A real bucket list

Other than a will and a set of substitution documents (power of attorney, patient advocate form), one of our basic recommendations is that you prepare a comprehensive listing of your assets and contacts - a personal and financial road map for your family to follow in the event of your death or disability. When unexpected disaster strikes, determining where to look and whom to call is one of the most difficult tasks for the family. The listing could include:

• insurance policies, with policy numbers, names and addresses of agents, and locations of policies
• bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts, with account numbers and contact information for custodians
• e-mail logins, passwords for social sites and online accounts

Leave one at home where your spouse or family can find it, and leave one in your safe deposit box or with your attorney, in case the unexpected disaster involves the destruction of your home.