
Rather than gathering it piecemeal, ask your parents to prepare a master document listing their important information. Start with Social Security numbers. You can't pass Go without them. Here's what else you want to know.
Bank accounts and safe-deposit boxes
All bank names Account numbers Personal contact if available Location of safe-deposit box Contents of box Location of box key
Credit cards
Issuers Account numbers Expiration dates Special information (airline mileage points, balances owed)
Insurance
For home, car, life, health, long-term care
Issuers Account numbers Agents Premium due dates
Health care
Contact information for all physicians Current medications and dosages Medicare claim number Medigap policy number
Taxes
Accountant information Location of past filings
Investments and retirement accounts
Names of brokerage or plan administrators Account numbers PINs Names of bankers or brokers
Legal documents
List all documents that are in place
Wills Trusts Power of attorney The trustees of all the documents Contact information for the lawyer who drew up the papers
House
Amount of mortgage payment or rent Due date Location of deeds and property titles Contact information for service people, like the plumber and electrician
Last wishes
The arrangements your parents want for their funeral and burial Whether they want to donate organs to research
Miscellaneous
Driver's-license number and expiration date Vehicle-registration info Any items in storage Storage-company phone number Contact information for neighbors and nearby friends, especially those with access to your parents' home E-mail accounts and passwords