So you have decided you need to simplify and organize that unmanageable collection of documents and information that clutters up your life. You never can find what you are looking for, you’re not even sure if you have what you need, and no one besides you knows what’s going on. Maybe you are dealing with new life circumstances, like retirement or health issues or a move. Or perhaps you just want the peace of mind that comes from being prepared for whatever lies ahead.

You are not alone, and I can help!

Ready, set, start!

In a free 30-minute phone call or video chat, I will ask you questions to understand your current situation. What isn’t working for you?. Your biggest frustrations? The worries that keep you up at night? What would you use a magic wand to fix?

After listening to you, I will describe how (and if) I think I could help you. If you agree, we can then set up an in-person meeting or a longer video chat appointment.

The lay of the land

In our initial meeting, you will show me in more detail your current situation. You may already have a filing system that you like, in which case we can fold it into the Go-To System by going straight to a Go-To Guide. If your “system” consists of information stashed in different places, including online and in your head, then our task will be to start with Go-To Files, gathering everything into one place, sorting, and filing.

We will also talk about your preferred style. Are you a stacker or filer? Planner or procrastinator? Collector or minimalist? Do you want to work alone, or will someone else in your household be involved? How much time do you want to spend on this, both in initial set-up and in maintenance?

Let the work begin!

In our first work session (which can be part of our initial meeting), we will gather your existing documents into one place, ignoring online accounts for now. We will sort everything into the six major categories of the Go-To System: Family, Finances, Health Care, Home, Possessions, and Wills/Estate.

Taking each major category in turn, we will begin to add to your Go-To Files. Using the Go-To Checklist as our guide, we will put your documents into the appropriate file folders. I will advise you on what you need to keep and for how long as well as what you can safely dispose of.

We will then tackle your online accounts, printing out the essential documents to add to your files. We can ensure your passwords are strong, securely stored, and accessible to a trusted individual.

If you would like, we can set up archives for documents that need to be saved but don’t need to be regularly referenced.

Throughout this entire process, please understand that I am not interested in the specific content of any of your documents (unless you choose to share it with me). I only care about where your information belongs!

Anything missing?

As we work though the Go-To Checklist, I will help you identify important missing or outdated information. If you want to take the next steps yourself, I can point you to helpful, trusted online sources for help in drafting such things as medical directives and estate documents. And if you decide you want to work with trusted professionals, you will be able to make efficient use of your time with these (well-paid) advisors because you will have the information they need to do their work.

What comes next?

If you would like, you can decide to take your organization one step further and create a Go-To Guide. This is a binder of carefully crafted forms that you will complete with details about your estate, financial, health, and household matters. It is an index to your Go-To Files and allows you to retrieve key information without shuffling through your file documents.

Your Go-To Guide will be a ready reference for everyday use and extremely helpful in an emergency. And when the time comes, it is also a very thoughtful and practical legacy for your loved ones.

If this sounds of interest, please get in touch!

I am happy to work with you on a one-time basis or for an extended period of time. I am available for in-person visits in the Seattle Area, and I can do video chats anywhere. Please contact me.