The Family Emergency Binder

Where everything is, who to call, and what you'd like — written down in seven evenings.

The Family Emergency Binder is a 94-page fillable, printable organizer with a companion spreadsheet, so the people you love never have to guess.

Most families don't struggle because there's no plan. They struggle because nobody knows where anything is. Which bank? Which insurance company? Is there a will, and where is it kept? Who's the beneficiary on Dad's IRA? Who do we call first?

This binder helps you write it down, one evening at a time — for yourself, for the two of you, or together with a parent.

WHAT YOU GET (instant download)

• The binder: a 94-page fillable PDF. Type into it on a computer (free Adobe Acrobat Reader or Mac Preview) or print it and write by hand. US Letter, prints well in black and white.
• A companion spreadsheet (optional) for the lists that change: contacts, accounts and beneficiaries, insurance, documents, digital accounts. Works in Google Sheets, Excel or Numbers.
• Bonus: Talking With Your Parents (6 pages, large print) — a kind way to bring it up, five questions to ask, and a one-page Family Map.
• How to Use Your Files (2 pages).
• Free updates: if we improve the binder, you get the new version free.

SEVEN EVENINGS, ABOUT AN HOUR EACH

• 1. Me & My People — your details, who to call first, the people you trust
• 2. Where Things Are — give each storage place a letter (Spot A, B, C…), then note where every paper lives
• 3. Money — bank and retirement accounts, beneficiaries, pension, Social Security, bills and autopays. Last 4 digits only.
• 4. Insurance, Home & Property — policies, how your home works, an evacuation plan, rental property, vehicles
• 5. Digital Life — where your passwords are kept (never the passwords), your devices, legacy contacts
• 6. People, Pets & Health — care notes, pets, doctors, medications, a 2-page Emergency Medical Sheet, and a page for living alone
• 7. Wishes, Heirlooms & Letters — what you'd like, who gets what, and one short letter
• Finish night — Where Is Everything, a "First 72 Hours" page for your trusted person, and a yearly review

On a busy night, do only the pages marked ★. Done is better than complete.

DOING THIS FOR A PARENT?

The hardest part usually isn't the paperwork — it's the first sentence. The bonus guide has openers that tend to go well, what to say when the answer is "not now," and five questions you can ask one phone call at a time.

FOR COUPLES, AND FOR ONE

Many pages have two columns, Me and Spouse / partner. Doing this alone? Use one column. If one of you handles all the money, there's a page that helps the other one lead.

PASSWORDS: WRITE WHERE THEY ARE, NEVER WHAT THEY ARE

No full passwords, PINs, full account numbers or Social Security numbers anywhere. Last 4 digits only.

It's probably not for you if you need a will, a trust or other legal documents prepared. This is an organizer. It helps you get ready for that conversation with an attorney (two pages of questions to bring), but it doesn't replace it.

QUESTIONS

Can I print it? Yes — black and white is fine. No printer? Any office-supply print counter can print it single-sided and 3-hole punched.

Is my information private? We never see what you write. The files stay wherever you save them. The spreadsheet has no scripts, macros or links.

Is it specific to my state? No. It works anywhere in the US and doesn't include state-specific legal forms.

Can I give it as a gift? Yes. Each copy is for one household.

What if it's not right for me? Write to us through our Contact page within 14 days of purchase and we'll make it right.

WHO MADE THIS

Made by the Oakbright team. Oakbright makes simple, printable tools for the paperwork side of family life. The binder was checked by a real person before release. If you write to us through our Contact page, we answer, usually within 2 business days.

Not ready yet? Start with our free checklist, "Would Your Family Know? 15 Questions."

Came from Grandma Ada's Scam Files videos? The Emergency Contacts and Our Trusted People pages (pages 16–17) are where you write down the real numbers, so you can hang up and call back someone you know.

The Family Emergency Binder is a personal organizer. It is not legal, tax, financial or medical advice, and it is not a will, trust, power of attorney, healthcare directive, beneficiary form or any other legal document. Filling it in does not make any wish legally binding. For advice about your situation, please talk with a licensed attorney, tax or financial professional, or your doctor. Oakbright is not a law firm. Google Sheets is a trademark of Google LLC; this product is not affiliated with or endorsed by Google.