--- title: Life-event recheck and yearly reminder | Plan Before You Die url: https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tools/life-event-recheck source: Plan Before You Die --- # Recheck your plan after a life event Choose a life event to see which of the 25 Family Readiness Standard checks to review. Each includes a linked guide or tool. Print the list, copy a link to your event choice or choose a yearly reminder. - Free. No account needed - Linked to the Standard ## Which life event should you review? Your answers Life event - Choose an event - Marriage - Divorce - A new child - A new grandchild - A move to another state - A new phone - A new bank - The death of a spouse - The death of a chosen person - A diagnosis - Retirement - Buying a home - A new password manager Choose one event. Do not enter names, dates, medical details or account information. Skip checks that do not apply to you. If the menu doesn't load, find your event in the full reference below. ## Which checks match each life event? Choosing an event shows review prompts. It does not identify missing papers or verify legal authority. ### Marriage Review your own recorded choices and instructions after getting married. **Standard check 5** [Your family has your lawyer's name and number.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20has%20your%20lawyer%27s%20name%20and%20number.) Review whether your family has your lawyer's current name and number. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 7** [You checked the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and life insurance in the last two years.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20checked%20the%20beneficiaries%20on%20your%20retirement%20accounts%20and%20life%20insurance%20in%20the%20last%20two%20years.) Review your record of checking retirement-account and life-insurance beneficiaries. This tool does not suggest whom to name. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 15** [The person you named to speak for you knows your wishes.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=The%20person%20you%20named%20to%20speak%20for%20you%20knows%20your%20wishes.) Review whether the person you named still knows your wishes. - [Tell your family about your plan](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/talk) **Standard check 21** [You chose someone to step in and a backup, and both have said yes.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20chose%20someone%20to%20step%20in%20and%20a%20backup%2C%20and%20both%20have%20said%20yes.) Review your chosen person and backup, and whether both still agree. - [Tell your family about your plan](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/talk) **Standard check 22** [Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20person%20you%20chose%20has%20a%20short%20guide%20with%20their%20first%20steps.) Review each chosen person's first-step guide for changes you want to explain. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 24** [You wrote down what you want after you die.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20wrote%20down%20what%20you%20want%20after%20you%20die.) Review your written wishes for after your death. - [Write two letters for your family](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tools/letter-starter) ### Divorce Review records naming people and the instructions you have shared. This review doesn't change anything legally. **Standard check 2** [Each bank that would need your power of attorney has it on file.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20bank%20that%20would%20need%20your%20power%20of%20attorney%20has%20it%20on%20file.) Review which banks would need your existing power of attorney and what each has on file. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 3** [Your doctors and your family can find your health care proxy or advance directive.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20doctors%20and%20your%20family%20can%20find%20your%20health%20care%20proxy%20or%20advance%20directive.) Review whether doctors and family can find your current health care papers. - [Get ready for a hospital stay](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/hospital-week) **Standard check 5** [Your family has your lawyer's name and number.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20has%20your%20lawyer%27s%20name%20and%20number.) Review your lawyer's contact details. Talk with a lawyer in your state about legal questions. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 7** [You checked the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and life insurance in the last two years.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20checked%20the%20beneficiaries%20on%20your%20retirement%20accounts%20and%20life%20insurance%20in%20the%20last%20two%20years.) Review your record of checking retirement-account and life-insurance beneficiaries. This tool does not suggest whom to name. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 15** [The person you named to speak for you knows your wishes.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=The%20person%20you%20named%20to%20speak%20for%20you%20knows%20your%20wishes.) Review whether the person you named still knows your wishes. - [Tell your family about your plan](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/talk) **Standard check 21** [You chose someone to step in and a backup, and both have said yes.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20chose%20someone%20to%20step%20in%20and%20a%20backup%2C%20and%20both%20have%20said%20yes.) Review your chosen person and backup, and whether both still agree. - [Tell your family about your plan](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/talk) **Standard check 22** [Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20person%20you%20chose%20has%20a%20short%20guide%20with%20their%20first%20steps.) Review each chosen person's first-step guide for instructions that are no longer current. