DEAR ABBY: I'm single and have grown children. I know I am not going to live forever, and I want to make sure I am not a burden to them even after death. I have a will and no bills beyond my house and normal living expenses. What else do I need to do to make sure everything is taken care of when I'm gone? -- PREPARING IN ADVANCE
DEAR PREPARING: Do you have an advance directive for health care in case you become so ill before your death that you can't speak for yourself? Do you have at least one health care advocate who will ensure your wishes are carried out? Do you have a cemetery plot selected and paid for, so your children won't have to do it? How about money set aside for your funeral or memorial?
If the answer to each of these questions is yes, all you need to do is make certain your children are aware of it. If not, then get busy!