Most Americans Aren’t Prepared to Die. Are You?

More than 3.2 million Americans died in 2022. Of those deaths, accidents accounted for 227,039 of them. What if it was you? Are you prepared to die, or would your family have to make difficult decisions during an emotional time? Use our list to know what end-of-life plans are essential and need to be something you take care of before it's too late. They're in alphabetical order. (Discover some of the ways people die unexpectedly in "Nearly 3,000 People Died as a Result of This Natural Disaster.")

An advance directive or living will protects your wishes if you're in an accident or develop a serious health condition that prevents you from communicating your wishes. It covers things like whether you'd want to be put on a ventilator if there was no chance of survival after a massive stroke. Print out this form online and fill it out or talk to an estate lawyer for guidance.

Have a comprehensive list of all assets and personal property printed and stored in a fire-proof safe or filing cabinet. It's also a good idea to keep a file on your computer or a thumb drive for easy access. A spreadsheet makes building a list and pinpointing each item's location easy. Include everything you own, such as homes, land, jewelry, collectibles, bonds, stocks, cars, and anything else of value.

List all bank accounts with account numbers and contact information. Make sure you don't overlook any banks you don't frequent but still have money sitting in an account. If you have a debit card with the bank, provide information regarding that card and PIN. Keep any checkbooks with that list.

Consider who you want to take possession of your personal items, assets, and money if you die unexpectedly or following a long illness. Have a backup in case your first choice isn't interested or passes away before you. It's best to have an attorney draw up paperwork to name your beneficiaries legally. If you don't name them, the courts determine who gets your assets following state laws. Often this means, spouses are first, followed by children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, or nieces/nephews.

If you live alone, make sure someone checks on you now and then. Give that person a key and any codes to reach your home. You don't want to fall and be unable to call for help for days or weeks before anyone knows you're missing. If you suffer a sudden heart attack or stroke, you don't want months passing before someone stops and finds your body.

Children shouldn't be left alone and forced to go into foster care if you pass away in an accident or medical situation. Have legal paperwork in place naming a guardian for your minor children. Choose someone familiar to the children. Also, consider having someone who agrees to care for your college-aged children until they graduate.

Many people fail to consider how helpful it is to have a list of technicians and contractors who handle yearly maintenance of HVAC systems or emergency plumbing or electrical repairs. If your roof leaks and you're no longer alive, who would your family call for repairs? Draw up a list of contractors and repair technicians who know your home's heating, cooling, and existing warranties.

What debt do you still owe? Credit cards, mortgage or home equity loans, car loans, personal loans, and monthly utility and phone bills should be on your list. Include any streaming services you have and how to cancel them. Include the amount you pay each month, where you make payments, and the due date.

Draw up a list of emergency contacts and use magnets to secure the list to your refrigerator. Keep the same list in your wallet or purse. If emergency responders receive a call or find you when you're out, they'll have a list of people to call.

Do you have life insurance? Have the policies readily available with the contact number and policy number highlighted for quick reference. Regularly update the beneficiaries for each policy, too.

If something happens and you don't survive, would you want to donate your organs to someone in need? This may be a choice you can make known on the back of your driver's license or sign up through the U.S. organ donor registry. You can also include this information in an advance directive.

Pets often get overlooked in end-of-life planning. If you die unexpectedly, what happens to your cat, dog, fish, or other pet? Would they be forced to go to an unfamiliar animal shelter where they'd be scared, or do you have family or friends willing to take them in? Can your friends or family afford their care, or would they need money to cover vet fees, food, and medications?

A power of attorney can be for medical decisions, financial ones, or both. This person is someone you trust to make decisions regarding medical treatments or financial decisions if you cannot make them for yourself. A financial power of attorney could sell your home if you're unable to return to it and need funds for end-of-life care.

Finally, see an estate planning attorney to draw up a will, name an executor who will ensure your assets are distributed properly, and pay off any remaining debt. You can draft a simple will online, but certain states do not consider these wills to be legal.