In the case of a family emergency, have you ever wondered if your kids or family members would be able to locate your personal documents? What about passwords, your pet's vet records... all the things that are most important to you.
I came across the most genius binder the other day, and I'm just astounded that more people haven't thought of putting something like this together.
As a mother, I've always had pre-trip anxiety about someone (or me) having a family emergency or personal crisis while I'm gone. And it's definitely crossed my mind that no one would know my passwords, bank accounts numbers, insurance details, investments... and on and on.
I would have never thought to make a binder for this sort of thing. The family emergency binder is something every household could benefit from ... in a huge way. Can you put a price on peace of mind?? Not really.
This is a family emergency kit called the "In Case of Emergency Binder", and it's totally fillable online. You can also print and then fill out whichever pages you'd like and store it somewhere safe.
The binder is the creation of Chelsea Brennan, an ex-hedge fund investment manager turned full-time blogger. She has literally thought of everything!
After she'd put it all together, Chelsea asked others who'd suffered unexpected family emergencies and losses to review it and tell her what might be missing.
That's real dedication to a well-researched product!
"If a family emergency separated you from your family or you passed away unexpectedly, would they have what they needed to keep the business of your life in motion?"
She asks a compelling question ... and then thought of a solution for all of us who'd most likely say no, they wouldn't know where to find everything.
This family emergency binder has over 100 pages of simple, printable worksheets to organize everything your family may need to know (type right in the PDF!). It's all organized into fourteen easy-to-navigate subsections - no shuffling through drawers and file cabinets.
I'm so impressed with the inclusion of practical as well as personal information. It's the perfect mix of important facts and emotional sentiments and messages. You can record your pet's favorite treat or your kids' bedtime routines ...
This personal documents & family emergency kit includes:
- Household Information
- Key personal documents
- Medical information/release forms
- Financial information
- Investment information
- Family insurance policy details
- Military information
- as well as seven other categories ...
These things can be really hard to think about. Believe me, I know. When my daughter died a few years ago, I had to wade through her bank account slips to even know where to start.
And one of the hardest parts is that I have no idea what her passwords to online accounts are. It's very painful to be reminded of wishing her a happy birthday on Facebook.
For these reasons, we're better off thinking about these things and preparing for them for "one day". We never know when someone we love may need this important information... just when they're hurting the most.
I've filled out the forms in this important documents organizer and stored them in a computer file. My husband and kids know where to locate all of it now. I'm hopeful that the next trip I take won't be filled with pre-trip jitters.
Besides the obvious recording of personal documents and how to access them... there are precious ways of recording memories you don't want to lose... or that you'd like others to have after you're gone.
Can you tell I just love this In Case of Emergency Binder?
If you'd like to check it out for yourself, it's the best $39 I've spent in a long, long time. In my opinion, all households should consider putting one together for their loved ones.
Family emergencies happen -- and it doesn't help anyone to pretend it will never happen to you or those you love.
*I've partnered with the lady who made this binder. I have such respect for the message she's sending to others to be prepared. Just so you know, if you make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission. But I think you'll love this binder as much as I do (and she offers full refunds!).
