Last month we brought up the importance of making sure at least one person knows your wishes and information. Our friend lost her young son and had a challenging time trying to find his assets and information in order to handle the many issues of death. A dozen items everyone needs to have on hand for the next of kin – a gift from you to them. Case in point that worked for my family - every so often in my adult years, my Dad would give me a sealed envelope to keep in a safe place...just in case. He warned me NOT TO OPEN IT. Good thing I didn't because he'd replace it with updated information every few years and would know if I'd betrayed that trust. He felt safe knowing that if something happened to him/them, I'd have the information needed. We've done the same thing except it's in the "Cloud" so we can allow access
to certain documents and replace as needed.
1. Bank accounts (where/# of accounts), including checking and savings or CDs.
2. A spreadsheet or list of passwords because most of us keep our "life" online. VERY IMPORTANT!
3. Investment accounts including contact information for manager of accounts. Remember, you'll need a Death Certificate for most institutions.
4. Information on your real estate.. If you have a mortgage, your survivors would need information on who the lender is when the payments are due, how/when to pay property taxes and your Deed. And, of course, keys. (alarm code if needed)
5. Naturally, your wishes should be in writing (Will/Trust/Living Will, Power of Attorney) and cremation/burial information.
6. A list of people who should be contacted; their email or phone if something happens to you.
7. Insurance. A list of the agent and company of any life, vehicle, property insurance as well as Health, Medicare and Supplemental insurance.
8. Retirement accounts, pensions,
9. Social Security number, what account it is deposited into, etc.
10. Information on any vehicles or toys that have value and or licensing involved. Note: if you're a married couple, it is easier to sell if the title is "John Doe OR Jane Doe."
11. Distribution of personal items. Indicate disposition of furnishings, that hasn’t been predetermined. And jewelry is specified as to who gets it and what gets sold. What happens to vehicles? Real estate? Specify who should sell your home.
12. Make sure your Executor has keys (or knows where they are) for your home, vehicles, safety deposit boxes etc.
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