Life & AD&D Insurance
Right. So that was creepy...
I mentioned recently that reading Smart Couples Finish Rich inspired me to get our financial files in order. As part of that effort, I just called my insurance carrier for Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability to get instructions on how to file a claim on each if necessary. Boy, was that creepy! No one likes a discussion which frequently uses the words, "So, in case of my death...." Nevertheless, it was super necessary and very important! I'd rather laugh with the very nice representative over the phone about it, and leave clear instructions for Ian than have him mourning me, and making a series of unpleasant phone calls to ask people at my company how to access my benefits. I can only imagine the horror of that - and worse! What if he decided it was too much, or at least too much hassle, or too embarrassing to be calling like a pauper looking for the money, and he never called, and never received my benefits! Oh no no no! So, one laughably uncomfortable 10-minute conversation and a little typing later, I have a sheet with bullet pointed instructions for Ian on how to file a claim for my benefits in the case of my death... or for my contingent beneficiary should both Ian and I kick the bucket. I even sent them a copy of this info. Deeply unpleasant, but necessary!
I guess I kind of always thought that if I died, some guy in a suit would show up like Ed McMahon at the door of my beneficiary, and say, "Hey, by the way, you just inherited a chunk of change from Trace." Really that's not how it works, however. I really can't believe that in the at least 10 years that I've had life insurance, this has never previously occurred to me!
I feel about 8 zillion shades deep of "grown-up" right about now.
T.
I mentioned recently that reading Smart Couples Finish Rich inspired me to get our financial files in order. As part of that effort, I just called my insurance carrier for Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability to get instructions on how to file a claim on each if necessary. Boy, was that creepy! No one likes a discussion which frequently uses the words, "So, in case of my death...." Nevertheless, it was super necessary and very important! I'd rather laugh with the very nice representative over the phone about it, and leave clear instructions for Ian than have him mourning me, and making a series of unpleasant phone calls to ask people at my company how to access my benefits. I can only imagine the horror of that - and worse! What if he decided it was too much, or at least too much hassle, or too embarrassing to be calling like a pauper looking for the money, and he never called, and never received my benefits! Oh no no no! So, one laughably uncomfortable 10-minute conversation and a little typing later, I have a sheet with bullet pointed instructions for Ian on how to file a claim for my benefits in the case of my death... or for my contingent beneficiary should both Ian and I kick the bucket. I even sent them a copy of this info. Deeply unpleasant, but necessary!
I guess I kind of always thought that if I died, some guy in a suit would show up like Ed McMahon at the door of my beneficiary, and say, "Hey, by the way, you just inherited a chunk of change from Trace." Really that's not how it works, however. I really can't believe that in the at least 10 years that I've had life insurance, this has never previously occurred to me!
I feel about 8 zillion shades deep of "grown-up" right about now.
T.