What does my family need?

Family protection checklist

A short, practical list many parents work through. Checking a box does not create a legal document — talk to a qualified professional for your situation.

Will in place
Name who inherits and who settles your estate.
Guardian named for minor children
Someone you trust if both parents cannot care for them.
Term life insurance considered
Often sized to cover income replacement and debts while kids are young.
Beneficiaries updated
Retirement accounts, life insurance, payable-on-death bank accounts.
Emergency fund started
Cash in an FDIC-insured savings account for surprises — see our rate tracker.
Healthcare directives / power of attorney
Who can make medical or financial decisions if you cannot.
Trump Account elected (if eligible)
Check Form 4547 / trumpaccounts.gov guidance and our contributor tracker.
Important documents easy to find
IDs, insurance, account list, passwords plan, and key contacts.
Credit frozen for you and your kids
A credit freeze is free and lasts until you lift it. You can request one for a child under 16 at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Source: FTC (verified Oct 16, 2026).

Partner placeholders

Trust & Will — link coming. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if we later add an affiliate link. Ranking/placement of educational content is not sold.

Ladder — link coming. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if we later add an affiliate link. Ranking/placement of educational content is not sold.

Not legal, insurance, or financial advice.