Having important documents organized isn’t just helpful if you die suddenly—it can also be a huge help if you take ill and need help managing your finances. To make life easier for any loved one who may step in unexpectedly, it’s a good idea to keep your important documents and financial information in one central location in your home.
Perhaps you already have a file cabinet or file box set up for your essential documents. You can either add to it or set up a specific binder or envelope that contains the following:
If you choose to keep your documents in the cloud, consider downloading a copy of its contents to a portable drive, and storing that in an easy-to-reach spot at home. Your documents should be easy to access, and more than one trusted person should know how to access them in the event of an emergency. Once you’ve gotten organized, don’t get complacent—review the contents once per year to make sure everything is up to date. While it was once recommended to keep all this information in a safe-deposit box, fewer banks offer this service these days—and you’ll want your documents accessible immediately, not only during bank hours.