Do You Have a Financial Go Bag?

If you had to leave your home right now, how long would it take you to gather your most important documents? Could you quickly locate your passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, banking information, medical records, and legal documents? More importantly, would you be able to access them during an emergency when every minute counts? 

Most of us assume we’ll have time to collect these items if an emergency arises, but the reality is that disasters and unexpected life events rarely come with notice. A wildfire, tornado, flood, severe storm, house fire, or emergency requires immediate action.  

That’s why every household should consider creating a Financial Go Bag.  

What is a Financial Go Bag? 

A Financial Go Bag is a secure, organized collection of your family’s most important financial, legal, medical, and personal documents. It can be accessed quickly during an emergency and can be taken with you quickly if life takes an unexpected turn.  

The goal isn’t to prepare for the worst, but to reduce stress and make it easier to navigate life’s emergencies.  

Why Does Every Family Need a Financial Go Bag? 

The last thing you want to spend valuable time on is searching through drawers and files when disaster strikes. A Financial Go Bag can help you: 

Financial documents – Keeping key financial information accessible can help you manage and access accounts during a crisis, and include Bank Account Information, Credit Card Information, Investment and Retirement Account Information, Reoccurring and Automated Payments List, and Contact Information for your Financial Institutions.  

Property and Insurance records – These documents can be invaluable when filing claims after an emergency, or when proving ownership after a loss. Some documents included in this are Home, Auto, and Life Insurance Policies, Property Deeds, Vehicle Titles, Mortgage and Loan Information, Photos and Inventories of Valuable Possessions.  

Legal documents – These documents ensure your wishes and responsibilities can be carried out if needed, and includes Wills, Trust Documents, Powers of Attorney, Advance Healthcare Directives, and Guardianship Paperwork.  

Medical information – Quick access to medical records can be critical during a crisis. Be sure to organize Prescription Lists, Important Health Records, Health Insurance Cards, Emergency Contact Information, and Details about Allergies, Medications, or Special Care Needs.  

Key contacts – When circumstances become stressful, having phone numbers and contact information readily available can save time and frustration. Include contact information for your Attorneys, Financial Advisors, Insurance Agents, Healthcare Providers, and Trusted Family Members or Caregivers.  

It’s Not Just for Natural Disasters 

Many people think emergency preparedness only matters during a flood or storm, but a Financial Go Bag can be just as helpful during major life events.  

You may need quick access to these documents if:  

• A loved one experiences a sudden illness 

• A family member passes away 

• Work requires you to relocate unexpectedly 

• You need to assist aging parents 

• Someone becomes temporarily unable to manage their affairs 

Having everything organized can also help you during everyday life moments, including: 

• Renewing your driver’s license or passport 

• Opening a new bank account  

• Applying for a mortgage, loan, or credit card 

• Setting up an estate plan 

• Replacing lost or stolen documents, and more.  

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