What Information Should Your Family Know?

If something happened to you tomorrow, would your family know where to look?

For some families, the honest answer is no. A little organizing now can spare them that.

Legal documents

Where your will, trust, power of attorney, and health care directive are kept, and who your attorney or executor is.

Insurance

Each policy you have (life, health, final expense, long-term care, and others), the company name, the policy number, and who the beneficiaries are. Include your agent’s name and phone number.

Money matters

Your bank, retirement, and investment accounts, any pensions, and regular bills that will need attention.

Health care contacts

Your doctors and pharmacy, so your family knows who to call. Keep any personal health details in a private place you choose, not in shared lists.

Key people

Your attorney, accountant, employer or former employer, clergy, and close friends who should be notified.

Your wishes

Burial or cremation, the kind of service you’d like, and anything else you want your family to know.

Where to keep it

Write it down in one place, keep it somewhere safe, and tell one or two people you trust where it is. Review it once a year or after any big life change.

The free Gavrel Family Planning Kit gives you a simple, guided place to record all of this.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Product features and availability vary by carrier and state.