The Just-In-Case Folder

What is a “Just in Case Binder”?

It’s exactly what it sounds like—a place to store all the information someone might need just in case something happens. This could be in the event of illness, injury, travel, or a sudden life change. It’s part legacy binder, part emergency toolkit, and 100% a gift to your future self (and your family).

What to Include

Here’s a starter list of items to include in your binder:

• Personal Information
  Full names, Social Security numbers, birth certificates, driver’s licenses, passports

• Medical Information
  Medication lists, doctors’ names and contact info, health insurance cards, advance directives, power of attorney forms

• Legal and Financial Documents
  Wills, trusts, deeds, titles, insurance policies, tax returns, banking info, passwords (or a location of where they are securely stored)

• Household Basics
  Utility accounts, service providers, spare keys, pet care instructions

• Emergency Contacts & Family Tree
  Names, phone numbers, and relationships of the people to call in case of an emergency

• Funeral or Legacy Wishes
  It might feel tough to add, but recording wishes for your memorial, obituary, or legacy can lift a huge burden off your loved ones someday

How to Set It Up

1. Get a 3-ring binder with sheet protectors or tabbed dividers

2. Print or copy key documents (don’t use originals unless it’s your working copy)

3. Organize by category—use labeled sections for easy navigation

4. Store it in a safe but accessible place and let trusted people know where it is

5. Set a reminder to review and update it once a year—we suggest around tax season