Your family’s counting on you to be prepared for life’s critical moments, like buying a home, managing retirement, and protecting your legacy. We’ll help you consider which documents you should store, and which ones you should make accessible to others.

Get Ready

Start building your FidSafe library with these helpful documents to manage accounts, contacts and documents.

Instructions: To get started you'll need to:

1.) Download Adobe® Reader®

2.) Save these PDFs to your computer prior to filling them out

Get Started

Reference the FidSafe Ready, Set, Plan™ checklists to know what documents you should consider storing in your FidSafe during life’s biggest moments.

Get Organized

Consider adding these additional important documents to your FidSafe to ensure you and your family have access to all the information needed at any time.

  • Identification & Licenses
  • Academic Degrees
    Close Document
    Document Academic Degrees

    An award degree issued by an accredited college or university, to provide proof of successful completion of an academic program or course of study.

    Related documents:

    1) Certificates

    2) Diplomas

    Add to FidSafe
  • Birth Certificate
    Close Document
    Document Birth Certificate

    A birth certificate is a document that contains key information surrounding one’s birth, including the date, time, place, country, as well as information on the parents. It can be used to prove country of birth and the relationship between a parent and a child, and is required to obtain other forms of ID such as passports.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Death Certificate
    Close Document
    Document Death Certificate

    It is official documentation created to establish date and time of an individual’s death. Proof of death of a close family member may be required for things like an insurance policy.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Driver’s License
    Close Document
    Document Driver’s License

    A driver’s license evidences an individual’s authorization to operate a vehicle. It can be used for its key identification and proof of residence information.

    Related Documents:

    1) State ID

    2) Learner’s permit

    Add to FidSafe
  • Immigration Documents
    Close Document
    Document Immigration Documents

    Immigration documents come in various forms, and depending on the individual, may include information on the country from which they he/she immigrated, and the reasons for the immigration.

    Related Documents:

    1) Green card

    2) Certificate of citizenship

    3) Visas

    4) Entry/exit stamps

    Add to FidSafe
  • Licenses to Practice
    Close Document
    Document Licenses to Practice

    A document bestowed by an agency or professional association that shows an individual has been licensed to perform in a certain profession. Many professions, such as nursing, law, etc., require a valid license to practice.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Military Discharge Papers
    Close Document
    Document Military Discharge Papers

    Documents that serve as proof of military service and of honorable discharge from that service. They generally contain information needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans’ organizations.

    Related Documents:

    Report of separation form

    Add to FidSafe
  • Military ID
    Close Document
    Document Military ID

    The Department of Defense issues members of the armed services, eligible dependents of military personnel, and other eligible individuals an identification card (ID). authorizing them to receive Uniformed Services benefits and privileges. A military ID may be required for eligibility verification in order to receive various benefits during and after service, as well as employment.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Organization Membership Cards
    Close Document
    Document Organization Membership Cards

    These serve as proof of membership to various professional organizations e.g. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Society of Civil Engineers, etc.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Other Licenses
    Close Document
    Document Other Licenses

    A license is an official document that evidences permission was granted to own something or conduct a specific activity.

    Related Documents:

    Firearms or hunting license

    Add to FidSafe
  • Passport
    Close Document
    Document Passport

    Passports contain biographical information on their holders as well as their international travel history. Your passport can be used for its key identification and proof of residence and citizenship information.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Social Security Card
    Close Document
    Document Social Security Card

    This card contains your Social Security number, a unique identifier that is required for virtually everything. A copy should make replacement faster in the event the original is lost. The social security administration advises that you not routinely carry your Social Security card, and that you should always question whoever asks for your SSN.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Transcripts
    Close Document
    Document Transcripts

    A list of courses taken and grades obtained in a formal education setting. Often required for continuing education, and possibly required for employment purposes.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Family Changes
  • Adoption Papers
    Close Document
    Document Adoption Papers

    Varies by state, but generally includes paperwork relating to the process of adopting a child or adult.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Alimony Documents
    Close Document
    Document Alimony Documents

    Varies by state, but generally includes paperwork relating to the obligation and terms of alimony payment.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Birth Certificate
    Close Document
    Document Birth Certificate

    A birth certificate is a document that contains key information surrounding one’s birth, including the date, time, place, country, as well as information on the parents. It can be used to prove country of birth and the relationship between a parent and a child, and is required to obtain other forms of ID such as passports.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Child Support Documents
    Close Document
    Document Child Support Documents

    Varies by state, but generally includes paperwork relating to the obligation and terms of payment for child support.

