If You Need to Step In

This book is a practical, compassionate guide to organizing essential legal, financial, and personal information—so your Power of Attorney, Executor, or Trustee won’t have to guess what to do.

Whether you’re planning ahead for peace of mind or preparing to support someone else, this book walks you through the process with plain-language explanations, thoughtful prompts, and space to record what matters. You’ll also get access to downloadable forms and helpful online tools.

You don’t need to complete everything all at once—just start. Every detail you write down is a gift to those who care about you.

If you’re still trying to make sense of what “stepping in” actually involves — and why it often feels unclear before anything is wrong — you may want to start with our overview of Stepping In for Aging Parents.

 

Cover for "If You Need to Step In"

Downloadable Files

As a purchaser of the book you are entitled to download a variety of files. The types of files include:

  • Blank forms in both Microsoft Word and PDF formats for either hand written use or via computer. 
  • Sample file folder structures.
  • Sample vaults.

To access the download page you will need a password. The password may be found in the book, in the “Online Resources” chapter.

Download Portal

Online Resources

Encryption

There are lots of different methods and tools that may be used to encrypt files or folders.

Instructional Videos

Here are some links to YouTube videos that are useful. Please note that Next Foot Forward found them useful but is not responsible for any of the information or your results using that information.

Ask Leo: How Can I Password Protect a Document – A quick demonstration of how to encrypt a Microsoft Word document.

Ask Leo: Cryptomator: The Most Secure Encryption for Your Cloud Storage – A nice discussion and demonstration of how to use Cryptomator to securely store your files on local or cloud storage.

Ask Leo: Cryptomator vs VeraCrypt – Which do you want? – A video that compares and contrasts two popular encryption tools.

Encryption Tools

The following links are to websites with encryption tools. There are many more tools available that can be found by doing an Internet search. Next Foot Forward is not associated with any of these tools and is not responsible for their performance. Do your own research.

Cryptomator – A free, open source tool used to create encrypted vaults. The “Download Portal” contains sample vaults that you can download and use.

Password Protect and Encrypt PDF for Free – Web based tool by Adobe.

VeraCrypt – A free, open source tool that may be used to encrypt disk drives.

Government

HIPAA – The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act web site.

IRS – The official Internal Revenue Service website.

Medicare – The official Medicare website.

Social Security – The official Social Security website.

Insurance

Floodsmart – The National Flood Insurance Program 

Password Managers

There are a ton of YouTube videos relative to password managers, including tutorials, comparisons and in depth discussions. Two password managers that I have used are:

1Password – A full featured password manager that is easy to use.

LastPass – A password manager that also has a great feature set. This was the first password manager I used and while it worked well, its user documentation was confusing. 

There are lots of other password managers but I have not used them. Browsers also have the ability to save passwords but I personally do not trust a browser with passwords.

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Video Guide: How to Use the Online Resources

These short videos are here to help you get the most out of the forms and tools that go along with If You Need to Step In.
You don’t need to watch them all — just pick the ones that match how you plan to use the resources.

Getting Started

Using the Download Portal.

Learn how to access the portal, enter the password from the book, and see what types of downloads are available.

Opening a ZIP file and Copying Files

Every download comes as a ZIP file. This video shows how to open it and copy the files so you can them.

Printing Forms (if you just want paper copies)

Printing a Word Document

How to open a Word file and print it.

Printing a PDF File

How to open a PDF and print it.

How to Download and Print a Form (bundle)

A complete walk through: download, unzip and print in one video.

Organizing Files

How to Set Up Folders to Print Forms

Organize your forms into easy-to-navigate folders by chapter. (for print use)

How to Set Up Files for Digital Entry

How to set up folders if you plan to fill in forms on your computer, plus important notes about safe storage.

How to Download and Setup a Folder Structure (bundle)

A complete walkthrough: download, unzip and create a folder structure.

Digital Security (for users entering sensitive information)

How to Open and Use a Vault

Unlock, work inside, and lock your vault again.

How to Download and Set Up a Vault (bundle)

A complete walkthrough: download, unzip, and add your vault to Cryptomator.

How to Encrypt a Word File

Encrypt a Word file using a password.

How to Encrypt a PDF File

Use Adobe’s free online tool to encrypt a PDF file with a password.

Guidance and Warnings

Recommended All Digital Setup

My personal Recommendation:

  • Store passwords in a password manager.
  • Use vault in cloud storage.
  • Copy and rename forms as you fill them in.
  • Keep a locked vault backup on a thumb drive, in a safe place.

Risks of Going Digital Without Encryption

Why storing forms in regular folders or cloud storage without protection can expose your private information.

Join "If You Need to Step In" mail list to be kept informed about any suggestions from the community and additions to the Online Resources.