4. Everyone needs a power of attorney for health care.

Just like everyone – everyone – needs a will, everyone should have a health care power of attorney, regardless of age or financial status. Health care powers of attorney, which are sometimes called advanced directives, can communicate your wishes regarding who you want to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event that you become incapable of doing so. Without an advanced directive, a hospital will do whatever it takes to keep you alive even if that is not what you would want under certain circumstances. An advanced directive allows you to express your end-of-life choices to your family and gives them the tools with which to carry out those wishes.