Why This Checklist Matters

Planning ahead isn't just about documents — it's about peace of mind. This comprehensive checklist helps you stay organized, prepared, and confident that your loved ones will know exactly what to do when it matters most.

Every family faces transitions and unexpected moments. Having a clear plan in place removes confusion during difficult moments and ensures your wishes are honored with clarity. This isn't about dwelling on endings — it's about living with confidence, knowing everything is in order.

Whether you're just starting your planning journey or reviewing existing arrangements, this checklist provides a roadmap to comprehensive readiness. Each point builds upon the last, creating a complete picture of preparedness that protects both you and the people you care about most.

Together, these 10 Essentials help reveal what’s strong, what’s missing, and where to focus first for the greatest impact.

Why?

Comprehensive Legacy Preparation

Understanding

True preparedness extends beyond a single document or conversation. It encompasses legal, medical, financial, and personal dimensions that work together to create a complete safety net for you and your family. Think of it as building a comprehensive reference guide that answers every question your loved ones might have.

The ten points in this checklist represent the essential pillars of readiness. Each addresses a specific area where families often struggle to find information during critical moments. By systematically working through each point, you create clarity and remove potential sources of stress or conflict.

This approach transforms abstract planning into concrete action steps. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the big picture, you can focus on one element at a time, building your readiness foundation piece by piece. The result is a thorough, accessible plan that serves as both a practical tool and a gift of consideration to those who care about you.

Legal Foundation

Essential documents that protect your wishes

Healthcare Guidance

Medical preferences and care instructions

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Financial Clarity

Complete financial picture and access

Family Communication

Shared knowledge and understanding

Below, you’ll review each of the 10 Essentials that make up a complete readiness foundation. After reading through them, you’ll complete a simple checklist that summarizes the status of your own plan.

Are Legal Documents Are Current and Accessible?

#1

Your Will or Trust forms the cornerstone of your estate plan, but these documents only serve their purpose if they're current, properly executed, and accessible when needed. Life changes constantly — marriages, divorces, births, deaths, moves, and changing relationships all impact the relevance of documents created years ago.

Review your legal documents at least every three to five years, or immediately after any major life event. Ensure that named executors, trustees, and guardians are still appropriate choices and willing to serve. Verify that asset distributions still reflect your current wishes and family situation. Outdated documents can create confusion, delays, and even legal challenges that undermine your intentions.

Accessibility is equally critical. A perfectly drafted Will does no good if no one knows where to find it. Keep signed originals in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box, and maintain copies in a separate secure location. Inform your executor and at least one trusted family member about where documents are stored and how to access them.

01

Review and Update

Have examined documents every 3-5 years and after major life changes

02

Secure Storage

Originals are kept safe but accessible in fireproof location

03

Digital Backup

Scanned copies maintained in secure cloud storage

04

Inform Key People

Location details shared with executor and trusted family

This is Essential #1 of 10. Keep scrolling to review all, then complete your personal checklist at the bottom.

#2

Are Beneficiaries Reviewed and Correctly Listed?

Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death bank accounts supersede instructions in your Will. This means outdated beneficiary information can accidentally disinherit loved ones or send assets to unintended recipients — even ex-spouses in some cases.

Many people update their Will but forget to review beneficiary designations on individual accounts. These designations should align with your overall estate plan. After divorce, remarriage, the birth of children or grandchildren, or the death of a named beneficiary, immediate updates are essential.

Request current beneficiary forms from every financial institution, insurance company, and retirement plan administrator. Verify primary and contingent beneficiaries, ensure spellings and identifying information are correct, and confirm that percentages add up to 100%. Make this review an annual habit, preferably when you review other financial documents each year.

Life Insurance Policies

All primary and contingent beneficiaries are current and percentages are correct

Retirement Accounts

Have reviewed 401(k), IRA, and pension beneficiaries (Important: These pass outside of a Will)

Bank Accounts

Payable-on-death (POD) and transfer-on-death (TOD) designations reviewed and confirmed

Investment Accounts

Brokerage and investment account beneficiaries match documented estate plan

This is Essential #2 of 10. Keep scrolling to review all, then complete your personal checklist at the bottom.

#3

Are Healthcare Directives Documented and Shared?

Advance Healthcare Directives, Living Wills, and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders ensure your medical preferences are honored when you cannot speak for yourself. Without these documents, family members may face agonizing decisions without clear guidance, sometimes leading to treatments you wouldn't have wanted or conflicts among loved ones.

