Among Friends

[house_cat]

I'm putting together what I'm calling THE BIG RED EMERGENCY BINDER, to keep in my safe.  I've long had the fear that something would happen to me, or my husband and me at the same time, and my sons would not know where to start looking for important information.

I'm including the usual things like birth certificates, SS cards, marriage certificate, house deed, life insurance policies.  What other things should my binder include?

BTW, my husband never understands my need to be prepared for things ahead of time. He said "this whole binder business is creepy".  Do you agree?

[AussieLuvr]

I did a spreadsheet about seven years ago that has every single piece of info needed to settle our estate. My nephews and stepkids thought it was a little weird, but as I told them - you will not need to look for or wonder about the location of one single piece of info, paper, or contact. We have given them flash drives with the spreadsheet and scanned important documents. 

I don't think its creepy at all! I've been witness to people having NO IDEA where to begin.

[Allegheny]

That is a great idea.  Everyone should have one.

[Big Joanie]

Not macabre .. realistic .....

[Bird mama]

@house_cat  it's not macabre, it's called love and consideration for your family.  Do you have a financial or medical power of attorney?  If those, include those. 

[SXMGirl]

@house_cat, thanks for posting this.  I think will be my resolution for the new year.  

[lovethgedress]

Bank accounts, financial account information, pension info,will/trust, legal contacts if there are any. 

My dad kept a handwritten spreadsheet of every account with updated totals, phone numbers and account numbers that saved us a ton of time when he passed away. My brother and I went down the list and notified everyone. It's difficult enough to cope with the unexpected loss of a loved one without having to stress over going through all their important papers. I was thankful he was so organized.

[house_cat]

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@Bird mama wrote:

@house_cat  it's not macabre, it's called love and consideration for your family.  Do you have a financial or medical power of attorney?  If those, include those. 

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Yes.  I forgot to mention the big one - we have a will and trust and it includes a living will.

[IamMrsG]

@house_cat  I think this is a thoughtful gift.  Someday, someone will be grateful for the "macabre" work you are doing now.  I pray that day is way off into the future, though.  

[luvmybeetle]

@house_cat

I don't think it's creepy at all.  I have a Suzi Orman box in my home and have told my children to get when I'm gone.  It's stuffed to the gills.  I think you're smart.