Comments on: Putting Together My ‘What If…’ Emergency Information.

By: david

david — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:55:57 +0000

Very snarky indeed, Chance. But I like it.

By: Chance

Chance — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:23:24 +0000

Around our house we call it the “Dead Book” because we’re snarky. In addition to the information you listed, I included the emails and phone numbers of friends and family that need to be notified right away. I also include (and update on my birthday every year)step-by-step instructions for key activities, like obtaining a death certificate, and links to sites with information. When someone dies suddenly, the mental fog that descends on the person left behind is profound, so I try to organize the dead book in a really simple, step-by-step way.

By: Karla (threadbndr)

Karla (threadbndr) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:44:44 +0000

I have a “life book” that has all the legal stuff. (birth, marriage paperwork, my SS card, my late husband’s birth and death certificates, my will, copy of my PoA, and end of life docs (living will).

I need to add my financial stuff, and show my son where to find the net worth statement (which lists all the accounts) on my computer. I like the idea of putting it all on a thumb drive and storing in a safe. I think that’s an upcoming project.

Another thing to add is all the insurance info and a household inventory. This can also be your ‘grab and go’ record in case of an evacuation.

By: 37th Carnival of Money Hacks: Wonders of the World

37th Carnival of Money Hacks: Wonders of the World — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:04:46 +0000

[...] explains to us his emergency preparations in Putting Together My “˜What If”¦’ Emergency Information. posted at My Two Dollars. I’ve done this as well, though I did not put a copy in a bank box. [...]

By: fathersez

fathersez — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:22:48 +0000

This is a great idea. I am working on such a letter right now. I am giving quite some time to finish this, so that I will not forget anything.

I am also thinking of leaving it with the people I have named as administrators of my estate,(since my computer has a password which has to be in the letter.)

I first read about this idea in Madison’s blog.

Thanks for sharing.

By: David

David — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:05:31 +0000

Guess I will have to ask my mom what she had to do when my dad died, since I have no idea what needs to happen. Thanks for the advice guinness!

By: guinness416

guinness416 — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:49:16 +0000

You should also put in a printout or pamphlet stating what your wife and co need to if the worst happens, or instructions about where to get them. In a practical sense, the numbered list of where to go and what to do. There are many people who just don’t know they should request multiple copies of a death cert for banks and so forth ASAP for example, because they’re (supposedly) harder to get down the line. I know somebody who said that having such a list to hand was a huge stress reliever and help in a sudden death in the family situation.

By: Tom - Recession Cycle

Tom - Recession Cycle — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:56:47 +0000

What a fantastic idea! I would never have tought of doing this, but even now being single and living at home I will try and get everything organised. Because you never know what might happen.

By: david

david — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 04:28:04 +0000

Very true Jean, I should have mentioned that. Thanks for adding it to the conversation, it’s a great idea!

By: Jean

Jean — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:43:20 +0000

You mention putting the document in several different places, all nearby:

“This way the information will be preserved no matter what calamity happensunless of course something happens to my entire town and the bank vault all on the same day that something happens to me. And if that happens, well”¦”

Here’s an idea I read this on a financial planning site somewhere:

Send a copy of to a trusted friend or family member in another state, preferably across country. Chances are if some calamity happens in your neck of the woods, a city across the country won’t be affected. Ask your friend/relative not to open it, just keep it, just in case…