#137 Admin sorting and an act of love: The NOTA:BENE System with Deborah Meller

In this episode it is my pleasure to talk to Deborah Meller, founder of the NOTA:BENE System.

The  NOTA:BENE System is manual filing and worksheet solutions to help individuals and families organise essential life information before it’s needed. Recognising that estate planning often overlooks the admin element, Deborah created a structured system to make life easier for those planning and those left behind.

Through her 'Today's Story' series on social media, she highlights real-life examples of why sorting the admin is an act of love, not just an administrative task. In this episode, Deborah discusses the importance of a person’s day to day admin in Advance Care planning and simple ways to get started.

Key messages

• An Introduction to Advance Care Planning and the importance of organising essential life information.

• Deborah Meller’s background in financial services and her transition to helping people with administrative affairs.

• The creation and evolution of the NOTA:BENE System —a manual, paper-based filing and worksheet solution for organising life’s admin.

• The system’s role as the “administrative layer” beyond legal and clinical planning, helping families and individuals prepare for end-of-life and probate processes.

• Flexibility and accessibility of the system, especially for those who prefer physical paperwork over digital solutions.

• The consultancy service offered alongside the system, providing tailored support for individuals and families.

• The importance of recording practical home and property information for loved ones.

• Real-life stories illustrating the peace of mind and practical benefits of being organised.

• The value of conversations and documentation around wishes, preferences, and care planning.

• Encouragement to act sooner rather than later in organising affairs as an act of love for family.

Resource

• Website: www.notrebenesystem.co.uk (NOTA:BENE System)

• Website: www.speakforme.co.uk (Clare Fuller’s services and resources)

• Podcast episodes discussed:

• Why an Advance Care Plan should include your finances with Toby Freeman  (on transferable skills and career change)

• Our Special Friends with Dr Bin Johnston (on pets and advance care planning)

• Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment with Celia Kitzinger (on Advance Decisions to Refuse Treatment) 

• Age UK (for up-to-date information and guidance)

• Our Special Friends (pet support in care planning)

• Social media: Clare Fuller17 on X and Bluesky, LinkedIn

  
  

Bio

Deborah spent many years in the financial services industry before shifting focus to helping elderly clients organise their affairs for their families and assisting families after the death.

Seeing firsthand the stress caused by disorganisation after a loved one’s passing, Deborah created the NOTA:BENE System - a manual filing and worksheet solution to help individuals and families organise essential life information before it’s needed. Recognising that estate planning often overlooks admin of a household or pet requirements or community involvement while it focuses on financial, physical and digital assets, Deborah developed a structured system to make life easier for those left behind.

Through her 'Today's Story' series on social media, she highlights real-life examples of why sorting the admin is an act of love, not just an administrative task. In this episode, Deborah discusses the importance of a person’s day to day admin in Advance Care planning and simple ways to get started.