Is my family ready if something happens to me?

A current will

Without one, a court and state law decide who gets what.

Beneficiaries named on retirement and insurance accounts

These pass by the form, not the will. Old forms send money to old names.

A guardian named for your kids

If both parents are gone, a judge picks otherwise.

Life insurance that covers the years your family needs it

The common rule of thumb is 10 to 12 times income while kids are at home.

Power of attorney and health care directive

Someone needs legal authority if you can't decide for yourself.

Someone you trust knows where passwords and accounts are

Accounts nobody knows about can sit unclaimed for years.

A letter to your kids about what you believe and why

Your kids hear what you believe and why, in your own words.

Your family has talked about money out loud

Kids who never hear it discussed are less ready to keep it.