Tips, Resources & Blog | Lightsome Estate Concierge

Why Digital Organizing Can Save You From Disaster

I can’t forget a news video from last year featuring a house in North Carolina floating away due to catastrophic rains and flooding. The devastating fires in California are not yet contained. All I can think about is how difficult it will be for those people to recover their property, make insurance claims and provide essential documentation to access a number of services.

If all your important documents suddenly became inaccessible to you, what would you do? That’s why I’m a big advocate for digital organization. Any loss– expected or not can create a world of stress. If you’ve ever tried to get any official document (title, license, claim) without the required identification or documentation, you know what a time and energy suck it is. Now imagine how much easier it would be to get a replacement of that document if you had an electronic copy of it? Digital organizing helps you have electronic copies of things like your ID’s, insurance policies, health insurance cards, financial statements, estate plans and things like inventories of important things you own.

I know you’re probably saying, “what are the chances I’ll lose all my important documents in an event?” But imagine the relief it would be to have access to all your documentation if an unexpected event does happen.

Getting organized is a common new year goal. As someone who’s practiced feng shui and helped people declutter for years, I can tell you the payoff for getting digitally organized is much higher than cleaning your closet. When looking at digital organization, it helps to break things down into two categories. They are physical “things” to stored electronically and assets that are already digital that need to be cataloged and curated.

Physical to Digital Conversion

The first bucket is taking something physical then converting, sorting and categorizing it to a digital vault or digital filing cabinet, like:

financial, medical, legal, insurance and other types of records
legacy and estate directives
property deeds, vehicle titles
anything you want to memorialize like recipe cards, pet documentation
photo and videos (DVD, VHS, etc.)
appraisals for jewelry, art or collectibles
personal property inventory (what you own that you’d have to replace in a catastrophe)

Digital Asset Management

The second bucket contains items that are already digital but need categorization and systematic organization:

electronic photo and video collections
digital assets you own (domain names, intellectual property, cryptocurrency)
online accounts (anything with a user ID and password), password management
web-based or online-only accounts where you may have money, like Venmo, PayPal, an eBay store
loyalty programs like travel miles, restaurant points

Organize Your Family, Your Life, Your Files

Beyond the obvious benefit or not relying on a physical location, digital organization systems are designed to provide access for multiple authorized parties. There are several web-based tools out there to help. My favorites are Trustworthy and Everplans. Both are easy to use, secure and designed to help families stay organized, catalog and share information.

Trustworthy good for anyone who likes to dive deep into the details. It has sections for Tax Returns and an entire area if you are a Business owner. One of my favorite Trustworthy features is the ability to save a file directly from an email. The system will determine where it needs to be filed and pulls critical information for you. For example, if you upload a life insurance policy, it will autofill important details like the beneficiary, insurance amount and more.

Everplans is very easy to use, clean and even has recommended categories like Pets and Storage Units. Everplans has a section called “After I’m Gone” where you can write letters to your loved ones and even craft your own obituary.

Other solutions are Artifcts and My Data Diary+. Artifcts allows users to tell stories with any photo, document and create a family legacy to preserve memories. My Data Diary+ is a computer (not web) based digital organization solution. I’ve highlighted information about them here:

Name	Description	Key Features	Benefits	Annual Cost
Trustworthy	Comprehensive platform to organize and secure family information.	Centralized storage, secure sharing, reminders, web and iOS app.	Streamlines family information management, reduces stress. Automation helps with cataloging.	$120+
Everplans	Digital vault for end-of-life planning and personal document storage.	Secure document storage, sharing with deputies, end-of-life checklists.	Provides peace of mind through organized planning. Step-by-step and user friendly. Special end-of-life section.	$75
Artifcts	Platform to capture stories and memories behind personal belongings.	Upload photos, add stories, share artifacts, organize collections.	Preserves family history and facilitates storytelling.	$45 annually for base level
My Data Diary+	Tool for capturing, storing, and sharing personal and family data.	Customizable data categories, secure storage, sharing options.	Enhances organization and preparedness for emergencies.	$65

An unexpected benefit of these tools is identifying where you might be missing something or need to update your legacy and estate plans.

Getting digitally organized now can save you or your family a lot of hassle and time later. If you feel overwhelmed or don’t want to do the work yourself, Lightsome will do the digital organizing for you, just ask.

Be well, Be Lightsome!

