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Subject: persfin-digest V4 #102
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:39:59 -0500 (EST)
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persfin-digest Saturday, November 15 1997 Volume 04 : Number 102
IN THIS ISSUE:
ADVERTISEMENT: MCI InfoSource
Re: Credit Cards w/Frequent Flyer on any airline?
Re: How to minimize car expenses over the long run?
Re: Child's Investment
Re: Mutual Funds in a Rapidly Declining Market?
Re: Good Credit Cards with Perks?
re: ?mortgage loan thoughts?
Re: Prepay mortgage 1, mortgage 2, or 401(k) loan (or not at all)?
Re: Credit Cards with Frequent Flyer on Any Airline?
Beat the Dow Spreadsheet?
Re: Credit Card Perks?
Quicken Mortgage Web Site
Re: Credit Cards - How To Get One
E-Investing?
Re: Small business loan?
How to minimize car expenses over the long run
I Want to Run My Accounts According to Hoyle
Re: Convertible Bonds
Credit cards with perks
Re: Employee Payment for Project at Fixed Price Legal?
1997 Tax Question
Subject: Credit Card Perks?
MAKE A WILL
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------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:03:27 -0500 (EST)
From: "Gary M. Oppenheimer" <0002180241@MCIMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Credit Cards w/Frequent Flyer on any airline?
American Express offers this for I think about 6 airlines. Used the
mileage a few years ago without any problems.
(Editor's Comment - Only problem is that you have to pay their annual fee.
Does the benefit justify the cost? -IK)
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:04:57 -0500 (EST)
From: Stephan <stephan@mail.org>
Subject: Re: How to minimize car expenses over the long run?
koyn asked:
> How to minimize car expenses over the long run?
Here are my opinions, based on my interpretations of fact and direct
experience...
First, don't forget to factor in insurance costs.
Now, without knowing your locale, driving habits, daily commute, etc.
Here is sound _statistical_ advice: Go to your nearest Lexus or Saturn
Used Car Dealer lot and buy a 2-4 year old Camry or Accord. These
dealers and models have the best overall ratings which equals
Peace-of-Mind :)
Keep it clean and maintained per mfg. recommendations. Do not name it
or fall in love with it. Pre-determine at what point (under what
conditions) you will get rid of it - when that point comes, do it.
Check out the web sites for AllData, http://www.alldata.com/consumer/ ,
for recall histories and lots of auto-related info and the FamilyCar
website, http://www.familycar.com/, for info on choosing a car, repair
shop, and other practical tips.
p.s. When I lived in The City (Atlanta, NY, Chicago, London, et al) I
found the _best_ car was _no_ car!
Have Fun,
Stephan
- --
Useful Links for Business and Personal Success
Visit http://members.tripod.com/~RoundWorld
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:06:06 -0500 (EST)
From: Rick Gleason <spyneyes@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Child's Investment
Judy: wrote ...
My late husband's great grandson (soon to be 10) has decided he wants to
have a share of stock for his birthday, preferably Lego (probably not a
public company) or some Power and Light utility! Where he got this idea
I have no idea, but I am happy to encourage him on the road to investing
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
You've got a smart grandson there!
Check out the NAIC WWW page for information on what's referred to as
DRIP or Dividend Reinvestment Programs. This is a great organization
that's been around for 50 years. I belong to an Investment Club that
subscribes to their services and publishes an outstanding magazine on
Investing.
In addition as an NAIC member you can purchase one share in dozens of
companies for a fee of just $7.00. It's a great way to purchase these
kinds of gifts for those interested in the stock market. You'll find
numerous companies that will have appeal for even a ten year old.
Their address is: http://www.better-investing.org/
In addition there is the WWW page for the Moneypaper that also deals
with DRIP investments. They work through an organization (Temper
Enrollment Service) that offers much the same service as the NAIC except
at a higher cost/fee of at least $15.00 - $20.00 depending whether you
become a subscriber to the Moneypaper. They have a bigger list of
investment opportunities than the NAIC.
You'll also find that you can deal directly with many companies just by
calling them and asking for their DRIP enrollment materials. There is
some regulation that prevents them from advertising this fact. Home
Depot & Exxon comes to mind.
The Moneypaper site is located at: http://www.moneypaper.com/
- --
Rick Gleason
Federal Way, Wa.
