Important Documents Checklist

Transcription

1 Important Documents Checklist Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas has prepared this suggested list of key personal documents everyone should gather, then keep somewhere secure like a bank lock box or home vault. Be sure at least one trusted family member, friend and/or lawyer, estate planner, or financial adviser has a copy. Update this list at least once a year. Consider telling your doctor, insurance company, and others that need permission to divulge your personal data that you have designated another person to speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself. Insurance Include information for each individual policy. This is also a good time to look at the policy and decide whether you want to change any of the terms, including beneficiaries. Home or renters insurance Vehicle Insurance A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Page 1 of 15

2 Health Insurance Life Insurance Long-term Insurance Page 2 of 15

3 Disability Insurance Financial information Checking/savings account(s) Page 3 of 15

4 Credit/debit card account(s) Brokerage account(s) including stocks, bonds, mutual funds Page 4 of 15

5 401(k) IRA Page 5 of 15

6 Keogh Credit union Tax information Where to find last year s tax return Where to find proof of tax paid Page 6 of 15

7 Proof of income Include pay stubs, contracts, divorce decrees, and any other document proving income. Government benefits such as Social Security, disability, veterans pay, etc. State/local/federal government retirement account(s) Page 7 of 15

8 Profit sharing/pension plans Alimony received Child support received Other income Page 8 of 15

9 Financial obligations Include copies of contracts, loan documents, divorce decrees, or other paperwork that spells out how much you owe and when the money is due. Mortgage or rent Utilities (gas, electric, water, cable) Page 9 of 15

10 Car payment Student loan(s) Alimony owed Child support owed Page 10 of 15

11 Elder care facilities Cell phone Other Page 11 of 15

12 Assets If you have formal appraisal documents for your most valuable assets, such as your home, jewelry, furs, and coins, include a note about where to find those documents. If you don t have an appraisal, estimate the value of your assets and list them below. Asset Estimated Value Legal documents Make a copy of these, put them in one folder, and then tell someone where the folder is kept. Put the original documents in a lock box or safe deposit box. Location of lockbox or safe deposit key or combination h Wills h Trust documents h Power of attorney/durable power of attorney h Financial power of attorney h Living will/advanced directive h Health care power of attorney h Car title(s) h Mortgage or deed to your house h Other property titles (boat, etc.) h Lease/rental agreements h Passport/immigration/citizenship papers h Partnership agreements h Drivers license h Health insurance ID card(s) h Birth certificate(s) h Marriage license h Divorce decree h Military discharge papers h Contracts h List of medications Page 12 of 15

13 Important contacts Doctor Attorney(s) Page 13 of 15

14 Insurance agent(s) Accountant(s) Page 14 of 15

15 Banker(s) Veterinarian Clergy Health care proxy Page 15 of 15