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S.T.E.P.S. - Smart, Tailored, Event-Driven, Packaged Solutions
provided by Women's Financial Network at Siebert
Gathering Information --
Part II
In all of the confusion of this time, it can be difficult to find anything at all, let alone important papers that may be filed away in a safe deposit box or with a family attorney or accountant. But, when you are ready, one of the first things you will need to do is locate certain documents so that you can begin the process of sorting out your finances.
Here is a checklist of what you should be looking for:
- Wills and letters of instruction
- Trust documents and powers of attorney
- Joint tax returns for the past five years
- Most recent W-2 forms from his employer
- Any outstanding loans
- Records of employee benefits such as retirement accounts or stock option plans and any additional insurance policies like homeowners, auto, disability, or umbrella policies
- Real estate documents like titles, deeds, leases, rental agreements, the most recent mortgage or home loan statements
- Financial statements including checking, savings, CD, brokerage, retirement accounts, safe deposit box, and credit cards
- Stock certificates and current statements of mutual fund holdings or other investments
- List of credit cards and names under which they are listed
- Receipts for major purchases and warranties
- Business partnership agreements
- Car titles, registrations, loan and lease agreements
- Official government papers like a social security card or military discharge, if applicable
- Birth, death, and marriage certificates
- Pre-and post-nuptial agreements
HerTip: Sorting through your spouse's papers can be emotionally trying. Do not hesitate to ask a family member or trusted friend for help, or even just to keep you company while you work.
Continue to: Widowhood III: Estate Planning
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