Home Filing System

Tab or Section 1—LIFEFOLIO CHECKLIST
Just as a book begins with a table of contents, your home filing system should begin with your completed LifeFolio Checklist. If you are married, your spouse's checklist belongs here as well. If you expect to be the responsible person in the event of a parent's or elderly relative's illness or death, a copy of their checklist should be included in this section.

Tab or Section 2—EMERGENCY ITEMS & CONTACTS
This section should contain key emergency items in the event of a serious illness or death. For a married couple, it should contain appropriate items for each person. Keep the addresses and phone numbers of emergency contacts (investment professional, insurance agent, lawyer, CPA, doctors, home health aid, dentist, family members) in the front of the folder. The contents of this section might include:

If you or your spouse die—

• Letter of instruction to the executor/executrix
• Certified copy of Last Will and Testament
• Location of safe and combination or location of keys
• Safe deposit box keys
• Military discharge papers
• Burial instructions; burial plot deed; funeral home preference
• Charitable donation preference
• Birth certificate (death certificates for the deceased)
• Phone number and address of County Surrogate or Orphans Court (to probate Will)
• Information for an obituary (such as a resume)

If you or your spouse become seriously ill—

• Copy of a Health Care Proxy (living will)
• Durable Power of Attorney
• Financial institutions' proprietary power of attorney forms (completed)
• Citizenship (naturalization papers)
• Adoption papers
• Marriage certificate
• Pre-nuptial agreement
• Divorce or separation papers
• Social Security card
• Driver's license number and expiration date
• Beneficiary statements for IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement plans, insurance policies and annuities

Tab or Section 3—MUTUAL FUNDS
This section should hold any MainStay (or other) mutual fund statements, confirmations, and other collateral related to the funds. Note that mutual funds purchased through brokerages can be filed in Tab /Section 4 as funds are consolidated on one statement through each brokerage.

Tab or Section 4—INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT
This section should hold statements for your traditional brokerage accounts, cash management accounts, 529 higher education savings accounts, wrap fee or asset management products, online brokerage accounts, and investment club documents. If you have a formal financial or investment plan, it should go in this section as well.

Tab or Section 5—BANKS, MORTGAGES, LOANS
This section should include your monthly checking, savings, and/or money market account statements, canceled checks and bank books, credit union statements, and Certificate of Deposit (CD) documents. It should also hold your mortgage paperwork and any documents related to home equity loans, automobile loans, revolving credit, overdraft loans, etc.

Tab or Section 6—HEALTH INSURANCE
This section should contain all health, prescription drug, and dental plan documents, reimbursement confirmations and claim forms, as well as disability plan documents.

Tab or Section 7—RETIREMENT AND PENSION PLANS
This section should hold the statements from your corporate defined benefit (standard pension) or defined contribution plan (401(k), profit sharing, SIMPLE plan, money-purchase pension), and IRA/IRA rollover accounts.

Tab or Section 8—MEDICAL RECORDS
This section should contain records of past medical procedures, immunizations, and other pertinent medical information.

Tab or Section 9—LIFE INSURANCE, LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
This section should hold your personally-owned term, whole life, and variable universal life insurance policies, Veterans Administration coverage, long term care insurance policies, as well as premium notices and any ongoing client communications. If you own a business and have a "buy/sell agreement," those documents should be placed here.

Tab or Section 10—OTHER CORPORATE BENEFITS
This section should include documents related to corporate plans such as deferred compensation, group and supplemental long-term disability, group and supplemental life insurance, stock options, special incentive programs, flexible spending (health or child care), and long-term care insurance.

Tab or Section 11—PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE
This section should contain your homeowners or renters insurance, automobile and/or other vehicle insurance, and documentation of any auto and home insurance claims.

Tab or Section 12—ANNUITIES
This section should contain your variable or fixed annuity policies, premium notices, and any ongoing client communications.

Tab or Section 13—TRUSTS AND FINANCIAL PLAN
This section should hold trust documents and a copy of your financial plan.

Tab or Section 14—UTILITIES
This section should include documents and bills related to the gas company, electric company, cable TV or satellite, water company, and public sewer.

Tab or Section 15—TELEPHONE AND CELL PHONE
This section should include contracts and bills related to telephone and cellular phone accounts.

Tab or Section 16—CREDIT CARDS
This section should hold statements and year-end summaries for credit cards. Multiple cards can have their own sections following this tab.

Tab or Section 17—TAX DOCUMENTS
This section should include copies of prior years' tax returns and supporting documentation, as well as any correspondence from the IRS or the state.

Tab or Section 18—TITLES AND DEEDS
This section should hold the titles and deeds to real estate and other property such as automobiles, boats, planes, etc. You may feel most comfortable keeping this in a safe deposit box or fireproof safe.

Tab or Section 19—WARRANTIES, SERVICE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUCTIONS
This section is for documents related to everything from the washer, dryer, and stove to the stereo, lawnmower, kids toys, and master remote control.