MA probate form mpc834 works like a spreadsheet. It automatically does the calculations for you. You just enter expenses and it should balance with the checkbook. You can find it under ma.gov and type in the form. I cannot find the CT one
First thing he did was get a file box and set up separate files for every single investment, bill, insurance policy--everything.
Death certificates are needed in most banking situations so have plenty of those.
Any notes you make at meetings or phone conversations--take copious notes. DH thinks he can simply remember everything, but that is proving to not be working. He doesn't want my input so I can't help him with that.
Keep records even if you're not sure they're needed. There's time later to sort through and keep or toss stuff. (I emptied out FIL's financials last year after he'd been gone 20 years.)
Keep the checkbook, if you don't have carbons of the checks--be sure you hang on to the monthly statement. Write on every check what it's FOR--b/c you'll forget, trust me.
You can certainly do a spreadsheet if that makes you more comfortable. Just keep really good records!!
I didn't do computer. Many here do. I did files and I kept records in a ledger book. I had a file for every single entity whether insurance, phone, utilities, ALF, taxes, receipts, etc.
I sent my brother a monthly accounting and this was my second source of accounting. Yearly I sent him a list of all his assets and all his monthly output. He finally got so he didn't read it but he loved having it and kept in a looseleaf binder.
I also kept a daily diary written IN INK in a composition book with no tear outs and no white outs, only cross outs. This can be a great device if you are ever called into court.
Up to you if you prefer the computer and I am certain that it is easier for those more savvy than I. But do keep a hard copy. Not something you can afford to have disappeared.
You just make up your own. I never did one. Moms bank statement showed it all. Money coming in, money going out. I paid everything by check. If I had any out of pocket expenses, I wrote a check to myself once a month. Put the receipts in an envelope putting the date, ck# and amount on the front. My Mom got a $200 pension that was not deposited so I kept a small spread sheet (a table) for that and the receipts for her personal needs.
Your spreadsheet would be a row of debits and credits. One row money coming in, other rows, money going out and catagories. Always keeping receipts. You are the only one who will see these records. You are not obligated nor should you show these to anyone but the person who assigned you, a lawyer or an Executor. You represent the principle only.
First thing he did was get a file box and set up separate files for every single investment, bill, insurance policy--everything.
Death certificates are needed in most banking situations so have plenty of those.
Any notes you make at meetings or phone conversations--take copious notes. DH thinks he can simply remember everything, but that is proving to not be working. He doesn't want my input so I can't help him with that.
Keep records even if you're not sure they're needed. There's time later to sort through and keep or toss stuff. (I emptied out FIL's financials last year after he'd been gone 20 years.)
Keep the checkbook, if you don't have carbons of the checks--be sure you hang on to the monthly statement. Write on every check what it's FOR--b/c you'll forget, trust me.
You can certainly do a spreadsheet if that makes you more comfortable. Just keep really good records!!
I did files and I kept records in a ledger book.
I had a file for every single entity whether insurance, phone, utilities, ALF, taxes, receipts, etc.
I sent my brother a monthly accounting and this was my second source of accounting.
Yearly I sent him a list of all his assets and all his monthly output. He finally got so he didn't read it but he loved having it and kept in a looseleaf binder.
I also kept a daily diary written IN INK in a composition book with no tear outs and no white outs, only cross outs. This can be a great device if you are ever called into court.
Up to you if you prefer the computer and I am certain that it is easier for those more savvy than I. But do keep a hard copy. Not something you can afford to have disappeared.
Your spreadsheet would be a row of debits and credits. One row money coming in, other rows, money going out and catagories. Always keeping receipts. You are the only one who will see these records. You are not obligated nor should you show these to anyone but the person who assigned you, a lawyer or an Executor. You represent the principle only.