These documents address end-of-life care preferences, life support decisions, organ donation wishes, and pain management approaches. They provide legal authority for your healthcare agent to make decisions on your behalf and offer clear guidance to medical professionals about your values and priorities regarding medical intervention.

Documentation alone isn't enough — these directives must be shared with the people who need them. Provide copies to your healthcare agent, alternate agents, primary care physician, and any specialists treating chronic conditions. Keep a copy in your emergency file at home, and consider carrying a card in your wallet noting that you have advance directives and where they can be accessed. Many hospitals and healthcare systems now maintain registries where you can file your directives for immediate access by any emergency provider.

Documents Created

Completed Advance Healthcare Directive and Living Will with legal guidance if needed

Healthcare Agent Designated

Confirmed brokerage and investment account beneficiaries match documented estate plan

Preferences Discussed

Had detailed conversations with designated agent about care priorities

Copies Distributed

Shared with healthcare providers, agents, and family members

Registered Documents

Filed with hospital systems and state registries for emergency access

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This is Essential #3 of 10. Keep scrolling to review all, then complete your personal checklist at the bottom.

#4

Are Medications, Prescriptions, and Supplements Logged?

A comprehensive medication log is invaluable during medical emergencies, hospital admissions, or when others need to manage your care. This list should include prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies — anything you take regularly affects potential drug interactions and treatment decisions.

For each medication, record the name (both brand and generic), dosage, frequency, and the condition it treats. Include the prescribing physician's name and contact information, as well as your pharmacy details. Note any drug allergies or adverse reactions you've experienced, as this information can be critical in emergency situations.

Keep this list current by updating it every time a medication changes. Store copies in your emergency file, share with your healthcare agent, and keep a copy in your wallet or phone. Many people photograph their medication bottles for quick visual reference. Consider using a medication management app that can share information with family members and healthcare providers.

Schedule a medication review with your pharmacist annually. They can identify potential interactions, suggest generic alternatives, and help consolidate your list into an easy-to-reference format. Many pharmacies offer this service free of charge.

This is Essential #4 of 10. Keep scrolling to review all, then complete your personal checklist at the bottom.

#5

Are Powers of Attorney Assigned and Informed?

Powers of Attorney are among the most powerful legal documents you'll create. A Financial Power of Attorney grants someone authority to manage your finances if you become incapacitated, while a Healthcare Power of Attorney (often called a Healthcare Proxy) allows someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. These documents activate when you cannot act for yourself, ensuring continuity in both financial and medical matters.

Choose agents carefully — these individuals will step into your shoes during vulnerable times. They should be trustworthy, financially responsible, organized, and willing to serve. Consider appointing different people for financial and healthcare roles if their strengths differ. Always name alternate agents in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve when needed.

Assignment alone isn't sufficient. Your agents must understand the scope of their authority, know where to find relevant documents and account information, and feel comfortable with the responsibility. Have detailed conversations about your values, preferences, and expectations. Provide them with copies of the Power of Attorney documents and introduce them to key advisors like your attorney, financial advisor, and primary care physician.

Select Carefully

Execute Documents

Discuss Responsibilities

Provide Access

Choose trustworthy individuals who understand your values

Work with attorney to create legally valid Powers of Attorney

Ensure agents understand their role and authority

Give copies and account information to each agent

This is Essential #5 of 10. Keep scrolling to review all, then complete your personal checklist at the bottom.

#6

Are Key Contacts and Advisors Organized?

Powers of Attorney are among the most powerful legal documents you'll create. A Financial Power of Attorney grants someone authority to manage your finances if you become incapacitated, while a Healthcare Power of Attorney (often called a Healthcare Proxy) allows someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. These documents activate when you cannot act for yourself, ensuring continuity in both financial and medical matters.

Choose agents carefully — these individuals will step into your shoes during vulnerable times. They should be trustworthy, financially responsible, organized, and willing to serve. Consider appointing different people for financial and healthcare roles if their strengths differ. Always name alternate agents in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve when needed.

Assignment alone isn't sufficient. Your agents must understand the scope of their authority, know where to find relevant documents and account information, and feel comfortable with the responsibility. Have detailed conversations about your values, preferences, and expectations. Provide them with copies of the Power of Attorney documents and introduce them to key advisors like your attorney, financial advisor, and primary care physician.

