We have an executor checklist from our financial planner.  It covers only a fraction of the guidance in your workbook. You show how we can care for our “survivors” by performing the comprehensive planning and information collection in the workbook.  It’s a lot of work.  It has to be done.  We can do it on the living side of our life as the person most familiar with all that information, or leave it for the one(s) left on this earth trying to cope in the worst of times.  Thanks for all your effort in putting this together.  

Rita & Randi B.

Your workbook is fabulous! I would very much like to have this to put in the file with my Trust and Will. It's concise and will take the confusion and frustration out of the process for the relatives.

Kate S.

Very comprehensive. It’s great for organizing during a terrible time. It will be perfect for what’s going on now in this world.”

Kathy D.

MJ Charles has provided succinct and powerful direction for the most jarring point in our lives, be it our own demise or of a spouse or partner. She has set a fire of questions to provide solace through dynamic lists, thought provokers, communication, and protection of your most important financial concerns and final wishes. I highly recommend M J's book and workbook "Surviving the Business of Dying-A Guide to Why Final Papers Matter."  

Jill Watts

An extremely well planned, thorough and organized supplement to the "Surviving the Business of Dying" book.  This in-depth workbook covers, in detail, every area necessary that one will need to instruct those in your life with the care of your business after your death. 

Geri R.

Your (work)book really came in handy. My husband had a sudden heart attack… Ironically, our mpoa and other papers were not with me- they are always in my purse- and I only had my gym bag…when I got the initial call. Was able to stop by the house on my way to the major trauma center. So, it is true that you just never know what life will hand you. Thank you again for your (work)book.  

Janice G.S.

Finished reading through-loved it! It will be such a help to so many people!

Janice S.

This is a great tool for helping you organize your final wishes as well as being a wonderful gift for your executor and any others involved in settling your estate.

Ruth G.

Since I have numerous relatives working in health care and we have spent a lot of time over past month talking about contingency plans (e.g., what happens to pets) and medical directives (how long do you really want to be the ventilator given that chances of survival in this situation are pretty slim). The pandemic may motivate a lot of people to realize the importance of documenting this information now!

Jim G.

MJ Charles speaks from tough experience, bringing an upbeat attitude – her strategy for coping in such circumstances – along with hope that this too will pass. She’s the kind of person you want to have in your corner, when you’re facing the hardest times of your life. She learned the hard way the value of having papers in order and preparing as well as possible in advance.”

Veronika N.

It’s incredible and priceless. I bought 10 & gave them to my friends for Christmas!

K. Ann Middleton Roberts

You did a terrific job on a very difficult subject. Having worked as a nurse since 1973, and as a hospice nurse some of that time I can attest to how much this book is needed!     Gail Grifhorst Slider

We thought we had assembled our final papers. After reading “Surviving..,” we added two more documents and made a list of passwords! Very thankful for this guide.

This book gives valuable information even if you think you have everything in order. A must read to prepare for the inevitable.

...this essential ...guide to the next galaxy is a must...MJ Charles helps prepare us for this inevitable moment - whichever side of the line we fall on.

...although this inevitable moment will touch all of our lives, most seem completely disconnected from this actual life event, MJ Charles takes us through a step by step process to prepare. this is our reality check...list.

MJ Charles successfully accomplishes two difficult tasks. She both motivates us to think about the practical details we must confront when our spouse dies and very clearly guides us through steps we can now take to make those inevitable jobs more manageable. With her fresh personal experience of loss and smart humor, she leaves us ready to take on these important topics that are so important yet tempting to ignore.

MJ has been there and done that. Having gone through the the estate settlement process the hard way, she knows of what she speaks. This is a practical, easy to understand guide.

Based on personal experience, this book provides non-professional, but heartfelt, advice for managing in the aftermath of a loved one's death in real time through advanced preparation.

After reading, "Surviving the Business of Dying," I immediately contacted a family friend who is an attorney and got the ball rolling on a will for both my husband and me so that our children will be cared for in the event of our death. This most critical guide takes you through every step necessary to organize and prepare for the inevitable death of a spouse or loved one. I am grateful to MJ Charles for having the courage and the wherewithal to pen such an extensive guide.