Organizing your personal and financial affairs

Your personal records file should include:

•	full legal name
•	social insurance number
•	address of legal residence
•	date and place of birth
•	name and address of your spouse and/or children (or copies of death certificates if they died before you)
•	location of your will
•	location of certificates of birth, marriage, divorce and citizenship
•	list of employers and dates of employment
•	education and military records
•	religion and name of church, synagogue or temple, if applicable
•	memberships in organizations and awards received
•	names and addresses of close friends and relatives
•	names and addresses of lawyers, doctors and financial advisors
•	requests and preferences for funeral and any prearrangements for burial

Your financial records file should include:

•	social insurance number
•	sources of income, including pension, interest income and other assets
•	investment income (stocks, bonds, property)
•	insurance information, including policy numbers
•	bank accounts and location
•	location of safety deposit boxes
•	copy of most recent income tax return
•	mortgages and debts (what you owe to whom and when payments are due)
•	credit card numbers, type and issuing institution
•	property taxes
•	location of personal items, such as jewelry or family treasures

This is very important and personal information, so keep it in a safety deposit box or another safe place. Let a family member or trusted friend know where to find it in an emergency. Make sure you update your records on a regular basis – at least once a year.

Encourage your family members to prepare personal and financial records, too.

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