A guest blog by Stephen Moses from Zenplans.
When was the last time you paused to sort out the small bits of life admin that make a big difference?
It’s not the most festive task, but Christmas is, after all, a time for family, reflection and thinking ahead to the things that truly matter. A little organisation and preparedness now can make things far easier for your loved ones if the unexpected happens. These bite-sized tasks take only 10 minutes each and are well worth sharing with your clients. And after a very busy year spent helping others with their planning, they’re also a useful way to look after yourself too!
Day 1: Asset & Debt Snapshot
Make a simple list of your bank accounts, savings, investments, property and any debts - provider names and customer numbers are enough for others to understand what exists and who to contact.
Day 2: Government Documents
Note where you keep your key documents and information such as your passport, driving licence, National Insurance number and tax reference number - the list goes on. A simple list of locations and numbers makes them easy for others to find when needed.
Day 3: Will Location
Make sure your executors know where the original version of your latest Will is stored. If you haven’t already, consider registering its location with the National Will Register so it can be traced when needed.
Day 4: Life Insurance Policy Details
Note the provider, policy number and location of relevant documents. This saves loved ones from having to search for important information at an already difficult time.
Day 5: LPA Details
If you have LPAs, make sure your attorneys know how to use them. They will either need the original registered document (or a certified copy) or the access code created through the Government’s online service, which lets them share a digital summary of your LPA with organisations.
Day 6: Key Contact List
Create a short list of essential contacts - your GP, employer, accountant, financial advisor, solicitor etc. This gives others a clear starting point for who to notify if something happens.
Day 7: Household Providers
List your main household providers - utilities, broadband, mobile, insurance, council tax, mortgage or rent, and any key holders - along with which bank account or card each direct debit is taken from. This makes it easier for others to manage or update things if needed.
Day 8: Pet Information
If you have pets, make a quick note of their feeding routine, any medication, microchip details and your vet’s contact information. This ensures they can be cared for properly if you’re not able to.
Day 9: Gifts
If you make financial gifts to loved ones, keep a simple note of who you gave them to, how much and when. Clear records are important for inheritance tax planning and make things much easier for those handling your estate.
Day 10: Apple Legacy Contact
If you use an iPhone, set up an Apple Legacy Contact so a trusted person can access your iCloud data after your death. It only takes a moment and avoids important information being lost.
Day 11: Google Inactive Account Manager
If you use Google services, set up the Inactive Account Manager so someone you trust can access your Gmail, Google Photos, Drive and other data after a period of inactivity.
Day 12: Facebook Memorialisation
Decide whether you’d want your Facebook account deleted or memorialised. Setting these preferences - and choosing who can manage your account - ensures your online presence is handled exactly as you wish.
Bringing It All Together
Once you’ve completed your 12 Days of Prepared-mas, the final step is keeping everything secure, up to date and easy for the right people to access.
This is where Zenplans makes a real difference. It brings all your important information together in one secure place, guides you step by step, sends helpful reminders and lets you share it with trusted contacts to access either now or in the future.
For law firms, Zenplans helps deliver a standout client proposition by giving clients a secure, structured way to organise their affairs, taking their planning and preparedness that step further. It also keeps you connected with clients and their wider network, strengthening long-term relationships and future engagement opportunities.