Few retirees have these documents that are crucial to their golden years – especially during a pandemic.
A majority of retirees – 53% -do have a last will and testament. But most lack other crucial legal documents.
In fact, a majority have none of these crucial documents – not even a will – according to the 20th annual Transamerica Retirement Survey of Retirees.
The survey found that:
68% do not have a power of attorney or medical proxy, which allows designated people to make medical decisions on the retiree’s behalf
70% do not have an advance directive or living will, which communicates their end-of-life medical preferences to health care providers.
81% do not have written funeral and burial arrangements.
82% have not filled out a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) waiver, which allows designated people to speak to health care and insurance providers on the retiree’s behalf.
89% do not have a trust
Having your last will and testament in place ensures your loved ones will be taken care of and your wishes known in your absence. The North Alabama United Methodist Foundation has partnered with FreeWill to give you a straightforward and easy way to plan for the future. This tool is free to you whether you choose to include a gift through the Foundation or not, and can be used to create a fully valid legal will or guide you through planning your will before finding a lawyer near you. Please click here to get started today.