    Related Documents:

    1) Paternity forms

    2) Court orders

    Add to FidSafe
  • Death Certificate
    Close Document
    Document Death Certificate

    It is official documentation created to establish date and time of an individual’s death. Proof of death of a close family member may be required for things like an insurance policy.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Divorce Decree
    Close Document
    Document Divorce Decree

    Varies by state, but generally includes paperwork relating to the terms of a divorce.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Life Insurance Policy
    Close Document
    Document Life Insurance Policy

    A contract with an insurance company in which the company generally agrees to pay a lump sum amount under certain circumstances in exchange for premiums paid by the insured party. The lump sum amount is known as a “death benefit”, and it is paid to beneficiaries if the insured dies during the period of the contract.

    Typically, life insurance is chosen based on the needs and goals of the insured. Term life insurance generally provides protection for a set period of time, while permanent insurance, such as whole and universal life, provides lifetime coverage.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Marriage Certificate
    Close Document
    Document Marriage Certificate

    A valid marriage license can serve as proof of a legal marriage.

    Related Documents:

    1) Prenuptial agreement

    2) Postnuptial agreement

    3) Domestic partner registration and cohabitation agreement

    Add to FidSafe
  • Trust Documents
    Close Document
    Document Trust Documents

    A trust is a fiduciary arrangement that allows a third party, or trustee, to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary or beneficiaries. Trusts can be arranged in many ways, so these documents are used to specify how and when the assets will be passed to the beneficiaries. Depending on the type of trust and specific situation, trusts may provide ability for beneficiaries to access assets more quickly than if they were transferred using a will or could reduce the tax burden on heirs by reducing the size of the taxable estate.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Natural Disasters & Emergencies
  • Auto Insurance Policies
    Close Document
    Document Auto Insurance Policies

    Auto insurance can serve as financial protection in the event that you or your vehicle is involved in an accident. In addition to potentially paying for damages to your own vehicle, auto insurance may pay for medical expenses as well as other property damage expenses incurred after an accident. Specific terms of insurance vary by policy or type of insurance as well as by state, but many states currently require vehicle owners to have a minimum amount of liability coverage, designed to cover damage to other drivers’ vehicles or medical expenses incurred by other drivers injured by you or your vehicle.

    Related Documents:

    1) Photos

    2) Proof of maintenance/repair work done

    3) Accident reports

    Add to FidSafe
  • Driver’s License
    Close Document
    Document Driver’s License

    A driver’s license evidences an individual’s authorization to operate a vehicle. It can be used for its key identification and proof of residence information.

    Related Documents:

    1) State ID

    2) Learner’s permit

    Add to FidSafe
  • Home Insurance Policies
    Close Document
    Document Home Insurance Policies

    A home insurance policy is typically a contract with an insurance company. In exchange for premiums paid by the insured party, insurance can cover a home’s physical structure and the possessions within the home. For certain valuable items, it may be necessary to purchase a rider, which can provide coverage for a specific item, such as an expensive piece of jewelry. Coverage will vary by the type of policy, but homeowner’s insurance can generally protect against financial losses caused by fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. In addition, policies may contain provisions that protect you from financial liability when someone is injured on your property.

    Related Documents:

    1) Receipts/appraisals on expensive items such as engagement rings

    2) Inventory of possessions (photos and videos)

    3) Receipts for home improvement

    4) Warranties

    Add to FidSafe
  • List of Key People
    Close Document
    Document List of Key People

    A single, centralized list of names and information for individuals or professional contacts. In the event of your death or other emergency situation, could be invaluable to loved ones who need it.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Passport
    Close Document
    Document Passport

    Passports contain biographical information on their holders as well as their international travel history. Your passport can be used for its key identification and proof of residence and citizenship information.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Property Changes & Records
  • Auto Insurance Policies
    Close Document
    Document Auto Insurance Policies

    Auto insurance can serve as financial protection in the event that you or your vehicle is involved in an accident. In addition to potentially paying for damages to your own vehicle, auto insurance may pay for medical expenses as well as other property damage expenses incurred after an accident. Specific terms of insurance vary by policy or type of insurance as well as by state, but many states currently require vehicle owners to have a minimum amount of liability coverage, designed to cover damage to other drivers’ vehicles or medical expenses incurred by other drivers injured by you or your vehicle.

    Related Documents:

    1) Photos

    2) Proof of maintenance/repair work done

    3) Accident reports

    Add to FidSafe
  • Driver’s License
    Close Document
    Document Driver’s License

    A driver’s license evidences an individual’s authorization to operate a vehicle. It can be used for its key identification and proof of residence information.

