It has come to light that NS&I is holding millions of pounds which should have been paid out to the estates of deceased customers. While the funds aren't missing, there appears to have been problems at NS&I in tracing assets and matching them with deceased customers.

This highlights the need to leave your executors comprehensive information about your assets. Informing them, for example, of the number of premium bonds you hold, your customer reference number, and/or bond numbers would make it far easier for your executors to confirm the holding with NS&I.

In respect of other assets, many of us have online bank accounts and our executors would struggle to find any paperwork (e.g. statements) for this in our homes. List details of all your assets (including pensions), liabilities (e.g. mortgage provider and number and credit cards) and tell your executors where your list is kept. Include your National Insurance number, place of birth, date of birth and occupation and don't forget to say who insures your house. Keep the list up to date!

And of course, if you haven't appointed executors because you don't have a will, please get in touch and we can support you with the next steps.