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 24** [You wrote down what you want after you die.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20wrote%20down%20what%20you%20want%20after%20you%20die.) Review your written wishes for after your death. - [Write two letters for your family](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tools/letter-starter) ### A new child Review your own wishes and instructions. This tool does not choose a guardian or a beneficiary. **Standard check 5** [Your family has your lawyer's name and number.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20has%20your%20lawyer%27s%20name%20and%20number.) Review your lawyer's contact details. Talk with a lawyer in your state about legal questions. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 7** [You checked the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and life insurance in the last two years.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20checked%20the%20beneficiaries%20on%20your%20retirement%20accounts%20and%20life%20insurance%20in%20the%20last%20two%20years.) Review your record of checking retirement-account and life-insurance beneficiaries. This tool does not suggest whom to name. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 21** [You chose someone to step in and a backup, and both have said yes.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20chose%20someone%20to%20step%20in%20and%20a%20backup%2C%20and%20both%20have%20said%20yes.) Review your chosen person and backup, and whether both still agree. - [Tell your family about your plan](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/talk) **Standard check 22** [Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20person%20you%20chose%20has%20a%20short%20guide%20with%20their%20first%20steps.) Review whether each chosen person's guide explains the first steps you want them to know. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 24** [You wrote down what you want after you die.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20wrote%20down%20what%20you%20want%20after%20you%20die.) Review your written wishes for after your death. - [Write two letters for your family](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tools/letter-starter) ### A new grandchild Review your own wishes and instructions without assuming a guardianship or financial change. **Standard check 7** [You checked the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and life insurance in the last two years.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20checked%20the%20beneficiaries%20on%20your%20retirement%20accounts%20and%20life%20insurance%20in%20the%20last%20two%20years.) Review your record of checking retirement-account and life-insurance beneficiaries. This tool does not suggest whom to name. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 22** [Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20person%20you%20chose%20has%20a%20short%20guide%20with%20their%20first%20steps.) Review whether each chosen person's guide explains the first steps you want them to know. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 24** [You wrote down what you want after you die.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20wrote%20down%20what%20you%20want%20after%20you%20die.) Review your written wishes for after your death. - [Write two letters for your family](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tools/letter-starter) ### A move to another state Review locations, contacts and instructions. This tool does not decide whether legal papers remain valid. **Standard check 1** [Someone besides you knows where your original will is.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Someone%20besides%20you%20knows%20where%20your%20original%20will%20is.) Review where your original will is kept and who else knows its location. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 3** [Your doctors and your family can find your health care proxy or advance directive.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20doctors%20and%20your%20family%20can%20find%20your%20health%20care%20proxy%20or%20advance%20directive.) Review whether your current doctors and family can find your health care papers. - [Get ready for a hospital stay](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/hospital-week) **Standard check 4** [Someone you trust knows where your deed, titles and insurance policies are.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Someone%20you%20trust%20knows%20where%20your%20deed%2C%20titles%20and%20insurance%20policies%20are.) Review where your deed, titles and insurance policies are kept and who knows. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 5** [Your family has your lawyer's name and number.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20has%20your%20lawyer%27s%20name%20and%20number.) Review your lawyer's contact details. Talk with a lawyer in your state about legal questions. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 13** [A current list of your doctors and medications is easy to find.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=A%20current%20list%20of%20your%20doctors%20and%20medications%20is%20easy%20to%20find.) Review whether your list of doctors and medications is current and easy to find. - [Get ready for a hospital stay](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/hospital-week) **Standard check 14** [Your family knows which insurance cards and plans you have.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20knows%20which%20insurance%20cards%20and%20plans%20you%20have.) Review whether your family knows where to find your current insurance cards and plan information. - [Get ready for a hospital stay](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/hospital-week) **Standard check 22** [Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20person%20you%20chose%20has%20a%20short%20guide%20with%20their%20first%20steps.) Review location and contact instructions in each chosen person's first-step guide. