Leave a map.. not a mess

So a bit of exciting news for us…

We‘ve been friends for a looooong time ...

...Toastmaster buddies and golf occasionally.

We were invited a few times to local BNI (Business Network International) chapters and realised that business pitching and public speaking are things we both love to do and teach.  

So we started our company called SilverWalk (from our names - Mike Silverman and Gary Walker) - basically about 2 older guys taking a SilverWalk through life… (get it?)

The business was launched, we developed websites, programs and along we went.

Then we pivoted ...

We found ourselves questioning our lack of immortality through a couple of health scares, a family history and being told we were old (ouch).

We had both seen the pain left behind when death or incapacitation occurs; not being ready, no will, no clear instructions and a mess of accounts and despair in the middle of grief and sadness.

A mutual friend told us after having a similar experience, that 'the kindest gift we can leave behind is not to leave a mess!’ 

So, being proactive seniors we decided to do something both for ourselves and hopefully others.

We set our communications business aside for a while to focus on helping people organise their lives and prepare for the inevitable - in other words, their end-of-life planning.

We know it sounds a bit morbid, but let's face it - it is inevitable, right? 

Where we started...

We started with a simple planning tool to help us get going quickly and easily. A checklist with all the vital information needed and a map of sorts.

In using it ourselves, we found peace of mind knowing we’d shown our loved ones where to look for our vital 'stuff' in those first few difficult days! 

How would we access files and help if they are incapacitated or the inevitable has actually arrived?” 

  • where's the will?

  • where are the insurance policies?

  • what are the final wishes?

To be brutally honest, end-of-life planning is scary, confrontational and something most put off as long as they can - sometimes too late.

The key things are:

  • it is inevitable

  • it's kind to let others know where to go

  • it does not replace a will,

  • but IT IS a good start.

Its scary..

Join us and share in our community

Got thoughts or just want to learn more either for yourself or for those you love?

Check out our latest newsletter and subscribe to keep getting hints, tips and ideas to make end-of-life planning a lot easier..

We’re planning to send the newsletters out regularly.

We’d be honoured to have you along for this journey with us.