Andrea Finck is the Founder of Lightsome Estate Concierge, helping families with organizing documentation, personal property and home management after the loss of a loved one. In addition to being an After Loss Professional and Certified Home Watch Professional, Andres is a Professional Feng Shui Consultant who says she’s been organizing things and rearranging furniture for as long as she can remember. Andrea can be reached via email at ">.

January 14, 2025/0 Comments/by

Two people at a counter looking at a laptop computer

Get Organized

Is Getting Organized Your Goal for 2025?

Getting organized is consistently ranked in the top 10 new year goals. People want to declutter and create systems that reduce feeling overwhelmed and save time.

Typically, we think about organizing closets, desks, files and junk drawers. One area of organization that gets overlooked is digital assets. From photos and financial records to passwords and cherished memories, managing digital assets is not just a game-changer for day-to-day life—it’s critical for your legacy. Research shows that 86% of people are less stressed when they are organized.

In today’s digital world, the average person owns thousands of files spread across multiple platforms. Emails, documents, photos, and videos can easily become a chaotic, unmanageable maze. According to NordPass, an average person has around 168 personal passwords alone.

Why get Digitally Organized?

Save Time: A well-organized digital system saves time and reduces the stress of searching for misplaced files. How many times have you searched for a file you swear you should know where it is?
Declutter Your Devices: Eliminate digital clutter and free up space on your devices.
Ensure Access in case of Unexpected Events: Make sure your loved ones have access to critical files and information in case of an emergency or unexpected event.
Secure Privacy: Properly managed assets ensure sensitive information stays protected

How to Get Started

Identify Your Digital Assets: Create a simple hierarchy / filing system to categorize digital assets like financial and legal files, accounts, photos, personal property and subscriptions.
Invest in Tools: Utilize software platforms designed to store and secure files. You can use simple tools like cloud storage and photo services or password managers, like Dashlane, 1Password and others. With a view in organizing your legacy, we highly recommend family operating systems like Trustworthy, Artifcts or Everplans.
Share with Family: Most platforms have family options for sharing information and subscriptions at a family level, where all important digital assets can be kept. Again, be sure to your Legacy and Inactive Account designees know how to access your assets.
Regular Updates: Make a habit of uploading new copies of files on a regular basis. Think about your latest auto or homeowners’ insurance policy.

Planning for Life After Life – Another Case for Being Digitally Organized

One of my yoga teachers always said “we must prepare to die like we prepare to live.” In the event something unexpected happens, leaving your loved ones with clear access to your files, passwords, and digital legacy can spare them from unnecessary stress during difficult times. Think of adding digital components to any existing estate documentation you have.

Cherished Memories: Ensure photos, videos, and keepsakes are accessible and preserved for future generations.
Estate Planning: Organize important financial and legal documents for smooth transitions.
Digital Accounts / Digital Executor: Provide loved ones with clear instructions for managing or closing online accounts, such as social media, subscriptions, and email.

Digital asset management isn’t just about organization—it’s about peace of mind and living carefree. Be Lightsome!

Vowing to digitally declutter in the new year?

January 3, 2025/0 Comments/by

Family Dinner Table Estate Conversations

Family Conversations

Easy Conversation Starters for the Holidays About Estate Organization

Family gatherings are plentiful at this time of year and every family has their traditions. In my family, you could count watching replays of famous golf matches or bringing out a slide projector and carousel upon carousel of photos. You might enjoy making handed-down recipes, going through photo albums or playing games. These nostalgic moments are the perfect opportunity to have conversations around legacy.

Half of Americans haven’t discussed their estate plans with family. While estate organization (organizing important documents and digital assets when someone dies or becomes incapacitated) is a departure from football and “remember when’s,” discussing legacy plans at the dinner table can pave the way for important transitions in the future.

Try these topics and conversation starters.

Using Technology to Keep Memories Safe

Imagine you’re passing around a photo album or scrolling through pictures on your phone from past holidays. Sharing memories is something we all do, but we rarely spend time thinking about how we access or protect photos, files or anything digital. Digital assets are photos, videos, social media accounts and content in apps. One of the biggest challenges when someone passes away is accessing all their digital content.

Conversation Starters:

“Did you know there is a setting called Legacy Contact on your iPhone? If something were to happen to me, my Legacy Contact could access my photos and other apps. Otherwise, Apple will lock the phone down and you might need a court order to access it.”

“Looking at these photos makes me reminds me how important it is to keep our memories safe. “

“I’ve been thinking about how we can make sure these treasures are organized and accessible in the future.”

