organized finances

Have you got a Notebook of important papers and data? At the end of January, tax notices start arriving in the mail. Many take this opportunity to pull together scattered pieces of their financial life. While you’re at it, consider collecting everything not only for the accountant, but also for your family. Put originals in a Notebook. The Notebook is a vital reference for your loved ones, just in case you’re not around, or not able, to do it yourself. If you already have a Notebook, now is a good time to review it.

What Goes In The Notebook?

In essence, the Notebook is a central place you keep stuff in case something happens to you. Many people have some kind of a notebook or desk drawer, but often have a few items missing.

Common and essential items in the Notebook include:

* Your five basic estate planning documents: original will (drafted by an attorney in the state where you reside), living will, health care surrogate, durable power of attorney, and HIPAA designations.

* Advanced estate planning documents: trusts, partnership agreements, business buy/sell agreements, shareholder agreements, etc.

* Insurance policies. ALL of them: life, long term care, health, property, car, boat, liability, and any others.

* Contact information for professional advisers: attorneys, bankers, accountants, investment advisers, insurance agents, and (of course) your personal CFO or Certified Financial Planner™. 🙂

* Also, if your adviser has an assistant or paraprofessional who knows you and your situation, write down their contact information and a little note to that effect. (“Sharon is the assistant and she runs the whole place.”).

* All of your health care providers – doctors, dentist, optometrist, veterinarian (who is going to take care of Fluffy?). Put similar information by each one – what they helped you with and if any office or nursing staff know you and your history.

* Important to remember also, directions on how to find your financial stuff: online user ids and passwords, bank statements, investment statements, real estate deeds and mortgages.

Extra Items for The Notebook

In addition, not-as-essential items some people include are:

* Your “ethical will” outlining your values. This often gives family members guidance when they are unsure what you would want. (www.yourethicalwill.com or www.personallegacyadvisors.com)

* An end-of-life health care management booklet like Five Wishes (http://www.agingwithdignity.org/forms/5wishes.PDF).

Think of your Notebook as a bread crumb trail helping your loved ones work backward in your footsteps. A little extra investment of time at tax season will be worth the effort.

Finally, got a Notebook already? Comment below on what makes it uniquely yours. Share your best ideas.