Preparing for the Inevitable

I have unfortunately witnessed spouses and/or children become overwhelmed with paperwork when a loved one passes away.

The biggest issue is they don't know where to find important documents or who to call to obtain them.

Here is a list of important information that your heirs will need to know:

1. Passwords: Either make a list of all of your passwords or let your family know how to find them on your device.

2. Credit Cards: List every credit card you own with the number and who to call if they need to be updated or cancelled. If you have an ID and password for any of them, include that too.

3. Travel Information: List every airline ID number, phone number, and password. Include your passport and global entry information on this list.

4. Bill Payments: Include all account numbers, phone numbers and passwords (if applicable). Don't forget the information for property taxes and all your insurance information (auto, home, golf cart, umbrella, flood).

5. Financial Information: Include contact person, account number, phone number, passwords for all checking accounts, saving accounts, IRAs, stocks, bonds, annuities, brokerage accounts, etc. Include your Safe Deposit number and the bank. If you pay your bills on line, include ID and password.

6. Medical Information: Include account numbers, phone numbers, passwords for Medicare, Secondary Insurance, Drug Plan, My Chart (if applicable). List illnesses and surgeries. List all prevention such as COVID, flu shots. List all medications and vitamins. List all doctors including their name, address and phone number.

7. Phone Numbers: List cell phones, Estate Attorney, Accountant, Social Security Administration, Pension, Funeral Home. Include anyone that needs to be called.

8. Emergency Information: List name, address, phone number of who you do business with. Some examples are: Insurance, Air Conditioner, Garage Door, Roof, Pool, Pest Control, etc.

9. Personal Information: List Social Security Number, Date of Birth, any information that you think your family needs to know.

10. Valuables: List all art work, jewelry, coins, stamps, etc. State what they are worth, if you know and where they are in your home or safe deposit box.

11. Where to Find: List where your heirs can find important documents such as IRS returns, insurance policies, will, power of attorney, living will, estate information, social security information, funeral arrangements, checkbooks, investment information, marriage license, diplomas, military discharge papers, passports, credit cards, safe deposit keys, auto ownership or lease contracts, home ownership, home deed, etc.

If anything else needs to be added to this list, please let me know. I hope this helps everyone to prepare for the inevitable.