When a loved one passes away, executors often face a mountain of tasks — and the hardest part isn’t legal paperwork; it’s finding everything.
A clear, pre-built asset inventory can transform that chaos into calm, helping executors settle estates faster, accurately, and with compassion.
Why Executors Need an Inventory Before They Need It
Most executors are appointed during an emotional and stressful time. They must locate bank accounts, insurance policies, property records, passwords, and valuables — often without guidance.
According to the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC), missing or undiscovered assets delay estate settlement by 6–12 months on average.
Having an organized inventory ensures:
- No account or policy is overlooked
- Assets are distributed as intended
- Taxes and legal filings are accurate
- Executors save time, stress, and potential family conflict
> “An inventory isn’t just paperwork — it’s peace of mind for the people you love.” — Estate Planning Council Journal, 2024
🗂️ Start Your Estate Inventory on Bigtoa →
What an Executor Actually Needs to Settle an Estate
Executors are legally responsible for gathering and valuing assets, paying debts, and distributing what remains. To do this efficiently, they need access to:
1. Financial Accounts
- Bank and credit union accounts
- Investment and retirement funds
- Outstanding loans, credit cards, and debts
2. Real Estate & Property
- Deeds, appraisals, and mortgage documents
- Lease agreements and insurance policies
3. Personal Property & Valuables
- Jewelry, vehicles, collectibles, furniture, artwork
- Digital photos of each item with estimated values
If your estate includes collections, visit Bigtoa Collectibles for secure, categorized tracking.
4. Digital Assets
- Passwords, crypto wallets, social media, and cloud storage
- Business accounts or online stores
5. Insurance Policies
- Life, auto, property, and health
- Proof of coverage, riders, and beneficiary designations
6. Legal Documents
- Will, trust, powers of attorney
- Marriage, divorce, and birth certificates
How to Prepare an Executor-Ready Inventory
Step 1: Document Every Asset
Use a structured tool like Bigtoa to catalog accounts, valuables, and policies.
Include:
- Ownership details
- Account numbers or reference IDs
- Locations of physical documents
Step 2: Assign and Share Executor Access
Your executor should know how to access your inventory — but only when appropriate.
Bigtoa enables read-only or time-limited sharing, giving them access when it’s needed most without compromising privacy today.
Step 3: Include Instructions and Notes
Executors need more than numbers. Add notes about:
- Who to contact (advisors, insurers, or accountants)
- Locations of safes, keys, and passwords
- Preferred procedures for handling certain assets
Step 4: Review Annually
An outdated inventory can be as confusing as no inventory. Update your records after any life event — home sale, new account, or inheritance.
How Bigtoa Makes Executor Preparation Effortless
Bigtoa turns what used to be weeks of paperwork into an organized digital system:
- 🧾 Unified Asset Dashboard — all accounts, valuables, and insurance policies in one place
- 🔒 Secure Digital Storage — bank-level encryption keeps sensitive details private
- 🧭 Executor Sharing — grant limited access to trusted contacts when the time comes
- 📋 Printable Estate Summary — export a ready-to-use report for attorneys or family meetings
- 🔁 Automatic Version Tracking — so your executor always sees the most current data
Create Your Executor-Ready Inventory →
Real-World Example
When an Illinois family lost their father unexpectedly, the executor struggled for weeks to find policy numbers and account details. Eventually, a partial inventory was discovered — outdated and incomplete.
By contrast, a Bigtoa user with an updated digital inventory had their executor file all necessary claims within five business days, receiving full life insurance benefits and smooth title transfers.
Preparation isn’t about expecting loss — it’s about protecting those left behind.
Executor Planning FAQ
What is the first thing an executor should do?
Locate the will, death certificate, and the asset inventory. Those documents form the foundation for settling the estate.
Can I prepare the inventory myself, or do I need a lawyer?
You can absolutely start it yourself. Tools like Bigtoa make it easy to organize assets; attorneys can then review it for legal compliance.
How should executors access digital records securely?
Bigtoa allows encrypted, read-only access. Never email sensitive credentials or store them in unprotected files.
What happens if there’s no inventory?
Executors must reconstruct everything from scratch — calling banks, insurers, and credit agencies. It delays distribution and increases costs.
Can I update my executor’s permissions later?
Yes. Bigtoa allows you to change or revoke access instantly, maintaining full control.
Final Thoughts
A complete asset inventory is one of the greatest gifts you can give your executor.
It turns a stressful, uncertain process into a smooth, guided transition — ensuring your estate is handled the way you intended.
> Don’t wait for the unexpected. Prepare today so your executor and family can focus on healing, not searching.
Start Your Estate Inventory on Bigtoa →
References
- National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC). Executor Efficiency Report. 2024.
- Estate Planning Council Journal. Executor Challenges in Modern Estate Management. 2024.
- AARP. Managing Family Estates: Executor Responsibilities. 2023.
- Forbes Advisor. How to Settle an Estate. 2024.