When to act

The right question isn't "what accounts do I need to close?" It's "what do I need to do right now, and what can wait?" This timeline answers that.

First 24–48 hours

A short list. Phone security, bank notification, death certificates. Most things can wait.

First week

Identify recurring charges. Insurance notifications. Begin locating financial accounts.

First month

Formal account closures begin. Credit bureaus. Life insurance claims. Cancel subscriptions.

First year

Digital accounts. Final tax return. Fraud monitoring. What to keep and what to let go.

Not sure where you are? Start with the what can wait page — it gives you permission to not do everything right now, and tells you clearly what the actual deadlines are.