Making a List - Don't Wait!

Making a List – Don’t Wait!

October 29, 2020

Old Peak Finance - Making a List

Making a List – Don’t Wait!

October 29, 2020

The Importance of a Personal Property List

When she reached her 70s, mom made a list of everything of value in her house. The list was on pages of yellow legal paper, penned with her (ahem) unusual cursive.

As she grew older, and a bit more forgetful, she made the same list several more times, and tucked away each copy in a different drawer. After she passed away, we uncovered them. My sister and I kidded about it, but mom meant well. She made our lives easier when we went to settle her estate.

Do you have a list? If you don't, get started now. You'll have the confidence that your wishes will be honored after you are gone.

In addition to family treasures and personal possessions, you'll want to add details to help your loved ones settle your estate per your wishes. Although not exhaustive, this list of personal property inventory is a start to what you should include.

1. Financial accounts, with account #s, approximate amounts and contacts
2. Income sources (Social Security, annuities, pensions, etc.)
3. Debts
4. Insurance policies
5. Estate planning documents
6. Tax returns
7. Automated payments and inflows
8. Important contacts, including professionals, friends and spiritual leaders
9. Passwords
10. Personal possessions that matter
11. Location of key documents (Social Security card, drivers license, passport, etc.)
12. Wishes/instructions not in your will or trust

This list won't take you more than a couple of hours to create. Your family will breathe a sigh of relief. So will the companies which make yellow legal pads.

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This article is not intended to provide tax, legal, accounting, financial, or professional advice. Readers should seek advice from qualified professionals who can review their specific circumstances. Old Peak Finance endeavors to provide information that is accurate and current. However, we cannot guarantee that this information has not been outdated or otherwise rendered incorrect by new research, legislation, or other changes. Old Peak Finance has no liability or responsibility to any individual or entity with respect to losses or damages caused or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained on this website.

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