Free guide
Where is everything? A family binder
When something happens, families lose days looking for papers. This binder records where things are, not the private details themselves.
Short answer
A where is everything binder records where important papers are kept and who to call, without writing down passwords or full account numbers. Fill it in with your loved one while they can lead, and tell one or two trusted people where it is.
Want this organized for you? See the Monthly Guidance plan.
Fill it in together with your loved one while they can lead. Write where each item is kept, not account numbers or passwords. Keep the binder somewhere safe, and tell one or two trusted people where it is.
Personal papers
| Item | Where it is kept | Contact or note | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | |||
| Marriage or divorce papers | |||
| Social Security card | |||
| Military discharge papers | |||
| Passport |
Legal papers
| Item | Where it is kept | Contact or note | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will or trust | |||
| Financial power of attorney | |||
| Health care proxy or advance directive | |||
| HIPAA release | |||
| Funeral wishes or prepaid plan |
Home and property
| Item | Where it is kept | Contact or note | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deed or lease | |||
| Homeowners or renters insurance | |||
| Vehicle titles | |||
| Safe or safe deposit box location | |||
| Spare keys |
Money
| Item | Where it is kept | Contact or note | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banks and credit unions (names only) | |||
| Retirement and pension accounts (names only) | |||
| Insurance policies | |||
| Regular bills and how they are paid | |||
| Tax returns and preparer |
Health
| Item | Where it is kept | Contact or note | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctors and pharmacy | |||
| Medication list location | |||
| Insurance and Medicare cards location | |||
| Medical alert or equipment companies |
Digital
| Item | Where it is kept | Contact or note | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone and computer: who knows how to get in | |||
| Email and photo accounts (names only) | |||
| Legacy contact or digital plan set up? |
People to call
| Item | Where it is kept | Contact or note | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney | |||
| Tax preparer | |||
| Financial professional | |||
| Clergy or community | |||
| Neighbors with a key |
Review the binder once a year or after a big change.
Common questions
Should I write passwords in the binder?
No. Write where things are and who to contact, not passwords or full account numbers. Use a password manager or a sealed note kept somewhere secure if your loved one wants to share access.
Who should know where the binder is?
One or two trusted people your loved one chooses, such as the person named as agent in a power of attorney or the executor.
Rules vary by state. Check with your state agency or a licensed professional where your loved one lives.
Want this organized for your family? The Estate Task Package and Complete Transition Bundle turns it into a personalized checklist with reminders. See plans.
Official resources and further reading
- National Institute on Aging: Getting your affairs in order checklist
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Managing someone else's money
Links go to public resources. Kinhaven is not affiliated with them.