Life is full of difficulties and challenges. One of the things organization does is make it easier to face them.

My mom knew that her health was declining and that she likely didn't have much time left. So, she started to organize things to make it easier for us.

Even if you are young and healthy, things can still happen. You might be in a car accident and need help. Perhaps you'll be traveling abroad and you'll need to send someone to your house to retrieve critical information. To be ready no matter the circumstances, you should have the following in a safe place:

• Your will (if you own anything or if your have children, you need one NOW).
• Any other legal papers (divorce, mortgage, guardianship, adoption, power of attorney, living will, etc.).
• A listing of your assets (real estate, bank accounts, CDs, jewelry, investment accounts) including where they are held and relevant account numbers.
• Insurance policies.
• Retirement accounts.
• A list of addresses of loved ones and acquaintances who might need to be notified (perhaps your Christmas card list can perform double duty).
• Passwords to your accounts (computer, social media, bank, ATM, etc.).
• List of credit cards, account numbers, and customer service numbers.
• Your Social Security Number (which you need for EVERYTHING).

Obviously, all of this information should be kept in a very safe place (or a few safe places). At least one other person should know where to find it and how to access it.

I hate to be Debbie-Downer, but you want to know where your assets are so that people can access them to aid you or to pass them on to your loved ones.