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Document & Information Checklist

Here is a list of documents and data points that are generally useful for my financial planning process.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you would like to explore working together, I encourage you to provide as much of this information as you are comfortable sharing as well as any relevant items not listed below.

Download a PDF copy of this page here.

ASSETS
  • Real estate: Address, current value, and cost basis
  • Statements for bank and investment accounts (checking/savings, 529 plans, IRA, 401K, HSA, etc.)
  • Profit sharing, stock options, and restricted stock
  • Business details (valuation, ownership structure, etc.)
  • Other significant property (boats, cars, jewelry, etc.)
  • Potential inheritance(s)
DEBTS
  • Mortgage(s): Include home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), if applicable
  • Credit card: Only outstanding balances that are NOT paid in full each month
  • Student loans
  • Bank loans (personal, auto, etc.)
  • Private loans (e.g., family)
INCOME
  • Wages: Recent paystub, previous year-end paystub, and corresponding W2 form
  • Social Security: Recent statement and XML export file with earnings history (how-to information)
  • Pension(s): Summary plan document (SPD), monthly payment amount, joint/single-life payout, and cost-of-living-adjustments (COLA), if applicable
  • Annuities: Recent statement, original brochure or prospectus, payout options, relevant options/features/riders, etc.
  • Alimony
ANTICIPATED SPENDING BUDGET
  • Non-discretionary: Running costs associated housing, transportation, food, utilities, taxes, etc.
  • Discretionary: Travel, entertainment, etc.
  • Other anticipated expenses (car, boat, or property purchase, education-related expenses, etc.)

Notes:

  • You do not need to itemize all of your expenses; a single monthly or annual figure can suffice.
  • Further itemization may be helpful for more precise inflation forecasts, but is not necessary.
TAX RETURNS
  • Most current
  • Previous years’ returns (if relevant)

Note: Please include the full returns with schedules attached and state/city filings, if applicable.

RISK & INSURANCE
  • Current insurance policies (e.g., health, life, disability, long-term care, homeowner, automobile, umbrella)
  • Expected longevity (average/above/below)
  • General health history and expectations
ESTATE DOCUMENTATION
  • Wills
  • Powers of attorney
  • Healthcare directives (living will)
  • Trusts
  • Guardianship
  • Beneficiary designations
  • Letters of instruction
  • Asset Map™ (create a free AssetMap here)

Other Useful Information

TYPE(S) OF SERVICE SOUGHT
  • Personal CFO (billed as % of AUM or fixed fee)
  • Consulting (hourly or fixed fee)
  • Annuity/life insurance (commission-based)
I LOOK AT MY ACCOUNTS/STATEMENTS
  • Daily
  • Weekly/monthly
  • Less frequently
I LIKE TO MOVE
  • Fast
  • At a measured pace