We don't have a single binder, but I keep our files updated and have a printout of all our passwords.

My parents did something similar except for the keeping files updated part, which is key. Whatever system you decide on, review it at least annually (quarterly is better) to make sure nothing has changed.

Also, make sure that your kids know to request a lot of copies of the death certificate. Everyone wants one. Like, the cable company wants one.

I have a physical one a friend gave me here: https://nextsteppartners.org/publication/

Never heard of this. My 70yo FIL made one. It’s “our life book” lol. He is a retired old school banker so a little “OCD” about spreadsheets and documents and printing everything out. It’s in a 3-ring binder with several tabs, But there’s a backup on his computer in a hidden folder. And the directions to the folder is behind their wedding picture on the wall. Lol

He took my DH and all of his kids through it. It was pretty remarkable. He updates it every month (he’s retired) with new printouts of the items that change.

I have anxiety and every time we take a trip with just the two of us I wonder “what if something happens”. DH and I had already talked about what if something happens to him and he gave me passwords and contacts but this would be so much more useful. So I encouraged him to create one as well… ours will be digital with links to all the accounts - with maybe 1 physical copy that won’t be regularly updated.

He’s “working on it” - in his spare time. I told him He should just pay his dad to do it and it would be done.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes but it's a thumb drive

You need a paper binder.

Bit rot makes that a short time tool.

Best to have a paper one and a stable external drive. The digital one you reliably update as you go along (i mean many of my accounts require me to change passwords every couple of months), the paper one you periodically revisit as a back up.

Anonymous wrote:My dad has this, but it's just all in an accordion folder.

Upgrade to fireproof safe box.

But we keep the keys with it, just to make it hard to lose things when moving it, and more relisiant to elements.

Anonymous wrote:Yes but it's a thumb drive

You need a paper binder.

Bit rot makes that a short time tool.

Where do you all keep these binders and thumb drives and things? My fear is someone breaking into the house and bingo, all our info is nicely on display for them to steal everything if they find it.

Anonymous wrote:What is NOLO?

https://www.nolo.com/

What is NOLO?

I want to do this but don't know who to give it to. DH and I have joint and separate accounts for a reason (I'm a saver, and he's a spender), so I don't want him to have it. I suppose I trust one of my siblings more than anyone. I was thinking about sharing a spreadsheet with them with all the account numbers and beneficiaries, plus leaving a hard copy in my office.

My dad has this, but it's just all in an accordion folder.

Anonymous wrote:If nothing else get a will and POA and living will done. Accidents happen and having at least that can help. I looked at it as a gift for my kids to make it easier. We did it in our late 50’s and will update every couple of years. It is amazing how much information it takes to finish up an estate. So much I never thought of like titles to cars and all the passwords.

We have all the legal documents (wills, poa) but it is absolutely the things like car titles and utility account numbers that I want to make sure are easily accessible.

We have a google doc - my dad loosely had this but after my mom died and he experienced the process of shutting her life down in society, he created a firm document for his life and my sibling and I both have it.

I have a binder with my will in it and brokerage information. I also have a pretty good filing system for papers so it wouldn’t be hard for someone to find all the pertinent information should something happen to me or me and dh.

If nothing else get a will and POA and living will done. Accidents happen and having at least that can help. I looked at it as a gift for my kids to make it easier. We did it in our late 50’s and will update every couple of years. It is amazing how much information it takes to finish up an estate. So much I never thought of like titles to cars and all the passwords.