The first time I ever sat down in my accountant's office was in 2020 in the midst of my divorce.
Not only was I at the bottom of the ocean, drowning in grief, but I also had zero idea about anything related to my accounts, banks, finances, all of it.
I am not a math person. I am not an economist.
The work of just inching through account by account, bill by bill, was the work of my adult life.
I don't have a head for numbers or budgets. Yet, I figured it out. And since then, I’ve done a TON of work to put ALL my affairs in order.
Seriously. It’s on the top of my accomplishments from my post-divorce season.
I did it for me — and also for my kids.
Turns out it's one of the most selfless things we can do for our loved ones.
I've actually been thinking about this a lot lately, especially after a conversation I had with a dear friend. She is navigating the loss of her father while working through piles of paperwork needed to sort out his estate.
While his passing was expected and they thought they were prepared (estate plan, etc.), they didn't realize there was so much more involved.
It’s a headache and it's going to take MONTHS to work out. Months.
She needs this time to grieve, but instead, she is wading through unorganized documents and handwritten notes - most irrelevant - hoping to find what she needs.
End of life planning isn't about dwelling on the inevitable.
It's about ensuring that your loved ones are supported long after you're gone.
From tying up loose ends to honoring our final wishes — it's a daunting task that can be eased with planning and preparation.
That's why I am so passionate about Springbook.
Springbook: Straightforward document packets
Gather everything your family needs to know - from financial assets to last wishes.
Use the code JEN20 for 20% off all digital Springbook products.
At-a-Glance
A high-level overview of your most important contacts and information.
Access
Detail how to access your technology, as well as any hidden or locked spaces in your home.
Assets + Liabilities
A road map of financial accounts, personal property, real estate, land, and debt.
Automotive
Everything related to your vehicles: ownership, registration, and maintenance details.
Benefits + Insurance
A detailed view into employment and non employment contacts, benefits, and insurance policies.
Business Interests
Essential information for continuity, including ownership, key contacts, financials, and contingency plans.
Day-to-Day Operations
Detail the nitty gritty: household service providers, bills, online accounts, memberships, and subscriptions.
End of Life
A place to share your arrangements and wishes related to incapacity, end of life care, organ donation, and celebration of life.
Estate Plan
An overview of assets, guardianship, and who you have appointed to oversee decisions for you and your dependents.
Identity
Compile vital information for each family member: birth certificates, adoption papers, military records, divorce decrees, and more.
Medical
A place to share provider and medical history information for each member of your family.
Pets
Don’t forget to plan for your furry family members! Providers, health history, feeding and behavioral information, and more.
5 Essential Packets
Springbook Quickstart
At-a-Glance
Access
Estate Plan Summary
Assets + Liabilities
Medical
All 12 Packets
Springbook Digital
QUICKSTART, PLUS:
Identity
Benefits + Insurance
Business Interests
Automotive
Day-to-Day Operations
Pets
End of Life
Dustie, the founder of Springbook, has spent more than 14 years as a professional organizer, but when she became the Executor for her father's estate, and then the Power of Attorney for her mother with dementia, she was thrown into a whole new world — one that she didn’t have an organized system for.
Dustie knows firsthand what it is like to step in when something unexpected happens to a loved one. She also knows what it is like when no one has thought to prepare for life's surprises and inevitabilities.
She knew there had to be a better way — and that’s how Springbook was born.
Whether you're starting a family or enjoying retirement, Springbook is the tool you need to plan with purpose.
After all, in the words of good ole’ Benjamin Franklin, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” And, unlike taxes, there’s no filing for an extension on death.
I can't emphasize enough how crucial it is to do this work while you can. Don't wait until it's too late. Your family will be grateful for the foresight and care you've taken in planning for their future.
