Prepare for the Unexpected: How to Organize Important Documents for Emergencies

Jul 11, 2025 | Retirement Planning

Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Emergencies can arise without warning—medical events, accidents, or even the sudden need to manage a loved one’s affairs. When that happens, will your family have what they need? One of the best ways to be ready is to organize important documents for emergencies before you need them. Having a centralized place for key personal, medical, and financial information ensures your loved ones aren’t left searching when time matters most.

Why Organizing Vital Information Matters

Without clear, accessible documentation, your loved ones could face unnecessary stress, confusion, and even financial consequences. By taking a few proactive steps now, you can spare them from digging through paperwork or making difficult decisions in a crisis.

One way to make this easier: download our free Essential Information Organizer, a fillable guide to help you gather and store everything in one place.

 

What to Include in Your Emergency Information File

To truly prepare, your information should go beyond just legal documents. Here’s what to gather:

 

Personal and Digital Access Details

Make sure someone you trust can access your digital life. This includes:

  • Usernames and passwords for email, banking, subscriptions, and social media
  • Device passcodes
  • Contact details for your employer, attorney, and financial advisor

Secure storage tools like a password manager or a printed list in a locked location can help.

 

Medical Information That Could Save Your Life

In a medical emergency, details matter. Include:

  • Primary care doctor and specialist names
  • Current medications and dosages
  • Allergies and chronic health conditions
  • Health insurance cards and policy numbers
  • Copies of your advance directive or healthcare power of attorney

Only 26% of Americans have an advance directive, according to the Journal of Preventive Medicine. Don’t wait to take this step.

 

Legal and Financial Documents to Reduce Stress

Help your family manage your affairs smoothly by organizing:

  • Will or trust documents
  • Power of attorney (health and financial)
  • Deeds, vehicle titles, and insurance policies
  • Retirement accounts and bank details
  • Logins to any online financial platforms or aggregation services

Be sure at least one trusted individual knows how to access this information securely.

 

Make It Easy with Our Essential Information Organizer

To help you get started, we’ve created a downloadable Essential Information Organizer. This free tool guides you through organizing everything from contacts and health information to digital access and financial records.

 

Download the Essential Information Organizer

(Tip: Save a digital copy and print one to keep in a secure but accessible location.)


Take Action Today—So They Aren’t Left Guessing Tomorrow

Don’t wait for an emergency to get organized. Taking the time to prepare now gives your loved ones clarity when they need it most.

 

Not a Cornerstone Client?

Through The Cornerstone Experience®, our clients have access to a suite of secure online tools to help organize personal, health, and financial information. We help clients prepare for the unexpected—so they can live with confidence today.

📞 Contact us at 605-357-8553 or cfsteam@mycfsgroup.com to learn more about The Cornerstone Experience®.

RAYMOND JAMES TAX FORM 1099 MAILING DATES

Feb 1, 2025 | Taxes

RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS ONLY
If you made a distribution/contribution/rollover in 2024 Tax document from Raymond James mailed Jan. 31.
If you did NOT make a contribution or distribution from your retirement account You will NOT receive any tax documents.
If you gave money to a charity directly from your IRA Tax document from Raymond James mailed Jan. 31. You should provide this information to your tax professional.

NON-RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS ONLY

You can expect a tax document from Raymond James regardless of whether or not you made contributions or took withdrawals. Mailings are in 3 groups starting Feb. 15. ** If a 1099 is delayed, it will be sent on either Feb. 28 or March 15 **

Note: IF YOU SELECTED ONLINE DOCUMENT DELIVERY when you enrolled in Client Access, printed tax documents will NOT be mailed to you. You will need to log in to Client Access and print your tax documents. You can change your delivery preference at any time.

Whether you prepare your own taxes or work with a tax professional, we want to help the process go as smoothly as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 605-352-9490 in Huron or 605-357-8553 in Sioux Falls with any questions.

Building Hope in the Dominican Republic: A Mission of Faith and Unity

Nov 14, 2024 | We Invest In People

In late September I landed in the Dominican Republic (DR) for my first mission trip. While the country boasts a $1 billion tourist industry, 40% of Dominicans live in poverty, surviving on less than $1.50 a day. Unemployment stands at 60%, and many families struggle to afford food, clean water, and safe shelter. Some, tragically, are even forced to sell their children into slavery, contributing to the country’s $9.5 billion human trafficking industry.

These heartbreaking issues motivated me to join a mission organized by my Ransom Church community in partnership with Casas por Cristo. Working alongside the Dominican church, Casas por Cristo’s volunteers help provide the gift of safe, secure housing and share the truth of God’s love with the family who receives the house and the entire community.

As the plane touched down, I was thrilled to finally fulfill a childhood dream of going on a mission trip! That excitement quickly turned to worry about how I’d connect with the family and community since I don’t speak Spanish. Then, just as quickly, anticipation took over as I prepared to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a new place. Throughout the many emotional peaks and valleys of the experience, what I felt most often was peace. No matter what we encountered, I knew the Holy Spirit was hard at work with us.

The community welcomed us as if we were family, their kindness and faith transcending any language gaps. Through smiles, nods, and laughter, our shared belief in God united us more powerfully than words ever could. They brought tools, food, and an infectious spirit of cooperation. Working side by side, every swing of the hammer carried weight—not only because it was exhausting work in 90° heat but because of what it represented. Their dedication and gratitude inspired us all.

By the end of the trip, a sturdy house stood where there was once only dirt, a testament to the power of shared faith and the incredible bonds formed when people come together for a common cause. More than just walls and a roof, we wove a tapestry of faith, hope, and friendship that will last well beyond our time in the DR. As my first build it will forever hold a special place in my heart, but I know it’s not the last as I’ll be planning many more missions’ trips in the future!

A special thanks to my family, my workplace, my friends, and countless others for the financial and emotional support.

Source: https://casasporcristo.org/locations/dominican-republic-mission-trips/

At Cornerstone, we strive to Invest in People by taking action and making a transformative difference. Team members can receive a Charitable Incentive Match and are afforded paid time off for volunteer hours. #InvestInPeople #BeyondNumbers

Not a Cornerstone client?

The professionals at Cornerstone Financial Solutions provide comprehensive financial planning and empower clients to dream big and build the life they’ve imagined.  

Call 605-357-8553 or email cfsteam@mycfsgroup.com to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation strategy session.

Raymond James is not affiliated and does not endorse Ransom Church or Casas por Cristo. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Cornerstone Financial Solutions, Inc. is not a registered broker/ dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. CSP #644154 Exp. 11.7.25