Legal Advisors

Financial advisor, accountant, investment managers, and tax preparers with account relationships noted

Financial Professionals

Attorney, estate planning specialist, and any legal representatives with full contact details and specializations

Healthcare Providers

Primary care physician, specialists, dentist, therapists, and pharmacy with patient ID numbers

Insurance Contacts

Life, health, home, auto, and long-term care insurance agents with policy numbers and coverage details

Personal Network

Close friends, extended family, neighbors, and community connections who should be informed

Business Contacts

Employers, business partners, professional associations, and work-related emergency contacts

This is Essential #6 of 10. Keep scrolling to review all, then complete your personal checklist at the bottom.

#7

Are Digital Assets and Accounts Managed?

Our digital lives contain significant financial, sentimental, and practical value. Email accounts, social media profiles, online banking, cloud storage, photo libraries, cryptocurrency wallets, domain names, and subscription services all require management. Without proper documentation, these assets can become inaccessible, leading to lost memories, unclaimed funds, or continued charges on accounts that should be closed.

Create a comprehensive digital asset inventory listing every online account, username, and how to access it. This includes financial accounts, email, social media, cloud storage services, photo libraries, online retailers, utility accounts, streaming services, and any other digital property. For each account, note whether it should be closed, memorialized, or transferred to someone else.

Password security presents a challenge — you need to provide access without compromising security during your lifetime. Consider using a reputable password manager that includes a legacy or emergency access feature, allowing designated individuals to request access that grants them entry after a specified waiting period. Alternatively, store encrypted password information with your attorney or in a secure location with clear instructions for access. Never email passwords or store them in unsecured documents.

Online banking, investment platforms, payment services, and cryptocurrency wallets

Financial Accounts

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Communication

Email accounts, messaging services, and video conferencing platforms

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Social Media

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Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social networks

Cloud Storage

Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, and other file storage services

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Media Libraries

Photo storage, music services, video libraries, and e-book collections

Subscriptions

Domain & Hosting

Online Retail

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Streaming services, software licenses, and recurring service memberships

Website domains, hosting services, and email hosting accounts

Amazon, shopping sites, and accounts with stored payment methods

This is Essential #7 of 10. Keep scrolling to review all, then complete your personal checklist at the bottom.

#8

Are Financial Accounts and Debts Clearly Tracked?

A complete financial picture encompasses both assets and liabilities. Your executor or financial agent will need to identify every bank account, investment account, retirement fund, insurance policy, real estate holding, vehicle, and valuable personal property. Equally important is documenting all debts — mortgages, car loans, credit cards, personal loans, and any other financial obligations that survive you.

Create a master financial summary listing each account type, institution name, account number, approximate balance, and where to find relevant statements or documentation. Include insurance policies with company names, policy numbers, coverage amounts, and beneficiary information. For real estate and vehicles, note locations, estimated values, and where deeds or titles are kept.

Document recurring bills and automatic payments that will need to be managed or cancelled. This includes utilities, insurance premiums, subscription services, homeowner association dues, and any other regular financial commitments. Note payment methods and due dates to prevent missed payments during transition periods.

Banking

Investments

Retirement

Insurance

Debts

Property

Checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit with institution names and account numbers

Brokerage accounts, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and any other investment holdings with current approximate values

401(k), IRA, pension plans, and other retirement accounts with beneficiary designations confirmed

Mortgages, loans, credit cards, and other liabilities with account numbers, balances, and payment information

Life, health, disability, long-term care, home, auto, and umbrella policies with coverage amounts and beneficiaries

Real estate, vehicles, and valuable personal property with estimated values and location of ownership documents

This is Essential #8 of 10. Keep scrolling to review all, then complete your personal checklist at the bottom.

#9

Are Final Wishes and Arrangements Communicated?

Final arrangements reflect your personal values, beliefs, and preferences. Whether you prefer burial or cremation, a traditional funeral service or a simple memorial gathering, religious ceremonies or secular celebrations — documenting these wishes spares your family from difficult decisions during grief and ensures your preferences are honored.

Address specific details: burial plot location or cremation plans, desired funeral home, service preferences (religious or secular, public or private, formal or casual), music selections, readings or speakers, obituary information, and whether you've prepaid any arrangements. If you have strong feelings about certain elements, explain the significance to help family understand the meaning behind your choices.

Many people find it helpful to write a letter to loved ones explaining their wishes in personal terms. This isn't a legal document but a heartfelt communication that provides context and comfort. You might share why you chose certain arrangements, express your wishes for how you'd like to be remembered, or offer reassurance that you've lived a full life. These personal touches can be deeply meaningful to grieving family members.

