Let’s just call this as our little New Year’s resolution, shall we? Now that year 2011 has ended and onto 2012 we go, I felt that this is the right time to reexamine our lives and put some order in it. I would like to focus on the things that seniors usually put off, year after year after year, despite the necessity to do these things the soonest. Here’s a simple guide on your New Year Planning and I hope you won’t have to repeat anything listed below next year!

· Find an attorney to help you put your legal documents in order. Much better if you’re able to find an Elder Law attorney – they are the ones who specializes in elder law, which means they will be able to specifically help you with your legal needs as a senior. Pay attention to your real estate and care planning documents. While you’re at it, you might want to have a go at your wills, trusts and power of attorney.
· Get the whole family involved. Have a little get-together and talk about how you would like your affairs to be executed. It is extremely important for all of them to be there and hear what you have to say and how you came to such decisions. By doing so, you prepare them for what’s ahead – like a fire drill. Hopefully, when the time comes, they will know what to do.
· Secure copies for all key players listed on your wills and legal documents. This may sound simple but in truth, it will take some time before you’ll be able to put together everything that they will ever need to make sure your wishes will be carried out properly.
· Hire a bookkeeper. It’s time to hand over this very confusing task of doing your own taxes. To keep you busy, better do other things that are both challenging and enjoyable. Unless of course if you enjoy doing your own books.
· Put together a health planner. This should contain everything that has something to do with your health such as your appointments with your doctor, dates you had your tests along with their results, at least an overview if it’s too technical for you to write and of course, reference of these test – if they are too big to be included with your health planner, just write down where you put it for easy access.