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) ### A new phone Review your existing phone and account arrangements without recording sign-in secrets. **Standard check 16** [Apple Legacy Contact or Google Inactive Account Manager is set up, if you use them.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Apple%20Legacy%20Contact%20or%20Google%20Inactive%20Account%20Manager%20is%20set%20up%2C%20if%20you%20use%20them.) If you use Apple or Google, review the account arrangement and chosen person's instructions. - [Add an Apple Legacy Contact](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/phones/apple-legacy-contact) - [Set up Google Inactive Account Manager](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/phones/google-inactive-account-manager) **Standard check 17** [If your password manager offers emergency access, someone you trust has it.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=If%20your%20password%20manager%20offers%20emergency%20access%2C%20someone%20you%20trust%20has%20it.) If your password manager offers emergency access, review its existing arrangement and the chosen person's instructions. - [Find your password manager's access options](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tools/password-manager-emergency-access) **Standard check 18** [Your family knows your phone carrier and whose name the account is in.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20knows%20your%20phone%20carrier%20and%20whose%20name%20the%20account%20is%20in.) Review whether your family knows your current carrier and whose name the phone account is in. - [What happens to a phone number?](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/phones/what-happens-to-a-phone-number) **Standard check 20** [Your plan holds no passwords.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20plan%20holds%20no%20passwords.) Review your plan for passwords or other sign-in secrets. Keep them outside this tool. - [Keep your phone passcode private](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/phones/keep-your-passcode-safe) **Standard check 22** [Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20person%20you%20chose%20has%20a%20short%20guide%20with%20their%20first%20steps.) Review phone and account instructions in each chosen person's first-step guide. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 25** [The people you chose practiced their first steps in the last 12 months.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=The%20people%20you%20chose%20practiced%20their%20first%20steps%20in%20the%20last%2012%20months.) Review when the people you chose last practiced the first steps relevant to the new phone. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) ### A new bank Review the bank record, bill instructions and the guide your chosen person would use. **Standard check 2** [Each bank that would need your power of attorney has it on file.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20bank%20that%20would%20need%20your%20power%20of%20attorney%20has%20it%20on%20file.) Review whether the new bank would need your existing power of attorney and what it has on file. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 6** [Someone you trust knows every bank you use and which account pays each bill.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Someone%20you%20trust%20knows%20every%20bank%20you%20use%20and%20which%20account%20pays%20each%20bill.) Review the bank and bill list your trusted person uses. Keep account numbers outside this tool. - [Print a simple account list](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/printables/account-list) **Standard check 22** [Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20person%20you%20chose%20has%20a%20short%20guide%20with%20their%20first%20steps.) Review bank and bill instructions in each chosen person's first-step guide. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 25** [The people you chose practiced their first steps in the last 12 months.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=The%20people%20you%20chose%20practiced%20their%20first%20steps%20in%20the%20last%2012%20months.) Review when the people you chose last practiced finding the bank and bill instructions. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) ### The death of a spouse Review your own plan after the loss. This is not a checklist for administering the estate. **Standard check 5** [Your family has your lawyer's name and number.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20has%20your%20lawyer%27s%20name%20and%20number.) Review your lawyer's contact details. Talk with a lawyer in your state about legal questions. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 7** [You checked the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and life insurance in the last two years.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20checked%20the%20beneficiaries%20on%20your%20retirement%20accounts%20and%20life%20insurance%20in%20the%20last%20two%20years.) Review your record of checking retirement-account and life-insurance beneficiaries. This tool does not suggest whom to name. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 10** [Your family knows how your pension and other income arrive.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20knows%20how%20your%20pension%20and%20other%20income%20arrive.) Review whether your own pension and income instructions are current. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 15** [The person you named to speak for you knows your wishes.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=The%20person%20you%20named%20to%20speak%20for%20you%20knows%20your%20wishes.) If your spouse was the person named to speak for you, review who knows your wishes now. - [Tell your family about your plan](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/talk) **Standard check 16** [Apple Legacy Contact or Google Inactive Account Manager is set up, if you use them.