What to Include in Your Vault

Start with the essentials

Focus on what your family will need soonest: where important documents are, who to contact (attorney, accountant, bank), and how to access or close accounts. You don't have to list every password—you can describe where they're stored or how to reset them.

Suggested categories

Financial

Bank and investment accounts, insurance policies, bills, and where statements are kept. Include contact info for each institution and any instructions (e.g. "Close this account" or "Transfer to my spouse").

Legal

Will, power of attorney, deeds, and where originals are stored. Your attorney's name and number. Any pending legal matters.

Medical

Health history, medications, doctors and specialists, advance directives. What to tell medical staff in an emergency.

Digital life

Email, important accounts, subscriptions. How to access or shut them down. You can point to a password manager or sealed envelope without putting every password in the vault.

Personal and final wishes

Family contacts, who to call first, memorial or funeral preferences, and any messages you want to leave for specific people.