Practical ways to be more prepared for life (and death)

We often think preparation starts and ends with two things:
Life insurance.
 A will.

And while both are important, being truly prepared is about much more than that.

It’s about carving out intentional time to think through the “what ifs”… not from fear, but from care.

Because preparation isn’t about expecting something to go wrong. It’s about reducing chaos if it does.

Here are a few practical things I encourage people to think about.

1. Think beyond “Who is the guardian?”

If you have children, most people stop at naming a guardian in their will.

But have you discussed the details?
Would you want your children to move into the guardian’s home?
Or would you prefer the guardian to move into your family home so your children stay in their environment?
What feels most stabilising for them?

Of course, finances and circumstances matter. But these conversations provide clarity.
Naming someone is one step.

Providing context around your wishes is another.

2. Document not just accounts… but context

Many people now understand the importance of listing:
Bank accounts
Superannuation
Insurance policies
Subscriptions
Apps

But we often forget to explain why they exist.

For example, someone might have multiple bank accounts for very specific reasons… one for school fees, one for emergency savings, one for household bills.

Without context, a partner or executor may close or merge accounts without realising their purpose.
Preparation isn’t just a list of assets.

It’s insight into your thinking.

3. Small details matter more than you think

Recently, I was travelling and locked my suitcase with the built-in combination lock.

As I set the code, I had a simple thought:
No one else knows this number.

It sounds insignificant. And perhaps it is.

But it was a reminder of how many small, everyday systems only live in our heads.
Phone passcodes.
Storage units.
Online logins.
Cloud photo libraries.

These things feel minor… until someone needs access.

Preparation lives in the details.

4. Make space for the uncomfortable conversations

Preparedness isn’t just paperwork.

It’s discussing wishes around:
End-of-life care
Funeral preferences
Legacy
How you want to be remembered

These conversations don’t invite death.

They reduce burden.

When someone is grieving, the last thing they need is uncertainty about whether they are making the “right” decision on your behalf.

Clarity is a gift.

5. Schedule the time. Don’t wait for motivation

Most people intend to get organised.

Few actually sit down and do it. Block time in your calendar. Treat it like a meeting.

Even one hour to begin documenting key information is better than nothing. Preparedness doesn’t have to be perfect.

It just has to exist.

We cannot control everything. But we can reduce confusion.

We can reduce stress. We can reduce the administrative chaos that often follows loss.

Being prepared for life and death is not morbid.

It is responsible, protective and kind. 

And often, it is the difference between overwhelm and steadiness for the people you love.