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Apple%20Legacy%20Contact%20or%20Google%20Inactive%20Account%20Manager%20is%20set%20up%2C%20if%20you%20use%20them.) If your spouse was named in an Apple or Google arrangement, review your own arrangement and instructions. - [Add an Apple Legacy Contact](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/phones/apple-legacy-contact) - [Set up Google Inactive Account Manager](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/phones/google-inactive-account-manager) **Standard check 17** [If your password manager offers emergency access, someone you trust has it.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=If%20your%20password%20manager%20offers%20emergency%20access%2C%20someone%20you%20trust%20has%20it.) If your spouse was your password manager's emergency contact, review your own existing arrangement. - [Find your password manager's access options](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tools/password-manager-emergency-access) **Standard check 19** [Your social media accounts have a legacy contact or a written wish.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20social%20media%20accounts%20have%20a%20legacy%20contact%20or%20a%20written%20wish.) If your spouse was named for a social account, review your own account wishes and instructions. - [Facebook legacy contacts and memorialized profiles](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/phones/facebook-legacy-contact) **Standard check 21** [You chose someone to step in and a backup, and both have said yes.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20chose%20someone%20to%20step%20in%20and%20a%20backup%2C%20and%20both%20have%20said%20yes.) Review your chosen person and backup, and whether both can still take their parts. - [Tell your family about your plan](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/talk) **Standard check 22** [Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20person%20you%20chose%20has%20a%20short%20guide%20with%20their%20first%20steps.) Review each chosen person's first-step guide for instructions that named your spouse. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 25** [The people you chose practiced their first steps in the last 12 months.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=The%20people%20you%20chose%20practiced%20their%20first%20steps%20in%20the%20last%2012%20months.) Review when the people now chosen last practiced their first steps. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) ### The death of a chosen person Review only the parts of your own plan that named this person. No authority transfers automatically in this tool. **Standard check 15** [The person you named to speak for you knows your wishes.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=The%20person%20you%20named%20to%20speak%20for%20you%20knows%20your%20wishes.) If this person was named to speak for you, review who knows your wishes now. - [Tell your family about your plan](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/talk) **Standard check 16** [Apple Legacy Contact or Google Inactive Account Manager is set up, if you use them.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Apple%20Legacy%20Contact%20or%20Google%20Inactive%20Account%20Manager%20is%20set%20up%2C%20if%20you%20use%20them.) If this person was named in an Apple or Google arrangement, review your own arrangement and instructions. - [Add an Apple Legacy Contact](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/phones/apple-legacy-contact) - [Set up Google Inactive Account Manager](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/phones/google-inactive-account-manager) **Standard check 17** [If your password manager offers emergency access, someone you trust has it.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=If%20your%20password%20manager%20offers%20emergency%20access%2C%20someone%20you%20trust%20has%20it.) If this person was your password manager's emergency contact, review your own existing arrangement. - [Find your password manager's access options](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tools/password-manager-emergency-access) **Standard check 19** [Your social media accounts have a legacy contact or a written wish.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20social%20media%20accounts%20have%20a%20legacy%20contact%20or%20a%20written%20wish.) If this person was named for a social account, review your own account wishes and instructions. - [Facebook legacy contacts and memorialized profiles](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/phones/facebook-legacy-contact) **Standard check 21** [You chose someone to step in and a backup, and both have said yes.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20chose%20someone%20to%20step%20in%20and%20a%20backup%2C%20and%20both%20have%20said%20yes.) Review your chosen person and backup, and whether both can still take their parts. - [Tell your family about your plan](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/talk) **Standard check 22** [Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20person%20you%20chose%20has%20a%20short%20guide%20with%20their%20first%20steps.) Review each first-step guide that named this person. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 25** [The people you chose practiced their first steps in the last 12 months.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=The%20people%20you%20chose%20practiced%20their%20first%20steps%20in%20the%20last%2012%20months.) Review when the people now chosen last practiced their first steps. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) ### A diagnosis Review paperwork and communication only. This tool gives no medical advice or decision-capacity assessment. **Standard check 3** [Your doctors and your family can find your health care proxy or advance directive.