As a financial caregiver, there are many documents and accounts you must have access to in order to do a good job for your loved one. Be sure you know where to find these documents and records, and how to access these accounts (account numbers, login IDs, passwords)—ideally before you need them.
Assets and income
- Savings accounts
- Checking accounts
- Brokerage/investment accounts
- Individual stocks and bonds
- Stock options
- Retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s, SEP or SIMPLE IRAs, etc)
- Custodial accounts (such as a 529 plan for a child or grandchild)
- Deed to house/other property
- Pension information
- Disability compensation
- Spousal survivor benefits
- Annuities
- Other property or sources of income
Bills and debts
- Mortgage
- Home equity loan
- Business loan
- Auto loan
- Utilities (phone, mobile phone, gas, electric, Internet service, cable, etc)
- Credit cards
- Other debts
Insurance policies
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Medical and dental insurance
- VA health benefits
- Medicare information
- Medicaid information
- Prescription drug coverage
- Car insurance
- Homeowner’s/renter’s insurance
Estate planning documents
- Last will and testament
- Trusts
- Power of attorney
- Advance care directive or living will
- Health care power of attorney
Other records and documents
- Social Security number
- Tax records
- Personal property appraisals
- Ownership certificate for cemetery plot
Other important information
- Name, address, phone number of financial advisor(s)
- Name, address, phone number of estate planning attorney
- Names, addresses, phone numbers of other attorneys
(for example, a business attorney) - Name, address, phone number of accountant
- Name, address, phone number of insurance agent
- Names, addresses, phone numbers of doctors
- Name, address, phone number of executor of estate
By Sheryl Nance-Nash
