To prepare for death, the best thing a family can do is have a box that houses all the necessary important information in one location. The four documents most essential are the birth and marriage certificates, social security number, and the DD-214 (in the case of military service). When a person passes away, those items contain everything needed for the death certificate and VA claims forms. Ensuring these resources are as accurate, current, and as easily accessible as possible helps to ease the burden of the situation for all loved ones left behind. The death certificate is a fundamental legal document used to settle estates and to transition financial accounts to the proper beneficiaries.

For further preparation, it is also useful to include important bank and insurance documents in the box, as well as a pre-needs booklet outlining all your wishes for funeral arrangements. Easy to grab when the time comes, the box makes it the one collectible needed for all important family decisions. In today’s digital world you also have another option beyond the physical box. There are several companies that provide a digital box, either for free or at a low cost.  This type of box can even include medical information and an advance directive.

Whether using electronics or not, your local funeral establishment is a great resource for helping you to prepare. They can present you with more information on the businesses that offer these services and their pricing. Furthermore, they can answer questions such as how long each company has been in business, what type of security they offer, and how families gain access to the information. So, where is your box?

Funeral directors deliver so much more than just burial and cremation services. They are a practical source of information concerning all your preparatory needs.