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20doctors%20and%20your%20family%20can%20find%20your%20health%20care%20proxy%20or%20advance%20directive.) Review whether your doctors and family can find your health care papers. - [Get ready for a hospital stay](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/hospital-week) **Standard check 12** [Medicare has your written permission, on form CMS-10106, to talk with someone you choose.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Medicare%20has%20your%20written%20permission%2C%20on%20form%20CMS-10106%2C%20to%20talk%20with%20someone%20you%20choose.) If you use Medicare, review whether its written permission record names the person you choose. - [Let Medicare talk with your family](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/medicare-form) **Standard check 13** [A current list of your doctors and medications is easy to find.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=A%20current%20list%20of%20your%20doctors%20and%20medications%20is%20easy%20to%20find.) Review whether your list of doctors and medications is current and easy to find. - [Get ready for a hospital stay](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/hospital-week) **Standard check 14** [Your family knows which insurance cards and plans you have.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20knows%20which%20insurance%20cards%20and%20plans%20you%20have.) Review whether your family knows where to find your current insurance cards and plan information. - [Get ready for a hospital stay](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/hospital-week) **Standard check 15** [The person you named to speak for you knows your wishes.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=The%20person%20you%20named%20to%20speak%20for%20you%20knows%20your%20wishes.) Review whether the person you named to speak for you knows your wishes. - [Tell your family about your plan](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/talk) **Standard check 21** [You chose someone to step in and a backup, and both have said yes.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20chose%20someone%20to%20step%20in%20and%20a%20backup%2C%20and%20both%20have%20said%20yes.) Review your chosen person and backup, and whether both still agree. - [Tell your family about your plan](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/talk) **Standard check 22** [Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20person%20you%20chose%20has%20a%20short%20guide%20with%20their%20first%20steps.) Review whether each chosen person's guide explains the first steps you want them to know. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 23** [You wrote down what you want if you can't decide for yourself.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20wrote%20down%20what%20you%20want%20if%20you%20can%27t%20decide%20for%20yourself.) Review your written wishes for a time when you cannot decide for yourself. - [Write two letters for your family](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tools/letter-starter) ### Retirement Review account, income and benefit records only where those arrangements apply to you. **Standard check 7** [You checked the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and life insurance in the last two years.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20checked%20the%20beneficiaries%20on%20your%20retirement%20accounts%20and%20life%20insurance%20in%20the%20last%20two%20years.) Review your record of checking retirement-account and life-insurance beneficiaries. This tool does not suggest whom to name. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 8** [Each of your brokerage accounts has a trusted contact on file.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20of%20your%20brokerage%20accounts%20has%20a%20trusted%20contact%20on%20file.) If you use brokerage accounts, review whether each has a trusted contact on file. - [Free readiness check](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) **Standard check 9** [You've told Social Security who should manage your benefits if you ever need help.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%27ve%20told%20Social%20Security%20who%20should%20manage%20your%20benefits%20if%20you%20ever%20need%20help.) If you use Social Security, review your recorded choice for managing benefits if help is ever needed. - [Choose who could manage your benefits](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/benefits/social-security-advance-designation) **Standard check 10** [Your family knows how your pension and other income arrive.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20knows%20how%20your%20pension%20and%20other%20income%20arrive.) Review whether your family knows how your current pension and other income arrive. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 12** [Medicare has your written permission, on form CMS-10106, to talk with someone you choose.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Medicare%20has%20your%20written%20permission%2C%20on%20form%20CMS-10106%2C%20to%20talk%20with%20someone%20you%20choose.) If you use Medicare, review whether its written permission record names the person you choose. - [Let Medicare talk with your family](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/medicare-form) **Standard check 14** [Your family knows which insurance cards and plans you have.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20knows%20which%20insurance%20cards%20and%20plans%20you%20have.) Review whether your family knows where to find your current insurance cards and plan information. - [Get ready for a hospital stay](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/hospital-week) ### Buying a home Review paper locations and bill instructions. This tool does not decide ownership or inheritance rights. **Standard check 4** [Someone you trust knows where your deed, titles and insurance policies are.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Someone%20you%20trust%20knows%20where%20your%20deed%2C%20titles%20and%20insurance%20policies%20are.) Review where your deed, titles and insurance policies are kept and who knows. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 5** [Your family has your lawyer's name and number.