Strategic Wealth Partners was acquired by Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC ("Kovitz"), a registered investment adviser with the SEC on May 1, 2024. Strategic Wealth Partners is now a division of Kovitz and its registered investment adviser. Materials created prior to this date were created by Strategic Wealth Partners and are accurate as of the time of publishing.

What to Do This Weekend; How to Prepare Just in Case

When I mentioned to my husband that I wanted to write an article for our clients about the Coronavirus, he asked me what I could possibly add to all the information that has recently been published.  Then my friend told me that she was exposed to someone who tested positive to COVID-19, and that she is spending her quarantine period cleaning closets and cabinets, because she wanted to leave things organized for her children should something happen.

That started me thinking about the steps we could take during this uncertain time so that we are addressing the important information that our families should know.  These things are relevant to share anytime, but now that everyone is home, it is a great time to get organized in case you do get sick.

While far from comprehensive, here are some topics you may want to address:

Bill Payment

  • What is your bill payment system?
  • If you have a checking account, who are the signers, what institution, and where is the checkbook located?
  • Are there loans and/or leases outstanding, and what are the due dates and the methods of payment?

Important Documents

  • Where are your insurance policies and estate documents located?
  • Are your Powers of Attorney and health insurance cards readily available?
  • Does your family know your wishes in terms of health interventions?
  • If you have a safe deposit box, do those that are authorized to have access know where the key is located?

Passwords

  • How do you keep track of your passwords, and do your family members know how and where to access them?
  • If you have a password manager (we will have more on this topic in a later blog post), have you shared the access information with your loved ones?

People

  • Who are the trusted people that can help in an emergency?
  • What are their roles and contact information?

Addressing each of these items will likely give rise to myriad others, as well as lots of details.  But recognizing how busy our lives are, this is a great starting point. Tackle these today, and add more of the details as you can.

We hope you and your family are staying safe and are not directly impacted by the severity of this illness.  If you or a loved one are ill, we send our best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

For those that are staying safe at home and waiting out this pandemic, we urge you to prepare and share this important information with others.  A virtual tour of your home via FaceTime could be a helpful method to show others where things are located.

As for me, I am proud to report that my documents are in order, my husband and kids are properly annoyed with my instructions, and my kitchen pantry is newly cleaned.

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This article contains general information that is not suitable for everyone. The information contained herein should not be constructed as personalized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Reading or utilizing this information does not create an advisory relationship. An advisory relationship can be established only after the following two events have been completed (1) our thorough review with you of all the relevant facts pertaining to a potential engagement; and (2) the execution of a Client Advisory Agreement. There is no guarantee that the views and opinions expressed in this article will come to pass.  Investing in the stock market involves gains and losses and may not be suitable for all investors. Information presented herein is subject to change without notice and should not be considered as a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Strategic Wealth Partners (‘SWP’) is an SEC registered investment advisor with its principal place of business in the State of Illinois. The brochure is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to its investment advisory services, views on the market, and investment philosophy. Any subsequent, direct communication by SWP with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides. For information pertaining to the registration status of SWP, please contact SWP or refer to the Investment Advisor Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).

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