For those who do not remember their Mahabharata, here are 2 stories from it. While living in the forest one day Draupadi asks her husband for some water. Yudhishtra sends Sahadeva (his youngest brother) to fetch water, but he does not return. Then when all his brothers do not return, Y himself goes to see what happened.

One Yaksh says “I am protecting this water and you can take water only after answering my questions”.

The first question is “What is the most unbelievable thing in life”. Y answers “Mortal people living like they are Immortal”.

Cut to a few years, Y has become the King and one man comes to collect some donations. Y says “it is too late, come tomorrow”. Bhima (Y’s brother) cackles and says “My Great brother has conquered time” – he knows that he will be here tomorrow! Y who had replied to the yaksha so smartly, realizes his mistake.

Now when somebody asks you “when will you make your will” remember this story.

Remember we do not know if we are going to die tonight. We pretend we know when we will die. We do not. Rub it in.

Ask yourself:

For whom are you earning well?

What will your family do if you die tonight?

Does your family know about your financial plan?

Does your family know what to do with the Rs. 2 crores that they will receive on the payment of death claim.

Does your family know how to make bill payments – telephone, and other utilities

Have you made your will?

Does the family know the role of the CA, financial planner, doctor…..do you have a list of professionals with their roles?

Does your family know the break up of your portfolio – Goalwise I mean