Resources & Guides
Free guides to help you organize your family's important information, navigate estate planning, and make sure your loved ones are never left scrambling.
Featured
Why We Don't Store Passwords — The "Map, Not a Key" Approach
Your family doesn't need your passwords. They need to know where things are. Here's how our security-first approach works and why it's safer than storing credentials.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
Dying without a will (intestate) means the state decides who gets your assets. Here's exactly what happens — and what your family will face.
Every Document Your Family Needs When You Die — Ranked by Importance
Not all documents matter equally. Here's every document ranked from most to least important — with the real-world consequences of missing each one.
How to Talk to Your Parents About End-of-Life Planning
It's the conversation nobody wants to have. Here's a practical, compassionate framework for bringing it up — without making it weird.
The 25 Documents Your Family Needs When You Die
A comprehensive list of every document, account, and piece of information your family will need to access — and where to keep them.
What Happens to Bank Accounts When Someone Dies?
The account freezes. Your family can't touch a dollar without the right paperwork — or the right setup. Here's exactly how it plays out and what you can fix today.
Beneficiary Designation: The Most Important 10 Minutes in Estate Planning
Your beneficiary forms override your will. Completely. Here's which accounts need them, the 5 mistakes that destroy families, and how to audit yours today.
All Articles
Why We Don't Store Passwords — The "Map, Not a Key" Approach
Your family doesn't need your passwords. They need to know where things are. Here's how our security-first approach works and why it's safer than storing credentials.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
Dying without a will (intestate) means the state decides who gets your assets. Here's exactly what happens — and what your family will face.
Every Document Your Family Needs When You Die — Ranked by Importance
Not all documents matter equally. Here's every document ranked from most to least important — with the real-world consequences of missing each one.
How to Talk to Your Parents About End-of-Life Planning
It's the conversation nobody wants to have. Here's a practical, compassionate framework for bringing it up — without making it weird.
The 25 Documents Your Family Needs When You Die
A comprehensive list of every document, account, and piece of information your family will need to access — and where to keep them.
What Happens to Bank Accounts When Someone Dies?
The account freezes. Your family can't touch a dollar without the right paperwork — or the right setup. Here's exactly how it plays out and what you can fix today.
Beneficiary Designation: The Most Important 10 Minutes in Estate Planning
Your beneficiary forms override your will. Completely. Here's which accounts need them, the 5 mistakes that destroy families, and how to audit yours today.
What to Do in the First Week After a Parent Dies
The movies get this wrong. In real life it's followed by paperwork, phone calls, and hold music — while you're still in shock. Here's what actually has to happen.
How to Find Unclaimed Property After a Death
$58 billion in unclaimed property is sitting with state governments right now. Here's how to search for it — and how to make sure your family never has to.
What Is a Letter of Instruction? How to Write One for Your Family
Your will takes months to clear probate. A letter of instruction is available day one — and covers everything your family actually needs to function.
Can't Find a Life Insurance Policy? Here's What to Do.
The insurer isn't going to call you. Billions in life insurance goes unclaimed every year. Here's exactly where to search — and how to prevent this for your own family.
What Happens to Your Online Accounts When You Die?
Your email, crypto, subscriptions, and cloud storage don't disappear. Here's what actually happens on each major platform — and the 2FA problem nobody plans for.
How to Organize Your Finances for Your Family
Seven categories, in the order you should actually do them. Because the binder you never finished isn't the same as the one your family can actually use.
Newlywed Financial Checklist: What to Do in the First 90 Days
Most couples plan the wedding beautifully and handle almost none of the financial administration that follows. Here's the checklist.
Estate Planning for Parents: What to Do When You Have Kids
Before kids, dying without a plan is mostly your own problem. After kids, it's theirs. Here's what every parent needs in place — in priority order.
Digital Estate Planning: What Happens to Your Online Accounts When You Die?
Your email, social media, cloud storage, streaming services, crypto — what happens to all of it? Here's how to plan for your digital afterlife.
Emergency Binder: What to Include (+ Why Digital Is Better)
The complete guide to building a family emergency binder — plus why more families are switching to digital alternatives like MyLifeLedger.
How to Organize Important Documents: A Step-by-Step Guide
Stop throwing everything in a drawer. Here's a practical system for organizing every important document your family needs — from bank accounts to insurance policies.
Trust vs Will: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
Both transfer assets — but they work very differently. A side-by-side comparison of costs, probate, privacy, and when you need each.
Intestacy Laws by State: What Happens Without a Will (2026)
Every state has different rules. See how assets are distributed in California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
Who Takes Care of Your Pets If Something Happens to You?
67% of households own pets but most have no plan. Here's how to create a pet emergency plan in 5 steps.
Power of Attorney: Types, How to Get One, and Why You Need It
A POA lets someone make decisions on your behalf if you can't. Learn the 5 types and which ones every adult needs.
What Is Probate? How It Works, How Long It Takes, and How to Avoid It
Probate costs 3-7% of your estate and takes 6-24 months. Here's how it works and 5 ways to avoid it.
How to Write a Will: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Only 32% of Americans have a will. Writing one is simpler than you think — here are the 7 steps.
Estate Planning Checklist: 15 Steps Everyone Should Complete
A complete checklist covering wills, trusts, POA, insurance, digital assets, and more. Start with the 4 essentials.
Estate Planning FAQ: 30+ Answers to Common Questions
Plain-English answers to the most common estate planning questions — wills, trusts, probate, POA, and more.
What Is an Executor? Duties, Compensation, and How to Choose
Your executor manages your estate after you die. Here's what they do, how they're paid, and how to pick the right one.
More Resources
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Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or professional advice. MyLifeLedger is not a law firm, financial advisor, or licensed professional services provider. Every situation is unique — laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified attorney, CPA, or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation. MyLifeLedger is an organizational tool; we do not prepare legal documents or provide legal counsel.