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:07:07 -0500 (EST)
From: Rich Carreiro <rlcarr@animato.pn.com>
Subject: Re: Mutual Funds in a Rapidly Declining Market?
>Suppose we have a situation where the stock market is crashing with panic
>widespread two days in a row and a large number (say half) of share
>holders redeem their mutual fund shares the first day of the decline.
>What would happen if the mutual fund was not able to sell enough stocks to
>raise the cash before market close that day? Would there be a delay for
Read your prospectus (in all seriousness). It will set out the
various redemption options the fund has (it is little known that most
funds reserve the right to give out redemptions in kind instead of in
cash, though that's usually limited to redemptions above a certain
amount), the maximum amount of time a fund can take to complete a
redemption, etc., etc. Also note that funds have big-time letters of
credit with banks, probably for this very reason.
Rich Carreiro
rlcarr@animato.pn.com
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:09:25 -0500 (EST)
From: dollymadis@megsinet.net
Subject: Re: Good Credit Cards with Perks?
>Does anyone know of any good credit cards with PERKS? By >this I mean 5%
>rebate earnings such as the GM card. I currently have a GM >card and max
>out my rebate earnings about halfway through the year. I >figure I might
>as well use a different card if I can earn extra perks. I don't >care
>too much about interest rates since I pay the balance off each >month.
>Thanks in advance for any suggestions?
Try the Discover Card. No annual fee and a cash back bonus.
tom g
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:10:12 -0500 (EST)
From: "Lloyd Colston" <colston@viagrafix.com>
Subject: re: ?mortgage loan thoughts?
> I am just curious. The "125% loan" refers to 125% of the purchase
> price? or 125% of appraised value?
It is always 125% of appraised value.
Lloyd Colston Success comes in cans, not can'ts
Pryor, OK USA social worker, writer, editor
Member: International Small Business Consortium
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:15:06 -0500 (EST)
From: David Meyers <dmeyers@panix.com>
Subject: Re: Prepay mortgage 1, mortgage 2, or 401(k) loan (or not at all)?
>> a) $182K (80%) at 7.75%, 30-year fixed -- tax deductible
>> b) $18K (10%) at 7.75%, 10-year fixed (to avoid PMI) -- tax deductible
>> c) 401(k) loan for $11K at 6.5% for 8 years (NOT tax-deductible).
One small point to add to Ms. Chen's comments --
The 401k loan, which is costing you more in after-tax
interest also has another downside that you may not
have considered -- if for some reason you leave your
job you probably have to pay the entirety of the loan
back right then - and if you don't, then the amount
of the loan is considered a distribution from the
401k, subject to income taxes _and_ 10% penalty.
At least with the 401k programs with which I am
familiar.
I think your best bet is to pay off that 401k loan
first, then think about paying down (b). Even if
you aren't planning on leaving your job soon, this
sort of thing makes it more difficult.
- --D
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:16:02 -0500 (EST)
From: Dave Climek <climekd@rl.af.mil>
Subject: Re: Credit Cards with Frequent Flyer on Any Airline?
>
>I remember a few months back a discussion about a credit card that
>allows you to accrue frequent flyer miles on any airline you want.
>Does anybody have info on this card? Thanks.
>
>- --
>Scott Barnett
>sab@crisp.net
>
Scott,
Our corporate arrangement with Diners Club allows a 1 for 1 dollar
charge/Frequent Flyer mile. There is however, a $40 annual fee to
participate. Maybe you can negotiate a better deal.
Good luck!!
Dave Climek
climekd@rl.af.mil
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:17:13 -0500 (EST)
From: Steve Brodeur <sbrodeur@draper.com>
Subject: Beat the Dow Spreadsheet?
>
>Does anyone know where I can get a spreadsheet that does all the
>calculations for the "Beat the Dow" system?
I don't have a spreadsheet, but there's a great resource if you have web
access, provided by The Motley Fool (http://www.fool.com). They have a
daily column talking about activity on a variant of the Beat the Dow
strategy which they call "the Foolish Four". The column is at
http://www.fool.com/DDow/DDow.htm .
It contains links to historical performance, descriptions of variations on
the Beat the Dow (or Dogs of the Dow) system, and includes a daily update
of the standings of all 30 Dow companies, and which ones to buy for the
system. The daily updates page is at:
http://www.fool.com/DDow/CurrentDowOrder.htm .