Cutting the Clutter

Does a family member’s living resemble the National Archives? Are there stacks of papers, files, books, financial statements and other documents lying around? Technology has added a whole new layer of complexity because most people don’t keep good digital filing cabinets. If someone you know has a cluttered physical life, just imagine what their digital one must be like.

According to NordPass (2024), an average person has about 255 passwords (168 personal and around 87 business-related). Can you imagine someone trying to navigate all your logins and passwords if something happened to you?

Conversation starters:

“After this year’s big storms, I thought about all those people who lost their homes along with everything in them. If something like that happened to us, would you be able to access all your important documents?”

“I heard about a someone who suddenly lost a family member and couldn’t access their phone, photos or files because no one had access. They lost everything. It made me think about how much we rely on our phones now, and how important it is to set up something like a legacy contact.”

“There must be years of treasures here. I’d hate for something to get lost.”

“Did you know you can add a section in your will giving someone permission to access all your digital assets?”

Talk About Your Goals

Position the conversation as part of a broader, positive goal—creating a legacy, decluttering and organizing. You might say: “I always think about my goals at this time of the year. One of mine is to make sure my affairs are organized so no one has to worry about them later.”

By sharing what you are doing, it creates an opening for others to jump in. Maybe you use an online organizing tool or have a special binder, file or safe with your documents.

Conversation Starters:

“What’s something you’d want to make sure is preserved or passed down?”
“There are some online apps for organizing everything from family photos to legal documents. Have you ever heard of Trustworthy or Everplans?”
“Half of all families have a hard time finding important paperwork after someone dies. Does everyone know where my important documents are if something unexpected happened to me?”

Addressing Key Points

During the discussion, you can touch on three essential areas of estate organizing:

Digital Legacy: Discuss tools like Apple’s Legacy Contact or Google’s Inactive Account Manager, which ensure access to digital assets like photos and documents. Explain how these tools work and why they’re important.
Physical Organization: Suggest compiling key documents like wills, deeds, and medical directives in one secure place, and ensuring trusted family members know where to find them.
Communication: Emphasize the value of openly discussing wishes to avoid confusion or disputes later. Consider mentioning the option of naming a digital or traditional executor in a will to manage assets.

The goal isn’t to have a full-scale estate planning session at the dinner table. Instead, use the opportunity to plant the seed for further discussions. Good luck and make sure to take some time for yourself during this busy time of year!

Be Well!

Andrea Finck and After Loss Professional and the Founder of Lightsome Estate Concierge, helping families with the overwhelming tasks of estate administration and home management after the loss of the loved one.

December 1, 2024/0 Comments/by

In the News

Beat the “Fall Back Blahs” of Daylight Savings

The Peaceful Retiree | Oct 21, 2024 | 4 min read

On November 3, most of the U.S. will “fall back” in observance of Daylight Savings Time (DST) and the shortening of days until the Winter Solstice. As a retiree, you may not have the dreaded experience of leaving your office at 5 pm when it’s already dark outside, but the fewer hours of sunlight and the earlier onset of dusk can reap havoc with our body clock and outlook.

A study by the American Association of Sleep Medicine found that more than 55% of Americans reported negative impact on their sleep patterns with Daylight Savings. A Danish study published in Epidemiology found an 11% increase in depression the weeks after clocks are turned back. Even a study from University of Colorado – Boulder found a 6% increase in fatal car accidents directly correlated to visibility changes and disrupted sleep after the time transition.

Read the full article

November 8, 2024/0 Comments/by Candy Phelps

Property Resources

Thermostat Tips for Changing Seasons

Home Watch Madison Thermostat Tips

Five ways to keep your home running smoothly as the seasons change.

Using a Wi-Fi thermostat effectively during winter can help you stay comfortable while also managing your energy consumption. Here are five tips to get the most out of your Wi-Fi thermostat during the colder months:

1. **Set Up a Winter Schedule:** Adjust your thermostat’s schedule to align with your winter routine. Don’t forget about daylight savings! Lower the temperature when you’re not home or while you’re sleeping, and set it to warm up before you wake up or return home. This helps save energy without sacrificing comfort.

2. **Use Smart Features:** Take advantage of features like geofencing and learning algorithms. Geofencing can adjust the temperature based on your location, ensuring the house is comfortable when you arrive. Learning algorithms adapt to your habits and adjust settings for optimal comfort and efficiency.

