Planning for the Future (Part 2B)

Last week, we covered the first half of your essential estate planning documents — the pieces that determine what happens to your assets, who will receive them, and how your legacy will be carried forward. Wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations form the foundation of a thoughtful plan, giving structure and clarity to what happens after you are gone. But they represent only one side of the picture.

This week, we turn to the equally important documents that protect you during your lifetime. These are the tools that step in when you cannot speak for yourself — ensuring your financial responsibilities are carried out, your medical care reflects your values, and your personal affairs are handled exactly as you would want. They remove uncertainty, prevent conflict, and give your loved ones the guidance they need in moments that are often emotionally and logistically overwhelming. Together, these documents bring clarity, stability, and peace to some of life’s most challenging moments and complete the framework of a well-prepared, well-protected future.

💡 This Week’s Focus: Protecting Your Wishes During Your Lifetime
Now we turn to the documents that safeguard your wishes while you are living. These include your Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy, Advance Directive, and a thoughtful plan for managing your digital life.

These tools ensure that your financial affairs, medical decisions, and essential information are handled according to your wishes if you are ever unable to speak for yourself. By putting them in place now, you give your loved ones clarity, reduce stress during emergencies, and bring order to situations that can otherwise be overwhelming.

📖 Verse of the Week
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
— Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)

The Essential Documents Every Adult Needs (Part 2)

4. Power of Attorney: Who Manages Your Affairs If You Can’t?

A financial power of attorney (POA) names the person who can manage your finances if you become ill or incapacitated.

Without a POA:
• Your family may need to go to court
• Bills and obligations can go unpaid
• Business duties may be neglected
• Someone you would not choose may be appointed

5. Healthcare Proxy & Advance Directive: Making Your Medical Wishes Clear

A healthcare proxy appoints someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself.
An advance directive outlines what medical treatments you do or do not want.

These documents can include your wishes regarding:
• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
• Life-support or ventilator use
• Surgery decisions
• Feeding tubes and hydration
• Pain management and comfort measures
• Organ donation

In moments of crisis, these provide clarity when your loved ones need it most.

6. A Plan for Your Digital Life

Today, much of what matters most is stored online.

A complete digital plan should include:
• Passwords and access instructions
• Important digital files and photos
• Online banking and investment account logins
• Subscription and membership information
• Email and phone passcodes
• Business-related platforms or software

A simple, secure list — stored safely and shared with someone you trust — can make an enormous difference.

How to Get These Documents Done (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

Here are approachable ways to put your plan in place:

1. Work With an Estate Planning Attorney

Ideal for:
• Families with children
• Homeowners
• Business owners
• Blended families
• Larger savings or assets
• Anyone wanting professional guidance

2. Use Your State’s Forms for POA & Healthcare

Many states offer free or low-cost forms for:
• Financial Power of Attorney
• Healthcare Proxy
• Living Will / Advance Directive
These can usually be downloaded from your state’s website and completed with a witness and/or notary.

3. Use Reputable Online Services

For simple situations, online will-making tools can be quick, affordable, and straightforward. These services guide you step-by-step and produce legally valid documents.

4. Store Your Documents Wisely

• Keep originals in a secure place
• Give copies to the people named in them
• Tell someone where everything is located
• Keep digital backups when allowed

Documents no one can find are documents that cannot help your family.

5. Review Every 3–5 Years

Life changes — your documents should, too. Update your plan after major events or simply every few years to ensure everything still reflects your wishes.

🎯 Weekly Challenge
Pick one document you’ve been avoiding — POA, healthcare directive, digital password list — and complete or update it this week.

💬 Reflection Questions

1. If I became unable to make decisions tomorrow, who would speak for me?

2. Does my family know where my documents are stored?

3. What is the most urgent document I need to complete?

📢 What’s Coming Next
Next week, we begin focusing on Business Succession Planning — a vital step for any business owner who wants to protect what they’ve built.

Stay faithful. Stay intentional. Steward well what God has entrusted to you, today and for the generations to come.

🔁 New here or missed a few? Catch up on past newsletters at financebyfaith.beehiiv.com

Blessings and financial peace to you!