Grief is heavy enough without a scavenger hunt. A Legacy Binder — paper, digital or both — gathers what your loved ones will need and tells them where to find everything else.
Core sections
- Personal information and important contacts
- Estate documents (will, trust, powers of attorney, directives)
- Bank, investment and retirement accounts
- Insurance policies
- Real estate, vehicles and valuables
- Debts and recurring bills
- Digital accounts and devices
- Funeral, burial and memorial-service wishes
- Letters to loved ones
Keep it safe — and findable
Store the binder securely, and make sure at least one trusted person knows where it is and how to access it. Update it once a year; many families choose a date like a birthday or New Year’s Day.
This article is for educational purposes and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Please consult a licensed professional in your jurisdiction.
