This article is general education, not individual financial, insurance, legal, or tax advice. Your needs and applicable rules may differ.
Financial records
Keep an inventory of accounts, policies, debts, recurring bills, employer benefits, and professional contacts. Record where originals are stored, not unprotected passwords.
An inventory is useful only if a trusted person knows how to find it.
Legal records
Ask counsel about wills, trusts if applicable, durable powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and guardianship nominations.
Check that names and decision-makers are current.
Maintenance
Verify beneficiary forms at each institution and review after life changes. Store sensitive documents securely with appropriate access arrangements.
A folder does not grant legal authority; proper documents and institution procedures still matter.
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The Family Estate Planning Guide