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20has%20your%20lawyer%27s%20name%20and%20number.) Review your lawyer's contact details. Talk with a lawyer in your state about legal questions. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 6** [Someone you trust knows every bank you use and which account pays each bill.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Someone%20you%20trust%20knows%20every%20bank%20you%20use%20and%20which%20account%20pays%20each%20bill.) Review which bank account pays each home-related bill in your private instructions. Keep account numbers outside this tool. - [Print a simple account list](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/printables/account-list) **Standard check 22** [Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20person%20you%20chose%20has%20a%20short%20guide%20with%20their%20first%20steps.) Review paper-location and bill instructions in each chosen person's first-step guide. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) ### A new password manager Review the manager's supported arrangement and private instructions without putting credentials in the plan. **Standard check 17** [If your password manager offers emergency access, someone you trust has it.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=If%20your%20password%20manager%20offers%20emergency%20access%2C%20someone%20you%20trust%20has%20it.) If the new manager offers emergency access, review its existing arrangement and the chosen person's instructions. - [Find your password manager's access options](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tools/password-manager-emergency-access) **Standard check 20** [Your plan holds no passwords.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20plan%20holds%20no%20passwords.) Review your plan for passwords or other sign-in secrets. Keep them outside this tool. - [Keep your phone passcode private](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/phones/keep-your-passcode-safe) **Standard check 22** [Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20person%20you%20chose%20has%20a%20short%20guide%20with%20their%20first%20steps.) Review the password manager instructions in each chosen person's first-step guide. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) **Standard check 25** [The people you chose practiced their first steps in the last 12 months.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=The%20people%20you%20chose%20practiced%20their%20first%20steps%20in%20the%20last%2012%20months.) Review when the people you chose last practiced their first steps for the supported arrangement. - [What your family needs to know](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/planning/what-your-family-needs-to-know) ## When should you come back? Return after another change or review the full Standard each year. An optional yearly email starts one year after you sign up for it and doesn't mention your event. Save a reminder Your email Send me a reminder every year. What to review - Review the Standard - Email me the reminder I requested. We use your email for this reminder. Each reminder includes a private delete link. [Review all 25 Standard checks](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard) ## What should you know before reviewing? ### Does this mean I need new legal papers? No. These are review prompts. They do not identify missing or invalid papers, choose beneficiaries or guardians, or establish authority. Talk with a lawyer in your state about legal questions. ### What does a death or diagnosis change here? After a death, review your own plan and the parts that named that person. After a diagnosis, review paperwork and communication. This tool does not administer an estate, assess capacity or give medical advice. ### What does retirement change here? It shows account, income and benefit checks to review where they apply. It does not assume you use Medicare, Social Security or a brokerage. It recommends no benefit, claiming age, insurance plan or investment. ### What goes into a copied link? Only your event choice. Anyone receiving that link can see the choice, so share it only if you want to. Do not enter names, dates, medical details or account information. ### What does the yearly reminder contain? A neutral invitation to review the full Standard. Your selected event is not included. Email is optional and only requested if you ask for that reminder. Each reminder email includes a delete link. ## How does this tool work? - **What it does** See which Standard checks to review after marriage, a move, a new child or another life event. Follow related guides and choose a yearly reminder. - **How it decides** Choose one event. The tool shows its linked checks and a short review prompt for each. It does not score your plan or decide something is missing. The yearly reminder invites you to review the full Standard and returns you to this tool. - **Your answers** Your event choice is used in the browser. A copied link includes that choice, so share it only if you want to. Anonymous counts include no answers. The optional yearly reminder uses a neutral message without your event. - **What it is based on** The [Family Readiness Standard](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard) supplies the checks. This event map is an editorial way to revisit them. It is not an outside rule about an event's effect. Review again after another change or each year. - **What it doesn't do** Review prompts do not create or verify authority, choose beneficiaries or legal papers, or give medical advice. A diagnosis covers paperwork only. Talk with a lawyer in your state about legal questions. It covers the United States. This is general information, not legal, medical or financial advice. This tool is general information, not legal advice. Plan Before You Die isn't connected with Medicare or any government office. [Something wrong here? Tell us.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/contact)