I also have a link to a site that tracks the performance of a Beat the Dow
portfolio based on updates every December 31. I think it gives current Dow
year-to-date information as well, and current yields. It's at
http://www.dogsofthedow.com/dogytd.htm .
- -Steve Brodeur (x2496)
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:18:46 -0500 (EST)
From: "R. Bharat Rao" <bharat@scr.siemens.com>
Subject: Re: Credit Card Perks?
>Does anyone know of any good credit cards with PERKS? By this I mean 5%
>rebate earnings such as the GM card. I currently have a GM card and max
>out my rebate earnings about halfway through the year. I figure I might
>as well use a different card if I can earn extra perks. I don't care
>too much about interest rates since I pay the balance off each month.
>Thanks in advance for any suggestions?
The Ameritech card (800-685-1000) gives me 5% cash-back on all my purchases
over $5000 in a calender year. (1% for the first $1000, 2% for the next
$1000, and so on, until 5% over $5K.) Only catch is that there is NO
grace period; you begin getting charged interest from the moment you
purchase something. And they take their own sweet time (about 6-8 days to
clear a check once they get it).
However, you can pre-pay your balance in advance to get around this, if you
like.
If you get any further information about good deals, please post a
summary to this list.
Bharat
R. Bharat Rao, E-mail:bharat@scr.siemens.com [PGP WELCOME]
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:19:24 -0500 (EST)
From: Brian Michalak <brianm@pdt-cav.com>
Subject: Quicken Mortgage Web Site
FYI.......Quicken has launched a new website at
www.quickenmortgage.com that let's you calculate how much house you can
afford. There is a separate spreadsheet that helps you figure out
whether or not you should refinance. You can also shop around for the
best mortgage deal and even apply for a loan online. Check it out.
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:20:50 -0500 (EST)
From: Kumar Verma <sales@ven.com>
Subject: Re: Credit Cards - How To Get One
I would like to ask if anyone knows how to get a credit card. Seems
simple. However, I have two problems - (1) I have no credit history and
(2) I am not a US resident. If anyone does know of a way, besides the
slow process of building credit, (ie through a debit card and such)
please let me know.
Sincerely
- --
Kumar Verma Investors Free Forum
Online Marketing Manager http://www.investorsforum.com
mailto:vermak@ven.com 212-684-4800 x288
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:22:39 -0500 (EST)
From: "Glider" <schong@planetall.com>
Subject: E-Investing?
Hi. I have a short question:
Anyone find a good electronic investing firm to do trades over the web which
doesn't cost too much?
Thanks / SC
(Editor's Comment - E*Trade (www.etrade.com) seems the popular choice.
- -IK)
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:24:18 -0500 (EST)
From: "L. Mccullough" <loulou@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: Small business loan?
Does anyone know the best way to go about finding information about
obtaining a small business loan?
My son, who is recently out of the service, has an opportunity to go into
business for himself, but will probably need to get a loan to get on his
feet. I can help him some, but he really needs to do this himself and has
some backing from a company he is currently employed by (in another part
of the country).
I don't even know where to start. I guess a local bank????? Would the VA
have any sort of program for an ex-navy person?
Would appreciate any advice, suggestions. Thanks!
Linda McCullough
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:25:48 -0500 (EST)
From: jpoulter@islandnet.com (Jack Poulter)
Subject: How to minimize car expenses over the long run
O>1) Would it be better to get a cheap car, like a Geo Metro, or would such
O>cars have higher maintenance and repair costs than a mid-line cars such as
O>a Ford Taurus?
These responses are based on experiences:
Avoid low end cars such as the Metro. My daughter rented
one while her car was in for repairs after being rear-ended. She
said it was vastly inferior to her Escort. I drove a rental Neon
and it was inferior to our Mazda Proteg^Â.
O>2) Which models are known for their low cost of acquistion and low cost of
O>upkeep/high reliability? How long can such cars be expected to last
O>(miles) under good maintenance, before they get to the point of breaking
O>down several times a year or get expensive to maintain?
Before buying any automobile I check the reports from
such sources as Consumer Reports and the annual booklets written
by independent sources on new or used cars. Any library should
have these available in their reference section. Then I test
drive find out the list price and shop the automobile brokers for
the best price. You don't have to buy from a dealer to get
warranty service, as the manufacturer pays for any warranty work.
