August 14th: Today’s Estate Planning Post is Brought to You by the Number 14

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi
August 14th: Today’s Estate Planning Post is Brought to You by the Number 14
By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi
August 14, 2026

If you grew up watching public television, you might remember a certain jazzy, animated train that used to chug along the tracks, enthusiastically counting all the way up to 14. 

But today, on August 14th, we are not counting freight cars. We’re looking at your filing cabinet.  While the world has gone largely digital, there are still certain critical documents where a PDF on a laptop just won't cut it in an emergency. If your family ever needs to step in to handle your affairs or settle an estate, they will need the real deal. In honor of today's date, here are the 14 essential legal and financial documents you should print out, organize, and keep as hard copies in your home right now.


  1. Power of Attorney for Health Care and Power of Attorney for Finances;
  2. Authorization for Final Disposition (Wisconsin residents) or paperwork related to burial
  3. Deed for your home and any other real estate you own (including the 1/16 of a cabin in Northern Wisconsin);
  4. Titles vehicles, motorcycles, boats, and a train if you have one;
  5. Operating agreement for a business that your own;
  6. Past 5 years of federal and state income tax returns;
  7. Beneficiary forms for retirement accounts, pensions, and other investments;
  8. Insurance policies - life, disability, long-term care;
  9. Your will and or trust;
  10. Military Service records;
  11. Marriage and or divorce paperwork;
  12. Adoption records;
  13. Veterinarian records for pets; and
  14. Proof of personal loans made to family and friends along with any repayment documentation.
Did I miss something?  Leave a comment to offer additional items that are a good idea to keep in hard copy format.

Remember, a blog is not legal advice. It is meant to spark thought and reflection. It is best to speak with an attorney in your home state for advice specific to your situation. Thanks for reading, and be well. Help power most posts with the Buy Me a Coffee icon!

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