Be prepared.

No matter how old you are, you should make decisions about how you would want to be treated near the end of your life --- and make those decisions known, says Sun personal finance columnist Eileen Ambrose.

Unfortunately, you can't predict when that information will be needed, so give your loved ones and friends a break by filling out the necessary paperwork ahead of time so they're not left guessing at tough emotional moments.

The rules differ from state to state, but thankfully you can get everything done without a lawyer. Check the Maryland Attorney General's office for health decisions information, as well as marylandadvancedirectives.com for forms.

One more tip: fill out the forms early, but review the information as your life changes. For example, my choices might be different than my sister's, who has offspring to consider.

Then make sure that people who need to know --- your health care agent, doctor, lawyer and family --- all have copies of these documents handy.