North Jersey.com: Two months ago a close family friend had a heart attack.

Fortunately he came through it and is on the mend. But the experience — including concerns about who would make medical and financial decisions on his behalf, if needed — served as a reminder that he and we need to get our financial houses in order.

Most of us don’t like to think about these “what if” decisions.

But as more of us become eligible to join AARP or care for aging parents, it is critical that we make sure that we are ready.

And that means preparing key documents — including a will, power of attorney, advanced medical directive and a medical proxy — and keeping each up to date.