While you are preparing for the Holidays and planning for the future…here’s something to add to your “grocery list”…

If you are married or in a long term relationship with joint finances, then the person who handles the finances for the household should take the time, while they are healthy and able, to write out a simple list of all bank accounts and retirement accounts that you have with the names of the institutions and the account numbers.  

Also,  a list of all insurance policies.

Put the page in a place that is obvious and tell your loved one that it is there, and maybe at the same time give them a ten minute description of the filing system, (video tape this if you want).

Every year  update the list or keep it updated through the year. (I do it between Christmas and New Years)

God Forbid, if anything happens to you, then at least your family will have some clarity on these issues as they deal with other issues.  And that is a gift that you can give them in a few minutes if you plan ahead of time.

And, get a Will as well following the information provided by the Do It Yourself Lawyer…

Seize the Day,

Rob Northrup

Is Your Corporation Protecting You?