__*“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” –* Proverbs 22:3__

Life is unpredictable. Illness, accidents, or even death can strike without warning. And while we can’t control the future, we *can* prepare for it. Scripture calls us to live wisely, and one of the most practical expressions of that wisdom is planning ahead for life’s most serious emergencies.

Ask yourself:

- What if something serious happened to you or your spouse?
- If you were hospitalized, who would manage the household, pay the bills, or care for your kids?
- If you were to pass away unexpectedly, would your loved ones know how to locate critical documents and make necessary decisions?

In moments of crisis, the last thing your family needs is confusion. That’s why creating a household emergency binder can be one of the most loving and practical things you do.

__What Is an Emergency Binder?__

An emergency binder is a single, organized place for all your essential information. Think of it as a manual for managing your household in your absence. Your binder should include:

- Financial information
- Medical details and prescriptions
- Childcare contacts
- Monthly bills and due dates
- Funeral preferences
- Any other important documentation

Creating this binder may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by listing out your categories, then focus on just one at a time. Dedicate 30 to 60 minutes a day to gathering the documents and filling in each section. Step by step, you’ll build something of lasting value.

Once your binder is complete, print a physical copy and store it in a visible, secure place, such as a red three-ring binder in a fireproof safe. Also, keep a digital version stored securely in the cloud. Be sure to give access information (safe combinations, passwords) to a few trusted family members.

__A Simple Step of Stewardship__

No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios. But preparing for them is an act of love—an expression of godly stewardship that brings peace, not fear. When the hard moments come, your family will be grateful for the clarity and care you provided in advance.

For an easy way to get started, [Christian Money Solutions](https://www.christianmoneysolutions.com/) offers a pre-designed [Essential Emergency Binder](https://www.christianmoneysolutions.com/essentialemergencybinder), complete with more than 60 pages of templates and instructions. All you have to do is fill in the blanks.

__You don’t need to finish it in one sitting. Just begin. And as you do, remember: this is more than an organizational project. It’s a gift of love, peace, and wisdom to the people who matter most.__

FaithFi

Articles

Life is unpredictable. Illness or accidents can strike without warning. How do you prepare for them?

MANAGE | May 8, 2025

Why Every Household Needs an Emergency Binder

By: Dr Art Rainer

Where Faith Meets Finance

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