10/18/2026
Before your PARENTS turn 70, CHECK these 7 things.
Save this CHECKLIST. Share it with your siblings. And start the conversation with your parents this week.
1. Will & Trust
Do your parents have an updated will? Have they considered whether a trust makes sense for their situation? Make sure their wishes, beneficiaries, and plans for distributing assets are clearly documented.
2. Medical Decisions
Do you know their healthcare wishes if they can’t speak for themselves? Discuss advance healthcare directives, healthcare proxies, and who they want making medical decisions on their behalf.
3. Insurance
Review their health, life, and long-term care insurance policies, if applicable. Know what is covered, where the policies are kept, whom to contact, and whether there are any coverage gaps.
4. Where Are Their Assets?
Make a list of their bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, real estate, safe deposit boxes, and other valuable assets. Include assets in other countries, if applicable. You don’t necessarily need to manage everything—just know where the information can be found.
5. Financial Power of Attorney
Who can legally manage their finances if they become unable to do so? A properly prepared financial power of attorney can authorize a trusted person to handle certain financial matters, depending on the document and applicable state law. Don’t wait until your parents lose capacity to explore this.
6. Digital Accounts
What happens to their email, online banking, phone, cloud storage, subscriptions, and digital photos? Make a secure plan for accessing important information and handling accounts. Use a password manager and appropriate account recovery or legacy settings rather than sharing passwords casually.
7. Could You Find Everything in an Emergency?
Imagine being asked for their insurance policy, medication list, attorney’s contact, financial documents, or account information at a hospital.
Would you know where to look?
Create a secure, organized place for essential documents, emergency contacts, professional contacts, and instructions for accessing important records.
You don’t need every password or account detail memorized. You need a reliable plan for finding what matters.
One more thing: Have this conversation while your parents can participate in the decisions.
These conversations may feel uncomfortable today, but they can prevent confusion and unnecessary stress later.
Estate planning and legal requirements vary by state. Consult qualified legal and financial professionals for guidance specific to your family.
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