    Related Documents:

    1) State ID

    2) Learner’s permit

    Add to FidSafe
  • Home Insurance Policies
    Close Document
    Document Home Insurance Policies

    A home insurance policy is typically a contract with an insurance company. In exchange for premiums paid by the insured party, insurance can cover a home’s physical structure and the possessions within the home. For certain valuable items, it may be necessary to purchase a rider, which can provide coverage for a specific item, such as an expensive piece of jewelry. Coverage will vary by the type of policy, but homeowner’s insurance can generally protect against financial losses caused by fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. In addition, policies may contain provisions that protect you from financial liability when someone is injured on your property.

    Related Documents:

    1) Receipts/appraisals on expensive items such as engagement rings

    2) Inventory of possessions (photos and videos)

    3) Receipts for home improvement

    4) Warranties

    Add to FidSafe
  • House/Land Deeds
    Close Document
    Document House/Land Deeds

    These documents contain information concerning the ownership of a property. A deed is usually obtained from the previous owner after a sale has been finalized.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Property Tax Statements
    Close Document
    Document Property Tax Statements

    Property taxes may be levied on all real estate assets owned by individuals. This can include buildings, land, and permanent improvements to such properties. In many cases, multiple jurisdictions (state, county, city) can tax the same property.

    Related Documents:

    1) Property tax bills or payment coupons

    2) Proof of tax payments

    Add to FidSafe
  • Vehicle Titles
    Close Document
    Document Vehicle Titles

    A car title provides information about a vehicle, usually including its physical characteristics and its vehicle identification number, as well as its owner. This document can be required for proof of ownership and is transferred from one owner to another in the event a vehicle is sold.

    Related Documents:

    1) Car lease

    2) Car registration

    Add to FidSafe
  • Legacy & Estate Planning
  • Death Certificate
    Close Document
    Document Death Certificate

    It is official documentation created to establish date and time of an individual’s death. Proof of death of a close family member may be required for things like an insurance policy.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Durable Power of Attorney
    Close Document
    Document Durable Power of Attorney

    A power of attorney authorizes another individual the authority to make legal decisions and take actions on your behalf in accordance with the document. This person is known as the “attorney in fact” or “agent,” and can be your spouse, partner, or someone you trust. A power of attorney can be generally applied to all your affairs, or be limited so that it applies only to particular assets or accounts held in your name. Without a durable power of attorney, should you become incapacitated, a court may assign an individual who will have these powers.  A durable power of attorney could allow you to select the person you want to act on your behalf before it becomes necessary.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Last Will
    Close Document
    Document Last Will

    Generally speaking, a will is a legal document that coordinates the distribution of your assets after death and can appoint guardians for minor children. It usually includes the following: a) Designation of an executor, who carries out the provisions of the will. b) Named beneficiaries, or those who may inherit the assets. c) Instructions for how and when beneficiaries will receive assets. d) Guardians for any minor children.

    Related Documents:

    1) Child protection plan

    2) Executor letter of instruction

    3) Funeral arrangements and cemetery plot plan

    Add to FidSafe
  • Life Insurance Policy
    Close Document
    Document Life Insurance Policy

    A contract with an insurance company in which the company generally agrees to pay a lump sum amount under certain circumstances in exchange for premiums paid by the insured party. The lump sum amount is known as a “death benefit”, and it is paid to beneficiaries if the insured dies during the period of the contract.

    Typically, life insurance is chosen based on the needs and goals of the insured. Term life insurance generally provides protection for a set period of time, while permanent insurance, such as whole and universal life, provides lifetime coverage.

    Add to FidSafe
  • List of Financial Accounts
    Close Document
    Document List of Financial Accounts

    A list of all financial accounts, including institution where each is held. Maintaining all of this information in one secure place can make it easier to manage your finances.

    Helpful information to include:

    a) A list of account names and numbers

    b) Date accounts were established

    c) List of institutions at which each account is held

    d) Address and key contacts at financial institution

    e) A list of beneficiaries

    Add to FidSafe
  • Living Will
    Close Document
    Document Living Will

    This document can also be known as an “Advanced Healthcare Directive” or “Health Care Proxy Document.” A valid living will can authorize someone to make health care decisions on your behalf in the event you are incapacitated. State laws for living wills vary.

    Related documents:

    Do not resuscitate order (DNR)

    Add to FidSafe
  • Trust Documents
    Close Document
    Document Trust Documents

    A trust is a fiduciary arrangement that allows a third party, or trustee, to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary or beneficiaries. Trusts can be arranged in many ways, so these documents are used to specify how and when the assets will be passed to the beneficiaries. Depending on the type of trust and specific situation, trusts may provide ability for beneficiaries to access assets more quickly than if they were transferred using a will or could reduce the tax burden on heirs by reducing the size of the taxable estate.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Retirement & Other Finances
  • Account Statements
    Close Document
    Document Account Statements

    These are statements typically offered by financial institutions at which your account is held. They are frequently available quarterly or monthly, depending on your account or institution.

