By Jon Dize, CFRE
Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives

Thinking about our legacy for the future is important, especially as you consider your spouse and family.

For me, I found out the need for the list at right firsthand when my father was moved to a rehabilitation facility in October 2024.

At age 88, he had planned his entire life, from saving how-to articles from Reader’s Digest to quarterly oil changes for the cars to taking vitamin supplements ever since I could remember. Unfortunately, the aftermath of two strokes, prostate cancer, and a brain bleed slowed him down enough that one day he couldn’t get out of bed, and it was time to face the hard facts that mom needed help finding a long-term solution for dad. We started on the tough road—a road that needed quick attention—to determine what was next.

We soon discovered something unexpected. Despite his planning, he no longer could tell us what his passwords were, or where to find needed documents. While he tried his best to share what he could, we four siblings and mom started to comb through his old computer files, paper files, and related files. Once we did find the access we needed, moving forward continued to be difficult because he couldn’t easily speak on the phone or sign his name to authorize changes and updates.

A few months later, with lots of papercuts, several calls, emails, and texts with an attorney, and newfound friends formed at the various mutual fund administration centers, we were able to move forward. Luckily, dad is still with us, and mom has more peace of mind knowing what is what and where is where.

What can you do today to start helping a surviving spouse and your family for when you are incapacitated or gone? START NOW.

Start with the checklist. First, jot down your answers. If you have good handwriting, you are almost done! If you are like me, consider typing your answers or asking a trusted family member, professional adviser, or church friend to help you. If you can’t write it down, record it! Take a picture. Anything to help your family during an already-stressful time.

Last, but not least, put a copy of what you compile in a secure fire-proof case, a safe deposit box, or with that trusted person who helped you with the list. In addition, jot down the customer service call numbers for these items listed below, and if time allows, ask them how information can be obtained if your spouse was no longer with you.

This list may seem daunting, and it is! But the best way to finish is to simply start and do your best. This list is not exhaustive, but it should help you get moving forward and may help you remember other items not included on the list.

Make sure someone else knows where to find these items. The best plans should be secure but not hidden for those that survive you.

If you don’t have the answer to all of these, it's ok! Not everyone does! Start today, continue tomorrow, and soon you will have a comprehensive guide and peace of mind knowing that you have done your best for those that survive you.

Life changes quickly. Don’t wait!

CHECKLIST

Usernames/Passwords:
- Where are they located
- How are changes and updates notated

Professional Adviser Name/Phone Number:
- Tax preparer
- Accountant
- Financial/Investment
- IRA/Retirement Charitable Gift Planner

Financial Accounts:
- Bank account access (checking, savings)
- Investment account access (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs)
- Retirement account access (401k, IRA, pension plans, annuities)

Income Sources:
- Social Security benefits
- Pension payments
- Annuity payments
- Rental income
- Other income sources that are auto-deposited into your accounts 

Insurance Policies:
- Life insurance (privately purchased and company-sponsored)
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
- Health insurance
- Longterm care insurance
- Homeowners or renters’ insurance
- Auto insurance
- Automatic payments that need changed

Other Benefits:
- Spouse and Self Retiree benefits
- Spouse and Self Military/ Veterans Administration benefits

Legal Documents:
- Will and/or living trust
- Durable power of attorney for finances
- Durable power of attorney for healthcare
- Living will or advance directives

Property and Real Estate:
- Deeds and titles for any real estate
- Mortgage documents
- Home equity loans or reverse mortgages

Charitable Giving:
- Giving that needs to be stopped
- Giving (continue or change amounts)
- Auto payment donations that need altered

Debts and Liabilities:
- Credit card statements
- Personal loans
- Outstanding medical bills
- Payments that are auto- paid every month or quarter or year

Personal Property:
- Vehicle titles and registrations
- Boat titles and registrations
- Location and appraisals for valuable personal items (jewelry, collectibles)

Funeral-Related:
- Burial plots
- Pre-paid funeral expenses
- Funeral service song and verse preferences

Other Important Documents:
- Tax returns (last 3 years)
- Safe deposit box keys and inventory
- Contact information for financial advisers, attorneys, and accountants