An assets inventory is a comprehensive list of everything you own — and where to find it. It's one of the most practical gifts you can leave your executor and heirs. Without it, they face weeks or months of detective work, potentially missing accounts, undiscovered assets, and unpaid-for debts. With it, they have a clear map of your estate from day one.
What to Include
Financial Accounts
- Checking and savings accounts (institution name, account numbers, how to access)
- Investment and brokerage accounts
- Certificates of deposit (CDs)
- Retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pension) — note the financial institution and account number
- HSAs or FSAs
Life Insurance
- Life insurance policies: insurer name, policy number, death benefit amount, how to file a claim, location of the policy document
Real Estate
- Primary home (deed location, mortgage lender, account number, monthly payment)
- Vacation or rental properties
- Timeshares
- Land or undeveloped property
Vehicles
- Cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs (make, model, year, location of title)
Business Interests
- Ownership stakes in businesses, partnerships, or LLCs (include relevant agreements and contact information for business partners)
Personal Property of Value
- Jewelry, art, collectibles, antiques — with approximate values if known
- Items of particular sentimental or monetary value
Digital Assets
Include your digital assets inventory as a component — online accounts, cryptocurrency, subscription services. See our separate guide to creating a digital assets inventory.
Debts and Liabilities
- Mortgage(s) — lender, account number, remaining balance
- Car loans
- Student loans
- Personal loans
- Credit card accounts (issuer, account numbers, approximate balances)
- Any money owed to or from you personally
Important Documents
- Location of your will, trust, advance directive, and power of attorney documents
- Tax returns (location or how to access)
- Birth certificate, Social Security card, passport (location)
- Marriage certificate, divorce decrees
- Military discharge papers (DD-214)
- Safe deposit box (location, key location, and who has co-signer access)
How to Organize It
The format matters less than the content. Use whatever works for you — a spreadsheet, a Word document, or a dedicated legacy app. What matters is that it's:
- Complete (covers all significant assets and debts)
- Current (updated when accounts change)
- Accessible (your executor knows where to find it)
- Secure (protected from unauthorized access — this document contains sensitive financial information)
Where to Store It
Options include a fireproof safe, a safe deposit box (with your executor as co-signer), or a secure digital storage system like Better Legacy. Whatever you choose, tell your executor exactly where it is. A document that can't be found is no better than no document at all.
For the full picture of financial planning, see our complete guide to organizing your finances for your heirs.