Just in Case: Organize Your Life in a Simple Binder

Dollars & Sensebe one that contained a list of every asset you own,
Denice Gierachincluding real estate, bank accounts, CD’s, mutual
July 20, 2008 - As published in The Naperville Sunfunds, brokerage accounts, employee benefit plans,
If you become disabled suddenly through a carlife insurance, safe deposit boxes, as well as a list of
accident or health calamity, will your family orcollectibles and other personal property.  This will
significant other know what your wishes are?  Ifgive the person who you appoint to take care of
you die suddenly, will those closest to you knowyour interest while you are alive or the person that
what to do?  Will they know where your pertinentyou appoint to wind up your estate a list of all of
papers are kept or what assets may be available foryour assets, so that they will not have to search
your care?your entire residence and office to find them.  This
             While you are well and there are nowill also help to ensure that no asset is missed. 
health issues before you is a good time to begin toOnce a year, it would be a good idea to make a
become organized.  One area that is an absolute incopy of the statements as of December 31st for
this process is to have your estate planning up toeach and every account, so that your agent will
date.  At a minimum, you will need a will and financialknow the account numbers and the amounts that
power of attorney which will appoint the properyou have that can be used for your benefit.
people to handle your matters for you either during             Other documents that would be
life or upon your death.  A copy of theseuseful and should be kept in a binder would be your
documents should be kept in a binder with yourbirth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree,
attorney’s card on the inside.  Make a list of allmilitary discharge papers, passport or green card,
of your professionals who assist you such as yoursocial security card, health insurance card,
CPA, certified financial planner, life insurance agent,naturalization papers and copies of the car/truck/boat
banker, physician and include the addresses andtitles.  These documents will allow your agent to
phone numbers for each such person. You should letapply for the proper benefits that you may be
the people appointed know the location of thatallowed.
binder so that it is available in the event that you             Many people like to prepay their
need it.funeral expense.   If you have, include these
             In the event that you do not wantdocuments and a copy of the cemetery plot deed in
to be kept alive by artificial means if your physicianyour binder.  Some people are particular as to the
deems that you are in a terminal state, you shouldinstructions that they have for their funerals.  If you
also have a living will and a power of attorney forare one of them and want to dictate the church,
health care, which should be kept in the sameclothing, if donations will be accepted, the get
binder.  A copy of the financial power of attorney,together for the family and friends afterwards,
which contains the HIPAA language that allows yourinclude your directions in your binder.
agent to access your medical information, the living             It sounds like a major project, but if
will and the power of attorney for health care shouldyou tackle it a little at a time, it will not be.  Instead
be given to your principal physician just in case it isof leaving a mess for your family, you have made it
needed.  If you travel, you should consider taking aeasy on them at a difficult time for them and you
copy of these documents with you, in case they arecan have your wishes fulfilled.
needed.             How organized are you?
             Another very helpful binder would