A comprehensive document organization tool for your financial life
Organizing your important documents is one of the most valuable steps you can take for yourself and your family. This checklist is designed to help you locate, gather, and store the critical paperwork that ensures your wishes are honored, your assets are protected, and your loved ones are prepared.
Print this page, check off each item as you locate it, and store completed documents in a secure, fireproof location. Share a copy with your financial professional and attorney.
Important Contacts
Record the key professionals in your financial life
Financial Professional
Name: ____________________________
Phone: ____________________________
CPA / Accountant
Name: ____________________________
Phone: ____________________________
Insurance Agent
Name: ____________________________
Phone: ____________________________
Attorney
Name: ____________________________
Phone: ____________________________
Executor of Estate
Name: ____________________________
Phone: ____________________________
General Items
Personal identification and vital records
☐Birth Certificate
☐Social Security Card
☐Passport / Citizenship Papers
☐Driver’s License
☐Adoption Papers
☐Marriage Certificate
☐Pre-nuptial Agreement
☐Divorce / Separation Papers
☐Safe Deposit Box Keys
☐Safe Combination
Investment Documents
Statements, certificates, and account records
☐Brokerage Statements
☐Mutual Fund Statements
☐Annuity Statements
☐IRA Statements
☐Company Retirement Plan Statements
☐Deferred Compensation
☐Stock Certificates
☐Bearer Bonds
☐Alternative Investment Documents (K-1s)
☐529 Plan Statements
☐Online Access Information
☐Beneficiary Forms
☐Cost Basis Documents
Insurance Documents
Policies, beneficiary designations, and coverage records
☐Mortgage Insurance
☐Travel Insurance
☐Property and Casualty Policies
☐Veterans Administration Papers
☐Beneficiary Forms
☐Long-term Care Insurance
Personal Financial Documents
Legal, tax, and property records
☐Appraisals
☐Valuable Items Inventory
☐Buy / Sell Agreements
☐Deferred Compensation Agreements
☐Gift-tax Returns
☐Prior Tax Returns
☐Motor Vehicle Titles
☐Pending Legal Actions
☐Promissory Notes
☐Outstanding Loans
☐Mortgage Documents
☐Medical Records
☐Property Tax Records
☐Real Estate Deeds
☐Rental / Lease Agreements
☐Trust Documents
Bank / Credit Documents
Banking, credit, and lending records
☐Checking / Money Market Statements
☐Checks
☐Savings Accounts
☐Credit Cards and Statements
☐Life Insurance Policies
☐Credit Union Accounts
Emergency Documents
Critical documents for incapacity planning
☐Living Will / Health Care Proxy
☐Durable Power of Attorney
☐Financial Institution’s Proprietary POA Forms
Paperwork for Final Arrangements
Estate and end-of-life documents
☐Last Will and TestamentStore in lawyer’s safe or fireproof home safe — NOT a safe deposit box
☐Military Discharge Papers
☐Burial Instructions
☐Cemetery Plot Deed
☐Pre-paid Cremation Documents
☐Funeral Home Preference
☐Charitable Donations Preferences
☐Letter of Instruction from Deceased to Executor
☐Death Certificates
☐County Surrogate Court Information
☐Obituary Information
Important: Your Last Will and Testament should be stored in your lawyer’s safe or a fireproof home safe — never in a safe deposit box, as access may be restricted after death.
