Creating a Vital

Creating a vital is straightforward - you're simply recording the information your loved ones will need, in a format that's easy for them to understand.

Step 1: Choose a Category and Type

Start by selecting a category - Financial, Legal, Personal, Digital, Property, or Medical. Within each category, you'll see specific vital types to choose from. For example:

• Financial might offer Bank Accounts, Credit Cards, Insurance Policies, or Retirement Accounts
• Legal might offer Will, Trust, Power of Attorney, or Advance Directive
• Personal might offer Final Wishes, Memorial Preferences, or Personal Letters

Pick the type that matches the information you want to record.

Step 2: Fill In the Details

Each vital type has its own set of fields. Required fields are clearly marked - these capture the essentials your recipients will need. Optional fields let you add context and additional detail.

For a bank account vital, you might fill in:

• Bank name (required)
• Account type - checking, savings, etc. (required)
• Account number (required)
• Routing number
• Branch location
• Online banking URL
• Special instructions - any notes about access, contacts, or next steps

Take your time with the details. The more specific you are, the easier things will be for your loved ones.

Step 3: Assign Recipients

Choose which people should receive this vital when the time comes. You can assign one or more recipients from your address book. Think carefully about who needs this information:

• Your spouse might need access to all financial accounts
• Your executor might need legal documents
• A trusted friend might need digital account information
• Your children might need personal wishes and memorial preferences

Each recipient will only see the vitals you specifically assign to them.

Step 4: Upload Supporting Files

Many vitals benefit from attached documents. You can upload files directly to a vital or link files from your file library. Consider including:

• Scanned copies of important documents
• Photos of items or property
• PDFs of statements or policies
• Any other supporting material

Files are stored securely and delivered along with the vital information.

Saving and Editing

Your vital is saved automatically as you work. You can leave and come back at any time - your progress is preserved. Edit any vital from your dashboard or the Assets page whenever your information changes.

Keep your vitals up to date. If you switch banks, update your policy, or change your wishes, take a moment to update the relevant vital. Your loved ones will always receive the most current information.

Learn More

• The Personal Message Vital - Write heartfelt letters to your loved ones
• Managing Files - Upload, organize, and link files to your vitals
• Adding a Recipient - Set up recipients in your address book
• Understanding Vitals - How categories, fields, and completion scoring work

Need Help?

Visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions, or reach out through our support page. We're always here to help.