25 important documents for the future
Senior livingGuest Columnist

25 important documents for the future

Resolve this month to gather the 25 documents below and organize them in a binder or file box.

(Photo by Anete Lusina via Pixabay)
(Photo by Anete Lusina via Pixabay)

Whether you are a caregiver or may need a caregiver in the future, the start of a new year is the best time to get your personal paperwork in order. Being organized today will make an emergency less stressful for you and your loved ones.

Resolve this month to gather the 25 documents below and organize them in a binder or file box.
Be sure the documents are current and have contact information, if that is appropriate.

For example, add the name and telephone number of your mortgage holder or your insurance broker to the files if they aren’t pre-printed on the documents.

If appropriate, be sure that all documents that need signatures, dates and witnesses, like a will or a power of attorney, are properly executed.

An annual review of these documents is important also. If circumstances have changed you will need to update the information.

Gathering the documents is only half of the equation.

The other half is to schedule time this month and review the information with your family, or the person or people with whom you are entrusting your affairs if you become incapacitated.

Let them know where these materials are stored so they are available in an emergency. It is not recommended to keep these documents in a bank safe deposit box, but rather keep them in a safe place in your residence.

Proof of ownership

1. Housing, land and cemetery deeds
2. Escrow mortgage accounts
3. Proof of loans made and debts owed
4. Vehicle titles
5. Stock certificates, savings bonds and brokerage information

Health and confidential documents
6. Personal and family medical history
7. Durable health care power of attorney
8. Authorization to release health care information
9. Living will
10.Do not resuscitate order (DNR)

Marriage/divorce/life Insurance/retirement
11. Marriage license(s)
12. Divorce paper(s)
13. Life insurance policies
14. Individual retirement accounts
15. 401(k) accounts
16. Pension documents
17. Annuity contracts

Banking information/essentials
18. List of bank accounts
19. List of all user names and passwords
20. List of all safe deposit boxes
21. Will
22. Letter of instruction
23. Trust documents
24. Birth, adoption and death certificates
25. Military service documentation (if applicable)

Along with these 25 documents, it is also important to share a list of all your passwords and PIN numbers (computer, tablet, phone, banking, etc.) with your power of attorney. PJC

Jeffrey Weinberg is president of Caregiver Champion, LLC and Author of “The Emperor Needs New Clothes Or Why The Caring Disappeared from Health Care.”

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