few assets, known heirs, and it’s easy to grasp what happens next. Others are far more complicated. If you find yourself in over your head, seek help from an expert such as an estate attorney who can guide you through the legalities and paperwork. Focus on solutions. Remember that even the most seemingly hopeless situations can turn out well if you remain open to exploring solutions. When Karen Jones’ mother passed away, she and her four siblings were left with a house that needed a lot of repairs none of them could afford before it could be sold. Jones learned about HomeVestors from a sister and the two scheduled a free consultation with a local independently owned and operated franchise. Within 24 hours, Aaron Katz with WinWin Properties presented an offer not only to Jones, but individually to all of her siblings who were not able to meet at the same time. Jones credits Katz’s professionalism, kindness and sensitivity during a difficult time for her family. An option such as HomeVestors, the largest professional house buying franchise in the nation, offers cash payments and quick closing, which can be helpful in settling an estate. In many cases, homes can also be sold as-is with no repairs and with unwanted contents still inside. Expect the unexpected. It may come in the form of a change in the will or old letters stashed in a closet, but it’s a safe bet that in settling the estate, you’ll come across something you weren’t expecting. Add this to the emotional simmer you’ve been holding steady and this may be the tipping point to boil you over. Simply put the new information on the back burner for now and return to it later, when you can deal with it more rationally and avoid letting a surprise stain your memories. Take a break. In the aftermath of a loss, many survivors switch to autopilot, not only to distract their minds from the loss but to regain some sense of control in a situation that can feel helpless. While this coping mechanism may answer a short-term need, be sure to allow yourself time to properly grieve and avoid taking on so much that you neglect your own physical needs, such as food and sleep. Settling a loved one’s estate isn’t likely to be easy, but taking it all one step at a time will help you take care of business while you make sure you’re still taking care of yourself. For more information, visit homevestors.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:
From arranging services to dispersing personal possessions to taking care of yourself, it's easy to find yourself in over your head following the loss of a parent or loved one. Here are some common steps to consider when putting their affairs to rest.
3 Ways to Begin Settling a Loved One’s Affairs(Family Features) Following the loss of a parent, the list of to-dos can feel overwhelming. Not only are you adjusting to life without a loved one, you may be facing a seemingly insurmountable list of tasks. From arranging services to dispersing personal possessions to taking care of yourself, it’s easy to find yourself in over your head. Especially if the passing was sudden or you didn’t have the chance to discuss the loved one’s final wishes, you may find yourself wondering where to begin. Although the specific details will vary from one family to the next, there are some common steps to consider once the memorial services are over and your attention must turn to putting their affairs to rest.
Learn more about the real estate resources available following a loved one’s death at homevestors.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE: |
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