Written by: Everplans
For various financial accounts and holdings, and for different legal arrangements, you'll need to gather different types of information, all of which is listed below.
But why?
We could say it’s about being responsible, but that’s only part of it. By organizing all your financial and legal documents while you’re still healthy and of sound mind, it can help your family deal with the following tasks during more difficult times:
- Applying for and claiming benefits.
- Getting through the probate process.
- Closing or transferring bank accounts.
- Paying any final estate or income taxes.
Below are standard legal and financial accounts, and the types of documentation you should get together. It seems like a lot of stuff, and it can be quite overwhelming, but if you take your time and tackle one section at a time, you’ll be organized before you know it.
Insurance policies
- Life insurance.
- Health insurance.
- Car insurance.
- Home insurance.
- Other insurance policies (theft, fire, earthquake, etc.).
What to gather for each policy:
- Company through which the policy was purchased.
- A copy of the policy.
- Name of policyholder.
- Name of insured.
- Name of primary beneficiary.
- Name of contingent beneficiary.
- Login and password information for online account management.
Bank accounts
- Checking accounts.
- Savings accounts.
- Money market accounts.
- Certificates of deposit (CDs).
- Debit cards.
What to gather for each account:
- Name of bank.
- Account number.
- PIN number.
- Login and password information for online account management.
Credit cards
- Type of card (example: Visa, American Express, etc.).
- Card number.
- Expiration date.
- Recent account statements.
- Login and password information for online account management.
Mortgages or loans
- Company through which mortgage or loan was given.
- A copy of the mortgage or loan agreement.
Tax returns
- Most recent W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax return.
- Income tax returns for the current and previous year, including 1040 variations and 1099s, if applicable.
- Gift tax returns.
Pension plans and retirement benefit information
- 401(k) or 403(b) plans.
- IRAs.
- Roth IRAs.
- Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan.
- Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension (SARSEP) plan.
Gather the following for each plan:
- Name of organization through which the plan was established.
- Name of beneficiary.
- Login and password information for online account management.
Titles or deeds to any property
- Real estate.
- Motor vehicles.
- Boats.
Investment portfolios
- Stocks.
- Bonds.
- Mutual funds.
Gather the following for each investment account:
- Recent statements.
- Name of contact person at financial institution, if applicable.
While you could have different types of accounts that aren’t listed here, this is still a great start. Plus, as a bonus, it could help you uncover assets that have been wasting away that could be put to better use.
Things to Consider
- Would your family be able to understand your financial world if something were to happen to you?
- By creating a financial and insurance inventory, you can help alleviate a huge burden in the future.
- It may seem daunting, but if you take it one step at a time, you’ll be organized before you know it.
This article is provided by Everplans — a life and legacy planning company dedicated to transforming the way people get their families organized. For more information, visit: everplans.com
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