When I'm Gone: Practical Notes for Those You Leave Behind

by Kathleen Fraser

"Preparation for loved ones for when you are just not there."

The success of this book--with 80,000 sold--speaks to the aging population and the increase in related activities, such as writing wills, advance directives (living wills), and preplanning funerals.

But "When I'm Gone" has also proven popular for its practicality. With the information recorded in the book, a prolonged absence or sudden illness is no longer a complication for those left behind. They may need important information like banking details, house and car maintenance records, PIN numbers, the location of keys, codes, phone numbers, addresses and so much more.

Elegantly designed and tastefully illustrated, "When I'm Gone" is a fill-in record book and a resource manual to better handle all the little details of life when someone is absent, for whatever reason. The book provides a place to give instructions concerning the issues we think of first--e.g., legal, financial--but also all the day-to-day details of the household and the personal notes we never get around to writing.

The book includes useful information and space to write in instructions on where to locate key contacts and essential documents, such as wills, powers of attorney, medical care directives, and living wills.

Important matters may include: Insurance, lawyers, bank, investment and pension details, deeds and mortgages Funeral arrangements and last wishes Setting up trusts and choosing guardians Care of pets Maintenance of homes and vehicles Access to and operation of computers Instructions for favorite belongings.

Everyone wants to keep better track of their records and Kathleen Fraser has designed the perfect way to do so with as little effort as possible. Anyone left behind, whether a housesitter or an executor, would be grateful to find it in a handy place.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

144 pages, Spiral-bound

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A practical workbook, covering almost everything someone might need to know. It's not designed for couples, and many of the spaces are really too small for what you'd want to enter, but if you treat the book as a template and paperclip additional pages where you need them, it should do nicely. (It's recommended that you sign/initial and date extra pages and any changes you make, too.)

If it allowed for couples (after all, much of their information is likely to be the same) and gave more space for changes I'd give it 5 stars.

One word of caution: many of the references listed in the back appeared to be Canadian, but as legalities change between countries, provinces and states, you should always consult local legal authorities before making decisions about wills, power of attorney or anything similar.

[Lori Gregoire]

A must for all to leave their loved ones to make things easier.

[Marguerite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now to fill it in. Lots of help in figuring out what to add. Recommend

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice and ideas in this book! Information I wish I had available when family members passed! Now to follow through….

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

THis is a very practical workbook for collecting important information to give to family members who will be left behind when one dies. I previewed this book at the library, but will be buying copies for myself and for my mother. The only negative quality this book has is the print size. Since this is largely a book that senior citizens might want, a larger font would probably be appreciated.

[Pennstater · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am an attorney and I would recommend spending your money on a consultation with an estate attorney before you buy this book. The law in every state is different and there are a number of inaccuracies in this book.