News Release

Recovery processes made easier with advance financial planning

FORT MYERS, Florida—People preparing for hurricane season usually pack a few changes of clothes, bottled water, non-perishable food items, flashlights, batteries and a radio. But they should also gather important financial records which can be critical to survival.

“Organizing copies of your financial accounts, investments and insurance information before a disaster strikes can make a very traumatic event easier to get through,” A. Scott White, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in Fort Myers, said.

With hurricane season approaching and wild fires throughout the state, it’s a good time to reassess evacuation and disaster plans and gather important financial and estate information for safekeeping. Scott White Advisors has created a five-step disaster planning guide, available at www.scottwhiteadvisors.com, to help residents prepare for disasters and recover from disasters as quickly as possible.

Step One — Create a document box
Identify a box large enough to hold important documents, photos and a few days of cash or travelers checks. A lockable fire safe box is best.

Step Two – Gather important items
The box should include checking and savings account numbers, copies of drivers’ licenses, Social Security cards, marriage licenses, birth certificates, wills, powers of attorney documents, property deeds, home, life and medical insurance policies, and a list of crucial contact information, including relatives, insurance agents, and financial advisors.

Step Three – Review coverage
Insurance planning allows you to review your current home, life and medical insurance policies to ensure that you and your family have the proper amount of coverage to be comfortable and cared for in the event of an emergency.

Step Four – Ensure access to emergency funds
Natural disasters can interrupt access to local banking and financial institutions. Make sure that you have an emergency account that can provide access to emergency funds within 24 hours.

Step Five – Share the information
Review your document box information with your spouse or partner and share the box location with a trusted family member or friend outside of your household.

White was named one of the country’s top financial planners by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. Scott White Advisors specializes in meeting the comprehensive financial and estate needs of high net worth families. The firm is located at 1510 Royal Palm Square Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33919; telephone (239) 936-6300. For more information visit www.scottwhiteadvisors.com. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member, NASD/SIPC.