Have You Shared Your ICE Plan with Anyone?
If your loved ones needed to act on your behalf today, could they? Do you have an emergency preparedness plan in place?
It’s been said that we can’t plan for the unexpected. Maybe so. But sharing an ICE (In Case of Emergency) Plan with the right people can help.
What’s in a Personal ICE Plan? Contact Information (Phone Numbers and Email Addresses):
Immediate and Extended Family and Close Friends
Doctors and Insurance Agent(s)
Attorney and Financial Advisor
Pastor/Clergy and Workplace (HR)
Personal Files Including:
Medical and Insurance
Legal and Financials
Certificates, Deeds, and Titles
Household (Mortgage and Utilities)
Digital Device Access (Usernames and Passwords):
Smart Phone
iPad or Tablet and Laptop
Home Computer and Office Computer
Garage Door Opener and Home Security Code
Digital Life (Websites, Usernames & Passwords):
Banking, Legal and Financial
E-mail and Social Media Accounts
Online Shopping Accounts
Mortgage and Utility Accounts
NOTE: If you own a business or are partners in a business, it’s imperative that you have a Business ICE Plan for those who will be responsible in your absence.
With Whom Should You Share Your ICE Plan?
If your spouse is able and healthy, he or she would be the logical choice. In lieu of a spouse, a grown child, sibling or trusted friend. No matter who you designate, they should be someone you trust to keep your information safe and private. (Even though many of you have appointed an attorney as executor of your estate, he/she may not be the best choice to handle your family’s immediate and personal needs.)
You may decide to split the responsibility and share your ICE Plan with more than one person. For example, one person may be assigned personal interaction and social media accounts, while another would handle insurance, legal, and financial matters.
It’s a good idea for you and your designees to store your ICE Plan in more than one location: a fireproof box at home; a bank safety deposit box; in your designee's safety deposit box or safe; and/or your attorney's office. It's always wise to have separate backup files and/or hard copies.
Get Your GIVE: Organizing Your Financial Life ICE Worksheet Here
In today’s digital world, it is more important than ever to have your physical and digital life organized and accessible. I've designed a worksheet to help you do just that. To download the worksheet, click GIVE: Organizing Your Financial Life is One of the Best Gifts You Can Give: Then create and share your ICE Plan for the ones you love.
Have a question about how to create an ICE Plan that's suitable for you? Ask me below or Tweet to @roger_whitney