Financial Protection Checklist

Essential Steps to Protect Your Family's Financial Future

Welcome to your Financial Protection Checklist!

This comprehensive guide will help you ensure your family is protected from life's unexpected events. Work through each item systematically to build a solid financial foundation.

1. Protection Essentials

Adequate Life Insurance Coverage

Target: 10-12x annual income for working adults; $250k-$500k for stay-at-home parents

Action: Calculate your family's needs using income replacement + debt payoff + education costs. Get quotes from at least 3 carriers.

Disability Insurance

Target: Coverage to replace 60-70% of income if unable to work

Action: Review employer coverage. Consider supplemental individual policy if group coverage is inadequate.

Health Insurance Review

Target: Appropriate coverage with reasonable deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums

Action: Review current plan during open enrollment. Ensure family is adequately covered.

Emergency Fund (3-6 Months)

Target: 3-6 months of essential expenses in high-yield savings account

Action: Start with $1,000, then build to one month of expenses, then 3-6 months.

Pro Tip: Get basic term life insurance in place immediately (costs $20-50/month), then work on building your emergency fund. Don't wait to have a "perfect" amount saved.

2. Estate Planning Documents

Last Will and Testament

Purpose: Specifies guardianship for children and distribution of assets

Action: Consult estate planning attorney or use reputable online service. Review every 3-5 years.

Healthcare Power of Attorney

Purpose: Designates someone to make medical decisions if you're incapacitated

Action: Choose trusted person and document your wishes for medical care.

Financial Power of Attorney

Purpose: Allows someone to manage finances if you're unable

Action: Designate trusted person to handle financial matters in emergency.

Living Will / Advance Directive

Purpose: States wishes for end-of-life medical care

Action: Document preferences and share with family and healthcare providers.

Updated Beneficiary Designations

Purpose: Ensures assets go to intended recipients

Action: Review and update beneficiaries on all life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts.

Consider a Revocable Living Trust

Purpose: Simplifies estate administration, especially with minor children or significant assets

Action: Consult estate planning attorney to determine if a trust is appropriate for your situation.

Important: Beneficiary designations override your will. Even with a perfect will, outdated beneficiaries can cause major problems. Review annually!

3. Organization & Documentation

Document Location List

Purpose: Family knows where to find important documents

Action: Create list of where documents are stored (safe deposit box, file cabinet, cloud storage).

Financial Accounts Inventory

Purpose: Complete list of all accounts and policies

Action: Document all bank accounts, investment accounts, insurance policies, and login information (stored securely).

Password Manager or Secure Access

Purpose: Spouse/trusted person can access important accounts in emergency

Action: Use password manager with emergency access or document in secure location.

Professional Contact List

Purpose: Easy access to important advisors

Action: Document contact information for attorney, accountant, financial advisor, insurance agent.

Next Steps

Review Schedule:

Need Help Building Your Financial Protection Plan?

TrussPoint Financial specializes in helping growing families create comprehensive protection strategies.

Contact Us:

Phone: (512) 937-5383

Email: hello@trusspointfinancial.com

Website: trusspointfinancial.com

Licensed in Texas | Michelle Schee, CFP®