3. **Maintain Consistent Temperatures:** Avoid making drastic temperature changes. Rapid shifts can lead to higher energy consumption and less comfort. Instead, maintain a consistent, moderate temperature to keep your home comfortable and efficient.

4. **Monitor and Adjust Humidity:** Some smart thermostats can monitor humidity levels. Proper humidity can make lower temperatures feel warmer and prevent issues like dry skin and static electricity. Make adjustments and consider using a humidifier if your thermostat has that capability. If you have wood floors or a wood burning fireplace, you’ll need to pay extra attention to your humidity levels.

5. **Change Batteries and Update Firmware:** Even if your system is hard wired (many aren’t) it is a good idea to change batteries at the same time as your smoke detector batteries. Regularly check for firmware updates for your thermostat. Manufacturers often release updates that can improve performance, add new features, or fix bugs.

By utilizing these tips, you can enhance the performance of your Wi-Fi thermostat, keep your home cozy, and manage your energy use effectively during the winter months. And don’t forget to change your furnace and humidifier filters regularly!

Andrea Finck, Certified Home Watch Professional is the owner of Home Watch Madison, Madison and Dane County’s only Accredited & Certified Home Watch Provider. She is also an After Loss Professional and Professional Feng Shui Consultant.

Contact andrea@homewatchmadison for more information.

Home Watch Madison is a proud member of the @National Home Watch Association.

Andrea Finck, CHWP, Owner

September 17, 2024/0 Comments/by

Leadership

Lessons learned from my mom: The impact of a quiet leader

With my mom, the Quiet Leader

Today is my mom’s birthday. While she is no longer on the earth to celebrate the day she arrived, I love celebrating her legacies. I’ve written other blog posts honoring lessons from mom, and here it goes again.

My husband and I were looking at old family photos, and he said, “have you ever noticed that your mom is always looking at your dad in pictures?” He’s looking at the camera and she’s looking at him. For the longest time, I was disappointed in my mom for that. I felt she stood in second place, lacked confidence, deferred to other. No one ever criticized their mother before, right? But now I see the photos differently. I think about my mom, and what kind of leader she was–she was focusing the attention on him, always shining a light on my dad. She was a quiet leader.

Being a quiet leader is not someone we celebrate in today’s hey, look at me world. Yet, quiet leaders are an essential part of the leadership ecosystem.

When my mom would actually talk to me about what she was doing in her career, it was SO impressive! She was the assistant administrator of a hospital, she led projects to create large building additions, negotiated complex government funding, and she, along with a doctor and a nurse, started one of the first free medical clinics in the state of Wisconsin. At the time this was incredibly innovative. They served as a model for many other clinics in development throughout the country. The clients were primarily non-English speaking and many were undocumented. My mom worked with drug companies to get supplies donated, arranged for space to conduct the clinics and more. She was pretty impressive! But you’d never know it at home.

Here’s why quiet leaders win.

#1 They build trust. Trust is essential for collaboration, and for getting people to take smart risks, like giving away free medical treatment when no one else is doing it. Quiet leaders build trust because they aren’t in it for the accolades or awards. They simply lead. When your motives are authentic, others follow. I don’t believe she spent a lot of time publishing her mission, vision and values. She simply lived hers.

#2 Quiet leaders give voice to others. They get input from many people in the room and offer supportive comments to people who rarely have a voice, may be talked over or need a positive light shown upon them.

As a woman in business, I’ve been talked over countless times. This happens when I make a suggested action or solution, then a male counterpart says the same thing, followed by male leader giving kudos to the male coworker for the great idea. I’m left wondering, was I on mute? A quiet leader, reinforces the ideas of people who don’t always have the voice, propping them up, giving them legitimacy and confidence. And they can, because they were actually LISTENING in the first place!

#3 They get $h!t done. Quiet leaders get results. Most of the quiet leaders I know are grinders. They work consistently towards a goal. Quiet leaders are natural mentors, they bring others alongside them and teach in a way that is open and vulnerable. Countless people have told me about the impact my mom made by showing them the ropes, investing in their careers and acting as a sponsor. Quiet leaders are the drop of water that spreads rings.

I miss my mom every day, but thinking about the impact she made and what an amazing quiet leader she was makes my heart happy and proud. She truly was a quiet leader, who listened, amplified others, and did the work without seeking glory. Love you, Mumsy!

Andrea Finck is the Chief Curator for Home Watch Madison and Finding Flow Feng Shui in Madison, Wisconsin. She can be found on homewatchmadison.com or flowcurator.com.

February 7, 2024/0 Comments/by