Every year, the number of unclaimed bank and building society accounts grows. Many of these may be accounts of those who have forgotten to leave their bank details with loved ones.

It is easy to assume that when you die a partner or dependants will know where to find all the financial information. To ensure that they do, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland has developed a personal affairs checklist. Available in paper or Internet form, it is an easy way to keep your affairs in order for your loved ones when you are gone.

The checklist is arranged in three sections. The first - section A - asks for information which might be needed quickly such as key advisers, location of your will, grave plot and funeral arrangement wishes. Section B covers financial affairs, bank account numbers and locations, credit cards, insurance policies and other assets. Section C includes details on employment record. The ICAI suggests that the form is kept somewhere safe: a bank or with a solicitor or accountant.

Copies of the free checklist are available on the Web at www.icai.ie, from local chartered accountancy practices or by calling Ms Marie Charlesworth at the ICAI, tel: (01) 668 0400.