O>3) I would be interested in hearing your experiences with your car(s).
I have been pleased with Toyota Tercels and Mazda
Proteg^Âs. My daughter likes her Ford Escort very much (which is
a Proteg^Â in different colors).
O>5) Your thoughts on whether purchasing New cars slightly less often versus
O>purchasing Used cars slightly more often would best minimize car expenses
O>while at the same time maintaining reasonable reliability.
I have bought new cars for many years and kept them for
seven to thirteen years. I have them serviced religiously at a
private mechanic's shop with which I have had good service and
developed a friendship. My daughter's first car was a used one
and even though it was still under warranty she got rid of it
after a year. It is possible to find a good used car if you put
in the time and have it checked out by a reliable mechanic (of
your choosing) for which you should expect to pay.
An automobile is means of transportation and not a
fashion statement...for me anyway.
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:27:10 -0500 (EST)
From: "alkon" <alkon@hal-pc.org>
Subject: I Want to Run My Accounts According to Hoyle
I run a small business and I recently took on my first employee... my
wife! I am trying to do everything according to Hoyle... but I'm
sure a few things will slip through the cracks. One of my questions
is "Do I have to formerly write my wife a pay check every month?" I
neglected to do so for the first two months, and then I began to
wonder about it.
Also, I am setting up my company's health plan whereby I will pay for
all of my emloyees' health expenses as a benefit. As my wife is my
only employee (and I don't expect to hire anyone else), this type of
plan has beneficial tax consequence according to my accountant. Has
anyone else tried something like this?
Thanks, Al Kondo
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:28:40 -0500 (EST)
From: "Ken Meinken" <kmeinken@one.net>
Subject: Re: Convertible Bonds
> From: koyn <koyn@fastrans.net>
> I understand that convertible bonds are bonds that may be exchanged for
> stock, and would therefore have some of the properties of bonds and some
> of the properties of stocks. How do the risks/rewards of these
> investments differ from ordinary bonds and common stocks? How would these
> investments likely behave when the stock and bond markets are moving in
> opposite directions such as stocks going up, bonds going down or stocks
> going down, bonds going up? How heavily might they impacted in a stock
> market crash, if the bond market holds steady?
Value Line puts out a biweekly publication on convertible bonds. I
think it is worth a trial subscription, which is inexpensive. They
rate them by risk, etc.
What I found was that spreads are high and it wasn't for me! I
learned this without losing any money in the market <g>.
Ken
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:30:13 -0500 (EST)
From: Fred Schiff <f.schiff@ieee.org>
Subject: Credit cards with perks
This site has information on credit cards with various perks:
http://www.ece.gatech.edu/users/flur/cards/
This is for people who pay off there bills every month.
If you don't there are other places to investigate for usefull credit cards.
Fred Schiff (f.schiff@ieee.org)
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:31:12 -0500 (EST)
From: Avrum Lapin <avrum113@cyberg8t.com>
Subject: Re: Employee Payment for Project at Fixed Price Legal?
>
>Is it legal for an employer to ask an employee who is normally paid by the
>hour to complete a project at a fixed price to the employer based on
>employee's own estimate?
Definitely illegal in California. A complaint to the State Labor board will
bring back wages for actual time spent and a fine against the employer. It
will probably also bring termination for an unrelated cause but so be it.
I could not find a phone book listing for the State Labor Board but I
suspect that a persistent call to the Employment Development Department
(Unemployment Insc) would get an address
> I am aware that this type of working
>relationship is often used between an independent contractor and a client
>and is legal in that context,
Note that for this arrangement to work the independent contractor would
have to be a true independent contractor and meet the 20 questions IRS
test, two of which are - do you have more than one client and do you use
your own tools.
Avrum Lapin
Upland., CA
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:33:26 -0500 (EST)
From: "Phillip Jennings" <pjennings@deans.pharm.utah.edu>
Subject: 1997 Tax Question
HELP!! I try to keep close watch on my federal taxes thru the year
and this year I reduced my withholding to account for the $400 per
child tax credit (2 kids) which I should qualify for (there is some
income limit, isn't there?). However I was reading something last
night that this credit doesn't start until 1998! Is this true? If
this credit doesn't apply for the 1997 tax year, then I am
underwithheld by $800 - $1000 and could possibly owe a penalty. Does
anyone know the details of this tax credit.
