Legacy Locker | My Go To

Important Documents

Estate Planning Documents

Will (Last Will and Testament)

Trusts (Living Trust, Revocable Trust, Irrevocable Trust)

Power of Attorney (Financial, Medical, Durable)

Living Will (Advance Healthcare Directive)

Executor or Personal Representative designation

Insurance Policies

Life Insurance policies

Car Insurance policies

Homeowners/Renters Insurance policies

Long-term Care Insurance policies

Disability Insurance policies

Health Insurance policies

Financial Accounts

Bank account information

Investment accounts

Credit card accounts

Loan documents (mortgage, personal, student)

Retirement & Pension Plans

Pension & Retirement plans

Annuity contracts

Tax Related Documents

Tax returns (previous years)

Business tax records (if self-employed)

Funeral and Burial Instructions

Funeral home information

Obituary information

Burial plot documents / Cremation instructions

Digital Assets:

Cryptocurrency information (wallets, keys), Online storage accounts (cloud storage), Social media accounts (or select your legacy nomination), Email accounts, Online banking and investment login credentials, Subscriptions/memberships, Phone access code.

Other Financial Information: Debt obligations (credit card, loan, mortgage), Utility bills (electricity, gas, water, internet), Membership and subscription information, (clubs, organizations), Business partnerships or ownership documents, Vehicle ownership documents

Real Estate Documents: Property deeds, Title insurance policies, Property tax records

Beneficiary Designations: Life insurance beneficiaries, Retirement account beneficiaries, Trust beneficiaries, Account beneficiaries (bank, investment), Power of Attorney

Other Relevant Documents: Marriage certificate, Birth Certificate, Divorce or separation agreements, Passport information/I.D, Birth certificate/adoption papers for minor children, Make a listing of all your sources of income, especially ones that your family might not know too much about, List of names and contact numbers for your financial adviser, doctor, lawyer/solicitor, accountant, insurance broker and your employer.

Why it Matters | Having these essential Estate Planning Documents readily available for your loved ones when you pass is crucial for several reasons:

Avoids Confusion and Stress: By having these documents organized and accessible, your loved ones can avoid the emotional burden of searching for them during a difficult time.

Ensures Your Wishes Are Respected: A clear and up-to-date Will, Living Will, and Power of Attorney ensure that your wishes regarding your estate, healthcare, and finances are carried out as intended.

Prevents Family Disputes: Having a well-structured Estate Plan in place can prevent family conflicts and disputes over inheritance, property, and other assets.

Saves Time and Money: By having all necessary documents in order, your loved ones can avoid costly and time-consuming legal battles, probate, and other estate administration issues.

Provides Peace of Mind: Knowing that your affairs are in order and that your loved ones will be taken care of can bring immense peace of mind and comfort during a difficult time.

By having these essential Estate Planning Documents readily available, you can ensure that your loved ones are protected, your wishes are respected, and your legacy is preserved.

When planning their legacy, people often focus on the obvious aspects, such as wealth, property, and family heirlooms. However, there are several important considerations that are often overlooked

When planning their legacy, we often focus on the obvious aspects, such as wealth, property, and family heirlooms. However, there are several important considerations that are often overlooked.

One of these is digital legacy. To address this, individuals can start by making a list of their online accounts, including social media, email, and online storage. They should then consider appointing a digital executor who can manage their online presence after they pass away. This can be done by including specific instructions in their will or by using online tools that allow them to designate a digital beneficiary.

Another aspect that is often overlooked is personal values and principles.To ensure that these are passed down to future generations, individuals can write a legacy letter or ethical will. This document should outline their values, wisdom, and life lessons, and can be shared with family members or loved ones. Additionally, individuals can consider creating a family constitution or manifesto that outlines their shared values and principles. This can serve as a guiding document for future generations and help to ensure that their legacy continues to inspire and motivate.

Family dynamics and conflicts can also have a significant impact on one's legacy. To address this, individuals can consider having open and honest conversations with their family members about their wishes and expectations and consider including specific instructions in their will or trust that outline their wishes for how their estate should be distributed and managed.

Preserving personal stories and history is another important aspect of legacy planning.To do this, individuals can consider writing a memoir or autobiography that outlines their life story and experiences. They can also consider creating a family archive or scrapbook that includes photos, letters, and other memorabilia. Additionally, individuals can consider recording oral histories or video testimonials that capture their stories and experiences.

Cultural and spiritual heritage are also important aspects of legacy planning.To pass down these traditions, individuals can consider creating a cultural or spiritual heritage document that outlines their values, practices, and traditions. They can also consider teaching their family members about their cultural and spiritual heritage, and encouraging them to continue these traditions. Additionally, individuals can consider creating a family ritual or tradition that honors their cultural and spiritual heritage.

Environmental and social impact are also important considerations for legacy planning. To make a positive impact, individuals can consider setting up a green trust or foundation that supports environmental causes. They can also consider making sustainable investments or supporting businesses that prioritize environmental sustainability. Additionally, individuals can consider volunteering their time and skills to environmental or social causes, and inspiring others to do the same.

Mental health and wellness are also crucial aspects of legacy planning. To prioritize mental health and wellness, individuals can consider setting up a trust or foundation that supports mental health initiatives. They can also consider making regular donations to mental health charities, and encouraging their family members to do the same. Additionally, individuals can consider seeking professional help or therapy to address any mental health concerns, and inspiring others to do the same.

Pet care and animal welfare are also important considerations for legacy planning. To ensure that pets are well cared for after one's passing, individuals can consider setting up a pet trust that provides for their pets' needs. They can also consider naming a trusted friend or family member as a pet guardian, and providing them with the necessary resources and support. Additionally, individuals can consider making regular donations to animal welfare charities, and encouraging others to do the same.

Finally, funeral and end-of-life wishes are also important aspects of legacy planning. To ensure that one's wishes are respected, individuals can consider setting out their funeral and end-of-life wishes in a will or living will. They can also consider discussing their wishes with their family members and loved ones, and providing them with the necessary resources and support. Additionally, individuals can consider pre-planning their funeral or memorial service, and making arrangements for their burial or cremation.

By addressing these often-overlooked aspects of legacy planning and including them in your Legacy Locker, can create a more comprehensive and meaningful legacy that reflects their values, priorities, and impact on the world.

Our Will & Testament & Estate Planning pages will enable you to ensure a powerful legacy.

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Why planning your funeral is the best gift you can give your loved ones

Planning your funeral is something you might not benefit from, but your family will. Here’s how to do it so that you and your family have peace of mind.

Most people don’t like to think about dying, nor do they enjoy discussing their inevitable death with their family. But planning your funeral is important. This is because it will relieve your loved ones of some of the burdens during their time of loss, giving you peace of mind.

Read the Sanlam article HERE

A Comprehensive 25 point checklist to prepare for the inevitable - death

Preparing in advance for death or permanent disablement of a loved one is an unpleasant thought, but can only be of benefit when something does happen, notes Christel Botha, fiduciary services manager at Alexander Forbes. Death is inevitable, so planning for it should be a priority, she says.

Read the BUSSINESSTECH article HERE