A personal financial organizer is a document that lists everything your family needs to know about your financial position. Once you have your organizer completed, you will need to entrust it to a handful of select individuals.

People Who Should Have Copies of Your Personal Financial Organizer:

Spouse, or Another Designated Family Member

This is the most important person that needs to have a copy of your organizer. They will be the first ones in need of your pertinent information. Your lawyer’s and executor’s contact information will be needed almost immediately. The other information, such as account listings, will help your family stay informed.

Lawyer

If you are entrusting your lawyer with a copy of your will, it is natural that they should have a copy of your organizer, as well. Your organizer can help your lawyer quickly contact all appropriate family members and your executor.

Executor

Carrying out someone’s final wishes can be an intimidating task. You can make your personal representative’s duties much easier by giving them all the information they need.

Trustees

Having similar duties as, or acting in lieu of, your executor, your trustees need to be able to quickly contact all parties involved.

Financial Planner

As the one who crafted your estate plan, your financial planner may have ongoing contact with your family, as assets and benefits are disbursed.

Safeguard your copies of your personal financial organizer. If you have a safety deposit box, you may want to keep a copy there. If not, a fireproof safe is a good alternative. Make every effort to have your organizer available for the ones who will need it. It is a great reference tool for your family and trusted advisors, and will help ensure that your family moves through this stressful season with as little difficulty as possible.

About Caldwell Trust Company

Caldwell Trust Company is an independent trust company with offices in Venice and Sarasota, Florida. Established in 1993, the firm currently manages over $800 million in assets for clients throughout the United States. The company offers a full range of fiduciary services to individuals, including services as trustee, custodian, investment adviser, financial manager and personal representative. Additionally, Caldwell manages 401(k) and 403(b) qualified retirement plans for employers.