A related question is if I am underwithheld and now have only 3 pay
periods left in this year, what is the best way to increase my
withholding. I thought that I would specify an additional $250 per
paycheck for the next 3 periods, but will this cause any problems? I
know the IRS states that your withholding must be in substantially
equal amounts throughout the year. Will a large withholding now target
me to the IRS? My AGI is approx. $90K. Thanks for the info.
Phillip Jennings
Salt Lake City, UT
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:36:51 -0500 (EST)
From: David John Flynn <flynndj@juno.com>
Subject: Subject: Credit Card Perks?
My BellSouth card rebates me 1% on all my purchases.
My Chase card rebates me 5% on all my purchases at one merchant of my
choice from their list (WallMart).
dave flynn
flynndj@juno.com
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 10:38:44 -0500 (EST)
From: BOB FORD <BOB_FORD@compuserve.com>
Subject: MAKE A WILL
>Thanks to all for the replies re my question on a Roth IRA.
>I haven't been able to respond sooner because I've been out of
>state due to my Father's sudden death.
>I'd like to ask each of you, longtime persfiners and new folks alike,
>to do a few things soon: make a will. If you have minor children,
>provide for guardianship. Make a list of assets, with locations.
>If possible, set aside enough money to cover final expenses in
>an account with a signatory, or prepay burial expenses yourself.
>Let your executor(s) know in advance where to find the documents
>they'll need.
>
>If you've ever been in the position of executor, I'm sure you'll
>agree and have more ideas. These things help.
>Thanks,
>Jeff
>Jeff Morgan - morgajs@parsec.com
JEFF
My sympathy on the loss of your father. Death is something most of us of
us do not like to think about or plan for. However planning for your
death is a priceless gift we can give our loved ones. The following are
some notes from a class I teach on retirement planning. I think they
might be a benefit to persfiners. Please note that I am NOT an attorney
and the following is not legal advice. It is just my opinion. Sorry that
the notes all in caps.
Also note the following list are not complete. There will be other things
that need to be done on a death.
BOB FORD
BOB_FORD@COMPUSERVE.COM
PLANNING FOR YOUR DEATH
1. A VERY DIFFICULT TASK FOR MOST PEOPLE TO EVEN THINK
ABOUT, HOWEVER IT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE YOUR
SPOUSE AND CHILDREN
2. LEAVE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR WISHES FOR YOUR BURIAL
IN YOUR "OPEN ON MY DEATH FILE"
3. DO NOT LEAVE THOSE DECISIONS TO YOUR SPOUSE OR
RELATIVES. LET THEM KNOW WHERE THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE
KEPT AND WHAT THEY ARE
A. DO NOT PUT THEM IN A SAFE DEPOSIT BOX
B. KEEP THEM WHERE THEY WILL BE EASY TO ACCESS
C. DO NOT LEAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN YOUR WILL AS
WILLS ARE USUALLY OPENED AFTER YOUR BURIAL
D. A FAMILY BIBLE IS A GOOD PLACE TO STORE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
4. FUNERALS CAN BE A MAJOR EXPENSE. HERE ARE SOME
THINGS TO CONSIDER
A. SALESPERSONS HAVE YOUR RELATIVES AT THEIR
WEAKEST TIME
B. CREMATION WILL REDUCE COSTS
1. YOU CAN KEEP THE URN A HOME. IT DOES NOT NEED TO
BE BURIED.
C. GIVE YOUR BODY TO A MEDICAL SCHOOL TO SAVE MONEY
D. EMBALMING IS NOT A REQUIREMENT
1. IT PRESERVES THE BODY ONLY A FEW WEEKS
E. FREEZING YOUR BODY IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE BURIAL
1. A FROZEN BODY MIGHT BE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE
2. THIS HAS NOT BEEN ACCOMPLISHED YET BUT LOOK AT
HOW FAR MEDICINE PROGRESSED IN THE PAST 50 YEARS
3. IF YOU DO NOT FREEZE YOUR BODY, YOU CAN BE SURE
YOU WILL NOT BE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE
4. YOU CAN DIRECT THAT THE PROCEEDS FROM YOUR LIFE
INSURANCE POLICY BE USED TO PAY FOR THE FREEZING.
