If you tend to be a little disorganised in keeping a record of your personal affairs and papers, the Institute of Chartered Accountants has a very useful checklist which is available to the public. The Personal Affairs Checklist is an A4 booklet that is organised into three sections. Section A gives information on the names of advisers and whereabouts of a will.

Section B covers financial affairs, including details of bank accounts, insurance policies and other assets. The final section covers general information such as membership of clubs and employment records. Investing a little time now to complete the checklist could save your spouse, relatives or friends a great deal of time and expense in the future.

The checklist is available free from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, telephone 01- 637 7237, or from any chartered accountant's practice.