Service Preferences

Specify type of service, location, religious or secular elements, and who should officiate or speak

Burial or Cremation

Document your preference, plot location or cremation plans, and whether arrangements are prepaid

Memorial Details

Personal Touches

Note music selections, readings, photo displays, charitable donations in lieu of flowers, and reception plans

Include obituary information, special requests, and any items to be displayed or distributed at the service

Store this information with your other estate planning documents and ensure key family members know where to find it. Consider providing a copy to your executor, healthcare agent, and the funeral home if you've made prepaid arrangements.

This is Essential #9 of 10. Keep scrolling to review all, then complete your personal checklist at the bottom.

#10

Do Family Members Know Where Everything Is?

Even the most comprehensive plan fails if no one can find it. The final critical step is ensuring that at least one trusted person knows where every important document, account, password, and piece of information is located. This person serves as the key-master to your entire preparedness system.

Designate a trusted individual — often your executor, spouse, or adult child — who will serve as the primary contact person aware of your complete plan. Walk them through your system: show them where physical documents are stored, how to access your digital files, where to find account information, and how to reach your key advisors. Provide them with any keys, combinations, or access codes they'll need.

Create a master reference document that serves as an index to everything else. This single-page summary should list the location of key documents, names and contact information for your advisors, where to find financial account information, how to access your digital asset inventory, and the location of backup copies. Keep this master reference in an obvious, accessible place, with copies held by your executor and at least one other trusted person.

Physical Storage Locations

Digital Access Methods

Backup Locations

Review Schedule

Safe deposit box location and key placement, home safe combination, filing cabinet organization

Password manager login, encrypted file access, cloud storage credentials

Where duplicate copies are stored, who holds backup keys or access codes

Commit to annual reviews with your designated person to update information and refresh their knowledge

How to Use the

10 Essentials Completion Checklist

How it works:

• Scroll through each Essentials section above to understand what “complete and up-to-date” looks like in that area.

• When you reach the checklist below, review each item and check the box if you feel confident that section of your plan is solid and current.

• If an area feels unfinished, outdated, or unclear — simply leave it unchecked. That’s completely normal.

• As you check items, your score and Readiness Status (At-Risk, Progressing, or Prepared) will update automatically.

• Your results will also generate a prioritized list of “next step” recommendations based on what you left unchecked.

This is not about perfection - it's about clarity.

In just a few minutes, you'll see exactly where to focus first and to move toward real peace of mind.

Your progress is saved in this browser, so you can return anytime and pick up where you left off.

You just reviewed all 10 Essentials that make up a complete, well-organized legacy plan. Now it’s time to see where your plan stands today.

Now that you’ve reviewed the 10 Essentials, use the checklist below to capture the current status of your own readiness.

Annual Review Reminder:

Set a calendar reminder each year to review your entire plan with your designated person. Use this as an opportunity to update any changed information, replace any outdated documents, and ensure they still feel comfortable with their role. This annual touchpoint keeps your plan current and your support person informed.

Go Beyond the Basics

The ten core points create a solid foundation of readiness, but comprehensive planning can extend further based on your specific circumstances and priorities. These optional enhancements add additional layers of protection and clarity for your loved ones.

Emergency Plan Summary

Insurance Snapshot

Legacy Letters

Property Inventory

A one-page quick-reference guide for immediate emergencies, listing critical contacts, medical information, and first-step instructions for various scenarios

Consolidated summary of all insurance policies with coverage amounts, exclusions, claim procedures, and agent contact information

Personal messages to loved ones sharing wisdom, memories, values, forgiveness, and love — meaningful gifts that transcend legal documents

Detailed catalog of valuable possessions, collectibles, and household items with photos, appraisals, and intended recipients

Consider which enhancements align with your situation. Families with young children might prioritize emergency plans. Those with significant collections or heirlooms benefit from detailed inventories. Legacy letters provide comfort to everyone. Choose additions that serve your unique needs and family dynamics.

Take the Next Step

Preparing today builds confidence for tomorrow. You've reviewed the essential elements of comprehensive readiness — now it's time to transform understanding into action. Each step you take brings peace of mind and demonstrates profound care for the people who matter most in your life.

Start where you are. You don’t need to fix everything at once — just one focused step at a time. Choose one area from the checklist and make progress there. Perhaps update your beneficiary designations this week, then schedule time to review your healthcare directives next month. Steady progress creates lasting results.

PrepareLegacy offers guided tools, templates, and resources designed to simplify this important work. Our comprehensive bundle walks you through each point with clear instructions, downloadable forms, and ongoing support to help you stay organized and ready.

Have no estate plan

Most American adults lack basic planning documents

Feel peace of mind

People with complete plans report reduced anxiety about the future

Prevent family conflict

Clear documentation reduces disputes among loved ones

68%

92%

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