Graphic designer Jody Maffett has produced a must-have journal that’s also an invaluable gift for your nearest and dearest.
When Jody Maffett’s dad had a life-altering injury a few years ago and then she had mishap of her own, she recognized something both personal and universal: Everybody needs to document key information, so that if something unexpected happens their affairs can be handled.
After learning this the hard way, the graphic designer responded by creating a journal that’s both engaging and essential to have. Called It’s Been Nice. But now I’m dead. (Or perhaps just really, really sick.), it manages to be a repository of critical information, a key end-of-life planning tool and also a witty, tongue-in-cheek slice of life.
No wonder so many people want one. While she initially produced the journal for her kids, there was a demand and now the Ottawa resident says she’s selling them “like hotcakes.”
“I’m estimating I’ve sold close to 4,000 in less than a year and I am thrilled that it’s also encouraged people to get their estate papers done.” Jody answers questions about It’s Been Nice.
How have people reacted to It’s Been Nice. But now I’m dead. (Or perhaps just really, really sick.)?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. I have people buying five, 10 or more (journals) at a time to give to family members and friends.
Why do you think it has been such a hit?
Most of the buyers are older women around my age. I’m 60. Although I’m generalizing, it seems that we’ve been through a lot in our lives and don’t want to put a huge burden on our family and friends if something happens to us. I have heard so many heartbreaking stories, but the one that really sticks out to me is a mom losing her 25-year-old son in an accident. She had to pay thousands of dollars in probate just to access his estate/finances. Can you imagine having to do that while mourning a child? I’m all about making life easier for yourself and for others and I think this journal does just that.
Note from Jody:
To my sister and daughter: If I’m ever in a coma, please make sure I don’t have chin hair!
What’s unique about the journal?
I created it because of what happened in my life … when my father had a traumatic brain injury in 2015. I live in Ottawa, so stayed with a friend in Toronto while dad was in hospital and then rehab. While he was recovering, we had to sort through all of his “stuff”—a huge mountain. We had to do a lot of sleuthing to find his banking information, mailbox slot, recurring payments and more.
Then I had an accident at the cottage last summer. I panicked, thinking that I would have to put my own kids through that mountain of “stuff.” My dog had an appointment the next week; no one knew that except for me. No one knows who my bookkeeper is, my banking information, the fact that I have a safe deposit box, what bills I need to pay and what’s recurring and what’s not.
I’m also a self-employed graphic designer with a background in journalism. I started off creating an interactive PDF for my kids, then friends wanted one … and then it kind of blew up.
From your own experience with your dad, what’s the value in this sort of record?
Like I said before, dad would be mortified if I told him how difficult it was to “sort through everything.” My sister and I missed a recurring payment for internet— for four years—on a house that had been sold. We basically gave a huge telecom company thousands of dollars. Ouch!
What does the journal include?
The journal covers topics like who will take care of your pets if something happens to you, banking information, social media accounts and their passwords, recurring payments, online accounts, codes for locks passwords and final arrangements should if you pass away. There are also quite a few “notes” pages (since) everyone is so different.
Anything else you want people to know?
The most important thing that people should know is this: whether you pass away suddenly or expectedly or you have a life-altering illness or accident, life can change in a heartbeat.
Different versions of the It’s Been Nice journal are available for different audiences. Spiral-bound, locally printed English Canadian copies are available directly from maffett.ca and at stores. At maffett.ca click on Shop (to order directly) or Retailers. Paperback copies for English, French and American audiences are available on Amazon. Interactive PDF copies are also available at maffett.ca.
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