Where Do We Keep the Screwdrivers?: A Spouse's Guide to Emergency Planning

When Luci Hoffman's husband passed away after a protracted illness, she thought she was well prepared for the practical, everyday tasks and increased responsibilities she would face on her own. She quickly discovered that was far from the case. As Hoffman says, "Life can throw you curveballs in the form of an accident, an illness, a divorce, or even a death."

Where Do We Keep the Screwdrivers? - A Spouse's Guide to Emergency Planning encourages couples and singles with their significant others-or anyone who may be responsible for someone else's affairs at some point-to thoroughly document all essential information prior to a family emergency or death event.

Do you know where your money is? In the bank, or many banks? In investment accounts? Are you familiar with the details of your partner's insurance policies? Do you know who needs an original death certificate vs. a copy? Are you able to quickly access relevant medical information through an online portal? Do you know when and how to pay your property taxes and what other money you may owe for home equity lines of credit, personal loans, student loans, credit cards, and so on? And, of course, don't forget the screwdrivers! Do you know where they are?

These are just a few of the many questions posed in this useful, well-organized guide, which includes checklists and worksheets to help you keep track of finances, insurance, medical information, home maintenance, and much more. This book will help you get organized and stay organized-no matter what twists life might deliver.

Luci Hoffman has been writing poems and short stories since the fourth grade and had her poem "The Tap Dancer" published in the National Library of Poetry. Where Do We Keep the Screwdrivers?-A Spouse's Guide to Emergency Planning is her first book. She is currently developing her website and planning two future books-a collection of her poems and short stories and a book on "cooking for one." She is also an avid quilter and a member of Pieceful Quilters and the American Sewing Guild.

Ms. Hoffman lives on a farm in rural Indiana.