5 Things to Prepare as a Single Woman (or Anyone)

5 Things to Prepare as a Single Woman

Life is about choices. Choices to do, be, and go. We make choices regularly to act or react. We choose to manage our day-to-day how we see best, or rather free [will]. I didn't choose the single life, but yet here I am. Or maybe I have chosen this life as a revolt not to settle. That's not the intent nor discussion of this post, so let's move on. As a single woman with no children, adulting, as I approach forty, has refocused my perspective and several priorities, forcing me to be intentional about organizing my affairs.

Things happen. Unexpected things happen. Sometimes those unexpected occurrences can be far from pleasant and inconvenient. While many prefer to know all the details before its arrival. But unfortunately, the reality is that the unexpected happens more often than not with no notice of its occurrence's landing.

While I am grateful my mom made decisions for my well-being while I was under the multitude of doctors' care and unable to do so myself. There is almost a 40-year age difference between my mom and me. With that comes generational differences, which are attributed to our varying beliefs, thoughts, and opinions regarding our outlooks & experiences. Since becoming an adult, my mother and I openly & honestly share our health, views regarding medicine, and our well wishes, so it made it just a little bit easier for her to make definitive decisions about my care.

But what happens when it comes time to update your emergency contacts from your parents to someone else? After my unforeseen rupture post-hysterectomy, and more recently, an unfortunate passing of a family member, I thought it would be good to share five things I believe a single woman should have in place in the event of—anyone, for that matter. Here are five things to consider formally establishing as that time nears.

The information shared is not meant to serve as legal advice or guidance, but rather some food for thought from your internet best friend.

Living Will

It is of value to have a directive in place regarding your health and well-being. There are several reasons you should make a living will. Most importantly, a living will provides guidance to your doctors and health care surrogates in a time when you cannot speak for yourself. It provides clarity and closure to your loved ones, prevents conflict or disagreements among family members, and limits the emotional burden that’s associated with having to make such decisions.

Local emergency contact(s)

Whether you have moved away from home, far away from your extended family, or your parents are no longer on this side of heaven, it is time to update your emergency contacts. The days of elementary are far behind you. An emergency, in many cases, requires immediate attention. Should your emergency contact be more than an hour away, just how available and accessible can they be to tend to your aide or need? It could be to your benefit to designate an emergency contact who lives in closer proximity to you, even if they serve as a secondary contact.

Emergency funds

Your emergency contact family member or a friend may not be in a financial position to put up their money to cover your daily living expenses while you are out of commission. So, if it is your 3-5+ months savings that they will need to access to cover your rent, utilities, car note, or other make it so they can access it without any issue. Based on my personal experience, your bills are still due even when you are on a ventilator.

Last Will

In the event of death, your last will outlines your desires and wishes as to how your property is to be managed and distributed. I always have believed that this is self-explanatory. Conversations and discussions do not hold merit. So, please put it in writing! And if you value your material possessions (e.g., fashions, jewelry, household items, you get the idea), be sure to include those, too!

Afterlife expenses

Where does the money come from to fulfill the necessary cost of your homegoing, funeral, or cremation? Do you have children (or pets) that will need to be cared for after you are gone? Do you have life insurance? Is your policy active? Are there specific clauses in your policy that could prevent a payout? Do you have money saved to cover the expense of "putting you in the ground" or cremating, or are you expecting your family to cover? Is your family in a position to put up such money?

These questions require an answer and deserve a monetary allotment to ensure they are taken care of and fulfilled.

I've seen people plan down to the details and pay for their homegoings. And, back then, I didn't understand why. As I've gotten older, and in most recent years, I realize it just makes sense!

Things happen throughout our lives, and when we fail to get our lives in order, as the old folks used to say, we leave the potential open for the wrong decisions to be made on our behalf. Having your safety nets in place is worth the cost to avoid bad choices.

I understand that each of these requires a high level of trust in the designated person. So, choose wisely. Discernment and values exist for a reason.