The Prophet Isaiah was instructed by the God of the Old Testament to give a specific message to King Hezekiah. It included the words: “Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live” (2 Kings 20:1).

It is clear God expects us to take reasonable measures to set our houses in order with regard to our possible death.

Job, a wise and rich man, commented on what we take with us when we die. “And [Job] said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

“You can’t take it with you” is a common American axiom. Simply put, our property and wealth do not join us in the grave. Therefore, most people want to give their possessions and wealth to certain other people or organizations when they die. Often they want to give it to their spouses, children or other relatives. In fact, taking care of our families is a responsibility clearly mentioned in Scripture: “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8; see also 2 Corinthians 12:14).

Our wealth and property are blessings from God. Of course, we are supposed to take care of them in life. Doesn’t it follow that we should make plans for those blessings in the event of our death? As God expects us to be good stewards, shouldn’t we make, at least, minimal arrangements for how our blessings will be distributed after we die?

In our complicated modern societies, the red tape surrounding death can be nearly immeasurable. Without proper planning, we cannot be certain our wishes for our estate will be carried out.

The first thing we must do is decide exactly what we want to happen with our assets when we die. To begin, make a list of what you have. Don’t forget checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit (cds) and insurance policies, as well your physical possessions.

Now, what do you want to happen with those things if you die? Don’t think you will not die for a long time and can put off making such plans. Accidents are responsible for thousands of deaths each year, so your age should not stop you from doing this.

List exactly what you want to happen if you die. If you are married, your spouse will, most likely, be the focus of your thinking. If not, you may have children, brothers or sisters, parents or friends you want included to receive some or all of your estate. Many people include charities or other organizations they feel are worthwhile.

Now you need to take steps necessary to see that your wishes are carried out as you would want them to be.

Many tools are at our disposal to help establish exactly what our wishes are. Some work much better than others; some cost more than others; some are much more complex than others.

A tool is available to people in the United States (that may or may not be available in other countries) for distribution of such things as savings accounts, cds, checking accounts, money market accounts, mutual funds, most stock or bond accounts and various other “cash” type of assets.

This tool is remarkable for three primary reasons. First, it is cost free. Second, it is simple. Third, it works.

A few months ago, I walked into my bank, and, 10 minutes later, this tool was in place for my checking and savings accounts. No hassles, no delays, no cost. And I know if my wife and I die any money in those accounts will go exactly where I want it to go.

The tool I’m referring to is called a “Payable on Death” benefit. There are other names for it; however, it is the best way to transfer funds at death to the person, people or organization you want them to go to. If you are married and have joint accounts, it requires both of you to die before it is activated.

Essentially, you assign a new owner to the account. That owner will instantly assume ownership control at the time of your death. The assets do not go through probate, a time- and money-consuming process. They do not remain in your estate as they are instantly, upon your death, the property of the new owner.

If you wish to change the beneficiary, all that is required is a brief trip to the bank or institution holding your account(s).

To “collect” the assets, the new owner will be required to provide the bank with a certified death certificate and proper identification. They may be required to show two forms of identification by some agencies, but that’s all there is to it.

This is a remarkable way to be sure your assets go where you want them to go. Since ownership actually changes, it is nearly impossible for anyone to contest or interrupt the transfer of funds.

A tool is available in some states for the transfer of your possessions held by a title or registration; i.e. cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, planes, motor homes, travel trailers, etc. This is called “Transfer on Death” or something similar. In the states permitting this type of transfer, simply go to the office where titles are registered and ask for the forms to transfer title upon your death. Then, fill the forms out and pay any required fees. In most states, the fees are minimal for this service.

Once that has been done, when you die, the property will be transferred to the organization or person you have named on the “Transfer on Death” form. This will avoid delays, additional costs and other complications that can arise after death.

Sometimes people think such planning is only for the rich. In reality, exactly the opposite is true, especially for a payable on death benefit. The less money you have, the more important careful planning becomes. Without proper plans in place, your money will be consumed by the courts and attorneys, leaving nothing for those you love. A payable on death clause attached to your accounts allows even the smallest accounts to be transferred to the person or organization of your choosing without costs and delays.

You may list more than one person or organization as owners. Some institutions will give them equal portions while others will permit you to specify percentages or fractions to each.

If you choose to make an organization the beneficiary at your death, you may be asked to provide the federal tax number when setting up the payable on death benefit. Contact that organization to get their proper address and tax number.

It may be a good idea to let your beneficiary know about the account—however, if you decide to change beneficiaries, it can become a bit sticky. So, if you do not tell a beneficiary they are listed on your account, leave a statement where it will be found when you die. Be sure to list the institution by name and address, the account type, account number and any other instructions the bank may provide. This way, if you change the beneficiary, you will not have to tell someone that you are removing them from the account and will avoid the possibility of hurting someone’s feelings.

The payable on death benefit is a mechanism you can use to be certain your house is in order and you are “provid[ing] for your own” as instructed by God’s Word. It will also provide you with some peace of mind knowing that your assets will go where you want them to go should you die.