F. SOME AIRLINES WILL GIVE YOU A SPECIAL FARE TO GO TO A
FUNERAL OR TO TRANSPORT A CASKET.
G. YOU CAN HAVE YOUR ASHES SCATTERED AT SEA (NO COST
FOR GRAVES)
INCLUDE IN YOUR OPEN AT MY DEATH FILE
THE LOCATION OF ANY LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
THE ADDRESS TO NOTIFY TO STOP YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
CHECK (IF YOU HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT, YOUR BANK WILL DO
THIS FOR YOU)
A COPY OF YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE
THE LOCATION OF YOUR BIRTH AND THE DATE OF YOUR BIRTH
YOUR MOTHER'S MAIDEN NAME YOUR FATHERS NAME
A COPY OF YOUR WILL THE LOCATION OF YOUR WILL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR BURIAL (WHERE, SERVICES, ETC)
YOUR VIEWS ON ORGAN DONATION
YOUR WISHES ABOUT AN AUTOPSY
THE LOCATION OF THE DEED TO BURIAL PLOTS AND THE
LOCATION OF YOUR PLOT
LOCATION AND NAME ON ALL YOUR BANK ACCOUNTS
LOCATION OF YOUR MILITARY DISCHARGE AND RETIREMENT
PAPERS
THE NAMES AND ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF PEOPLE YOU
WANT TO BE NOTIFIED OF YOUR DEATH
THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF ALL ORGANIZATIONS WHICH YOU
ARE A MEMBER
YOUR PREFERENCE IN CASKETS (COLOR, PRICE, ETC)
ANY SPECIAL MUSIC YOUR WANT AT YOUR FUNERAL
ANY SPECIAL THINGS YOU WANT SAID AT YOUR FUNERAL
WHAT FUNERAL HOME YOU WISH TO USE IF YOU HAVE A
PREFERENCE
YOUR CHOICE OF OPEN OR CLOSED CASKET
YOUR CHOICE OF PALLBEARERS
YOUR VIEWS ABOUT CREMATION AND DISPOSITION OF YOUR
ASHES, BURIED, SCATTERED AT SEA, PLACED ON THE
MANTLE, ETC
THE LOCATION OF YOUR SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES AND THEIR KEYS
