[teachnkids]

I know I've seen posts here and in determined to get one together since I am currently experiencing the nightmare of untangling a web of accounts from my FIL!!!! It would be so much easier if we could access accounts!


What did you include and how did you organized it?

[arsabl]

I used a book called Get It Together that I bought from Nolo. I bought the blue binder to hold the documents from Amazon.

It gives me peace of mind knowing my DS will have information if I pass. Website passwords are really hard to keep updated but the rest is on track.

[wildflowerz]

Who to call first- health care, pension, and SS info so payments can be stopped

Mortgage info and how it is paid

Utilities- Account #, customer service #, username, passwords, how it is paid

Bank Accounts- account #, customer service #, username, password, beneficiaries if they are specific to an account

Credit Cards- exact name on card, card number, exp date, bills paid on the card

Social media- username, passwords, and instructions on if account should be closed

Family names and phone numbers
One work contact
One friend contact from each social group

[mhugs]

official copies of our

birth certificates
marriage certificate
DH discharge paper
social security cards
passports

information about bank accounts
Who to contact at Human Resources at City for DH retirement and supplemental insurance, investment account
Copies of the Car Titles & insurance compan
warranties for siding, roof, sewer line, furnace, air conditioning

[Ima Teacher]

Mine includes all of the things listed in previous posts, plus these items:

• will
• living will
• names & numbers of doctors
• list of items in my safe deposit box
• location of keys to safe deposit box
• burial policy
• cemetery plot deed
• list of people to notify

[lisa53]

I second the Nolo book. It includes a lot...including some things you might not need now, but may need later. Having the guidance of the book was helpful. It also offers information for your successors about what to do next, and when, after you are gone.

I update the information every year, by looking at a section or two every month. It's just part of my routine. Most of it stays the same, of course, but a few things (like passwords) change regularly.

Thanks everyone for including so much information.
I want to add a very important detail that no one mentioned.

This MUST be updated when things change. Add an account? Delete an account. CC number changes because a replacement card was issued. Passwords to accounts changed? ETC. This isn't a set it and forget it.

[juliet4]

It is in my safe deposit box at the bank. I got a bigger box so it would fit. I did not like having all that info sitting around at home. If someone stole it, they would have everything! My daughter has access to our box...

[TAOEP]

I purchased the book--now I need to actually work my way through it. That will be 2021. In 2019 I handled my mother's estate. 2020 I researched genealogy (that's fun, but never-ending) and wrote Storyworth responses (highly recommend it).

Now 2021 will be to get my affairs in order--and clean the basement. I need to actually work through the Get It Together book. And our tax lady says we should put property into a trust. I think I'll be busy again.

One PP mentioned keeping all her/his Get It Together documents in a safe deposit box. That sounds wise, but needs to be carefully thought through because access to the box may be cut off when the bank hears of the account holder's death and some of the documents may be needed immediately--such as funeral plans or deeds for cemetery plots.

There are rules around who can access a safe deposit box once the owner of the box dies. Just having a key may not be enough. Please read up on the laws in your state.