CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - Having an estate plan ready to go is like preparing a lifeboat for loved ones, helping them avoid confusion as they deal with grief.

Certified financial planner Derieck Hodges said everyone should know what kind of situation they are leaving behind for their family to deal with, whether it’s the result of death or incapacitation.

“If you go on a cruise ship, they immediately take you and show you where the lifeboats are and what to do. They don’t think it’s going to happen, more often than not, but you want to be prepared.”

That lifeboat contains a folder or binder of important documents.

Birth certificates

Social Security cards

Insurance policies

Bank accounts

Will and trust

Once the boat is ready, it is time to bring the family together for a drill.

See Full Page