WHAT YOU WANT ON YOUR GRAVE MARKER
YOUR WISHES WHETHER YOU WANT TO BE FROZEN IN HOPES
YOU CAN COME BACK TO LIFE LATER
YOUR RELIGIOUS PREFERENCES AND WHO SHOULD DELIVER ANY
PRAYERS, ETC
YOUR WISHES FOR THE DISPOSITION OF SMALL ITEMS NOT IN
YOUR WILL SUCH AS, CLOTHES, PERSONAL EFFECTS, BOOKS,
ETC
ANYTHING YOU WANT TO BE BURIED WITH YOU
WHAT CLOTHES YOU WANT TO BE BURIED IN
YOUR VIEWS ON FLOWERS AND/OR DONATIONS TO YOUR
FAVORITE CAUSE
YOUR FAVORITE FLOWERS AND MUSIC
FINAL MESSAGES FOR ANYONE YOU WISH TO COMMUNICATE
WITH
DISPOSITION OF ANY OF YOUR SPERM HELD IN A SPERM BANK
ANY DEBTS TO YOU THAT YOU WANT FORGIVEN AT YOUR
DEATH
A TAPE OR VIDEO RECORDING IN YOUR OWN VOICE EXPRESSING
YOUR WISHES WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED BY YOUR
NEXT OF KIN
INFORMATION YOU WANT AND DO NOT WANT IN YOUR
OBITUARY
A LAST LOVE LETTER TO YOUR SPOUSE
THINGS THAT SHOULD BE DONE IMMEDIATELY WHEN A PERSON
DIES WITH NO SPOUSE
1. THE LOCK TO THE HOME SHOULD BE CHANGED.
2. THE HOME SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM COLD WEATHER.
3. THE CHECK BOOKS SHOULD BE LOCATED AND LOCKED UP.
4. AN INVENTORY OF EVERYTHING IN THE HOME SHOULD BE
MADE
5. A HOLD ON THE MAIL SHOULD BE TURNED IN AT THE POST
OFFICE
6. THE REFRIGERATOR SHOULD BE CLEANED OUT AND TURNED
OFF
7. THE GARBAGE SHOULD BE COLLECTED.
8. THE WATER SHOULD BE SHUT OFF
9. THE GAS/ELECTRICITY SHOULD BE SHUT OFF EXCEPT IN
WINTER
10. THE FIRE INSURANCE SHOULD BE CHECKED TO SEE WHEN IT
EXPIRES
11. ANYTHING WITH A LARGE VALUE SHOULD BE LOCKED IN A
SAFE DEPOSIT BOX
12. THE PHONE COMPANY SHOULD BE NOTIFIED TO DISCONNECT
THE PHONE.
13. THE CABLE TV SHOULD BE NOTIFIED TO DISCONNECT THE
CABLE.
14. THE CAR SHOULD BE LOCKED AND THE KEYS LOCKED UP.
15. ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO CARE FOR ANY PETS.
16. NEWSPAPERS SHOULD BE STOPPED
17. THE DECEASED MINISTER SHOULD BE NOTIFIED OF THE DEATH
THINGS THAT SHOULD BE DONE SOON WHEN A PERSON DIES WITH
NO SPOUSE
1. MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YARD CARE
2. IDENTIFY ALL KEYS FOUND AT THE DECEASED HOME
3. CANCEL MEDICAL INSURANCE
4. CANCEL AUTO INSURANCE
5. NOTIFY ORGANIZATIONS THAT THE DECEASED WAS A MEMBER
OF
6. GET SEVERAL COPIES OF THE DEATH CERTIFICATE
7. COLLECT ON BURIAL INSURANCE
8. NOTIFY NEWSPAPERS FOR OBITUARY (THE FUNERAL HOME
WILL HELP)
9. MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR A TOMBSTONE
10. PURCHASE A CEMETERY LOT
11. CANCEL ALL CREDIT CARDS
12. NOTIFY THE LANDLORD IF THERE IS ONE
SOME THINGS THAT MUST BE DONE TO SETTLE AN ESTATE AFTER A
PERSON DIES (USUALLY BY THE EXECUTOR/ADMINISTRATOR)
1. LOCATE THE WILL
2. LOCATE COPIES OF THE DEATH CERTIFICATE
3. FIND OUT WHO ARE THE HEIRS AND BENEFICIARIES
4. EMPTY THE SAFE DEPOSIT BOX
5. COLLECT THE MAIL
6. CANCEL ALL CREDIT CARDS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
A. PAY ALL CREDIT CARD BILLS
7. NOTIFY SOCIAL SECURITY TO STOP SENDING CHECKS IF
APPLICABLE
8. OBTAIN ESTATE INFORMATION
9. GET THE BANK ACCOUNT RELEASED
10. COLLECT ON ALL INSURANCE POLICIES
A. IT IS NOT UNUSUAL TO NOT BE ABLE TO FIND A COPY OF THE
LIFE INSURANCE POLICY. IF THAT IS THE CASE CONTACT
AMERICAN COUNCIL OF LIFE INSURERS
1011 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004
ASK FOR A POLICY SEARCH FORM. THEY WILL CONTACT
ALMOST ALL U.S. COMPANIES TO SEE IF A PERSON IS INSURED
WITH THEM.
11. COLLECT ANY ANNUITY
12. COLLECT ANY SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS ($255 BURIAL)
13. COLLECT ANY VETERANS BENEFITS
14. COLLECT ANY RAILROAD RETIREMENT BENEFITS
15. PREPARE ANY FINAL TAX RETURNS
16. COLLECT ANY STATE DISABILITY BENEFITS
17. COLLECT ANY WORKERS COMPENSATION BENEFITS
18. COLLECT ANY RETIREMENT OF DISABILITY FROM FEDERAL
EMPLOYMENT
19. COLLECT ANY DEATH BENEFITS FROM EMPLOYERS OR
ASSOCIATIONS
20. COLLECT ON ANY GROUP LIFE INSURANCE
21. DISTRIBUTE THE PROPERTY ACCORDING TO THE WILL
22. COLLECT YOUR FEE IF ALLOWED
23. GET, A LOT, BOOK, AND LIEN REPORT ON ANY REAL ESTATE
OWNED
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End of persfin-digest V4 #102
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