    Related Documents:

    1) Bank account statements

    2) Brokerage account statements

    3) Social Security (and other government benefits) statements

    4) Retirement account statements

    5) Pension statements

    6) Mortgage statements

    7) Credit Card (and other loan Statements)

    Add to FidSafe
  • Credit Report
    Close Document
    Document Credit Report

    It is a factual report on one’s credit activities. It can record loans one has taken, as well as one’s bill-paying history. Generally, one free credit report per year is available from each one of the credit bureaus.

    Related Documents:

    Up-to-date copy of FICO score

    Add to FidSafe
  • Financial Plans and Budgets
    Close Document
    Document Financial Plans and Budgets

    A budget is a way to track the relationship between the money you take in and the money you spend. A budget can help you make sure your income covers your essential expenses. It can also help you define which expenses you deem essential and which you consider discretionary.

    A financial plan can include a comprehensive process designed to match your financial goals and objectives with your resources to ensure that those goals are met over time. It can also include investment and savings strategies you’ll employ to meet your goals.

    Related Documents:

    1) Documents that capture essential household expenses, such as utilities, your mortgage, and other recurring expenses

    2) Debt repayment plan (if applicable)

    Add to FidSafe
  • Life Insurance Policy
    Close Document
    Document Life Insurance Policy

    A contract with an insurance company in which the company generally agrees to pay a lump sum amount under certain circumstances in exchange for premiums paid by the insured party. The lump sum amount is known as a “death benefit”, and it is paid to beneficiaries if the insured dies during the period of the contract.

    Typically, life insurance is chosen based on the needs and goals of the insured. Term life insurance generally provides protection for a set period of time, while permanent insurance, such as whole and universal life, provides lifetime coverage.

    Add to FidSafe
  • List of Financial Accounts
    Close Document
    Document List of Financial Accounts

    A list of all financial accounts, including institution where each is held. Maintaining all of this information in one secure place can make it easier to manage your finances.

    Helpful information to include:

    a) A list of account names and numbers

    b) Date accounts were established

    c) List of institutions at which each account is held

    d) Address and key contacts at financial institution

    e) A list of beneficiaries

    Add to FidSafe
  • Miscellaneous Financial Documents
    Close Document
    Document Miscellaneous Financial Documents

    These include documents pertaining to other financial information or financial instruments you may own.

    Related Documents:

    1) Front and back copies of credit/debit cards

    2) Bond and stock certificates

    3) Annuity contracts

    4) CDs

    Add to FidSafe
  • Contacts & Instructions
  • List of Financial Accounts
    Close Document
    Document List of Financial Accounts

    A list of all financial accounts, including institution where each is held. Maintaining all of this information in one secure place can make it easier to manage your finances.

    Helpful information to include:

    a) A list of account names and numbers

    b) Date accounts were established

    c) List of institutions at which each account is held

    d) Address and key contacts at financial institution

    e) A list of beneficiaries

    Add to FidSafe
  • List of Key People
    Close Document
    Document List of Key People

    A single, centralized list of names and information for individuals or professional contacts. In the event of your death or other emergency situation, could be invaluable to loved ones who need it.

    Add to FidSafe
  • List of Key Places
    Close Document
    Document List of Key Places

    The physical places (file cabinets, lawyer’s office, safety deposit boxes, etc.) where you keep important personal items and documents. Keeping a record of these can help you to keep track of where your important documents originals and other valuables are stored.

    Add to FidSafe
  • Taxes
  • Annual Income Tax Records
    Close Document
    Document Annual Income Tax Records

    Income taxes are generally filed once a year, which usually results in either a refund or a payment to the IRS and/or state government, on taxes owed to you or by you respectively. IRS guidelines have suggested retaining tax returns and supporting documents for several years depending on the situation.

    Related Documents:

    1) Federal and state returns

    2) Receipts and statements relating to charitable contributions

    3) Supporting documentation for earned income, investment income, and expenses

    4) Records to document capital gains or losses, such as trade confirmations

    Add to FidSafe
  • Property Tax Statements
    Close Document
    Document Property Tax Statements

    Property taxes may be levied on all real estate assets owned by individuals. This can include buildings, land, and permanent improvements to such properties. In many cases, multiple jurisdictions (state, county, city) can tax the same property.

    Related Documents:

    1) Property tax bills or payment coupons

    2) Proof of tax payments

    Add to FidSafe