ROOTS Blog:
Your Ultimate
Treasure Chest
for Life’s Challenges

Writing an obituary isn’t just about announcing a death. It’s about telling a story. Whether you’re writing one for a parent, a spouse, or even yourself, learning how to write an obituary can feel overwhelming. You’re grieving, emotional, and suddenly expected to sum up a lifetime in a few short paragraphs. No pressure, right? Take a breath. You don’t have to be a professional writer to create something meaningful. You just need a little structure, a bit of heart, and permission to keep it simple.

A Story, A System, and a Simpler Way Forward. If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of a closet, staring at a stack of binders, boxes, and half-filled folders, wondering where that one important document is hiding… trust me, you’re not alone. For years, I thought I had a good system for keeping track of my most important papers — until the day I didn’t.

We’ve all been there. You need a document right now, and your brain suddenly behaves like an empty filing cabinet. You know you saved that form somewhere. Or was it emailed to you? Maybe you screenshotted it? Wait—maybe it’s in that one app, or the other app, or the app you downloaded for five seconds and forgot about.

We all hope to leave something meaningful behind, not just our belongings or finances, but our stories, our values, and the moments that define who we are. Leaving a legacy isn’t only about looking back; it’s about giving your family a way forward, a connection to their history, their roots, and the lessons that shaped your life.

Even if you don’t think of yourself as wealthy, it’s wise to use an estate planning checklist sooner rather than later. Setting up the right documents and systems now gives your loved ones clarity, helps you avoid stress down the road, and ensures your wishes are honored. At My Banyan Life, we believe estate planning is more than filing a will: it’s about organizing your legacy, accessing digital vaults securely, and aligning your assets with your values. This guide will walk you through each step, including how to use modern estate planning services and set up estate planning trusts where needed.

They say life is what happens when you’re making other plans, but what if the best plan is to be ready for life itself? Between our overflowing inboxes, scattered files, and the countless logins we use every day, keeping track of what matters most can feel impossible. Yet, good life planning doesn’t have to be complicated, it just needs to be intentional

When it comes to family preparedness, few things bring more relief than knowing you can find what you need when it matters most. If you’ve ever had to dig through drawers for an insurance policy or a power-of-attorney form, you already know how chaotic it can feel.

Caring for aging parents brings love, gratitude, and sometimes, stress. From medical records to wills, the amount of paperwork can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. With a plan, the right tools, and open communication, you can make sure your family is prepared for anything that life brings. Our aging parent checklist helps families organize essential documents before an emergency, bringing clarity, comfort, and peace of mind when it’s needed most. Whether you’re just starting the conversation or managing ongoing care, getting organized today means fewer worries tomorrow.

Let’s face it—life throws curveballs. Illness, injury, aging, or even a last-minute trip overseas can leave you in a position where you need someone else to step in and handle things on your behalf. That’s where a Power of Attorney, or POA, comes into play. It’s one of the most powerful and practical tools in your life planning toolkit. Yet too many people put it off—thinking it’s only for seniors, or for “someday.” At My Banyan Life, we believe preparing for life’s “what ifs” brings peace of mind—not just for you, but for your loved ones too.