1. Locate important documents like medical records, estate planning documents, deeds, birth certificates and passports.
Just as important, be sure to store them in a safe place and record their location.
2. Review beneficiaries you’ve named in your will, insurance policies and retirement accounts — and update them if needed.
3. Have a discussion with loved ones regarding your potential caregiving needs and end-of-life wishes.
4. Be prepared for natural disasters and emergencies.
Create a contingency plan, build a disaster supply kit and take measures to protect important documents (see suggestion #1!).
5. Protect against identity theft.
Periodically run computer anti-virus software, change online passwords, review financial statements and check credit scores.
6. Read the fine print more carefully.
Take a few extra minutes to review purchase contracts, warranty information and online “terms and conditions.” Many times the devil really is in the details.
7. Know what to do during a traffic stop.
It’s important to understand your rights — and know when it’s advisable to comply with law enforcement.
8. Be more scam-savvy.
Learn more about protecting your good name and finances from online and door-to-door scammers.
9. Create a financial plan.
Help protect your family’s future by staying ahead of debt, creating a manageable budget, starting an emergency savings fund and investing for retirement on a consistent basis.
When you’re ready to put your resolutions into action, your legal insurance plan is a great place to start. Call our Customer Care Center at 800-247-4184 to see how you can continue protecting what’s important in the new year.
