YOUR INFORMATION. YOUR CHOICE.

One of the guiding principles behind The Family PACT is simple:

Your information stays with you.

The Family PACT does not collect, store or have access to the personal information you enter into your template. We provide you with the structure to help you organize it.

Life naturally scatters important information across many places — online accounts, paper files, devices and documents. The Family PACT helps you organize that information into one easy-to-reference place, while leaving you in control of how and where it's kept.

You decide:

• What information to include.

• Which Family PACT template you use.

• Where it's stored.

• How it's protected.

• Who, if anyone, has access to it.

A Quick Note

There are many perfectly reasonable ways to store your Family PACT.

Some people prefer to keep their information completely offline. Others are comfortable using password-protected digital files or cloud storage. Some simply prefer paper.

Neither approach is inherently right or wrong.

Everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to privacy, technology and convenience. The Family PACT was designed so you can choose the approach that works best for you.

Here are a few practical options and ideas to consider.

STORAGE OPTIONS

Keep it on your personal computer

For many people, keeping their completed Spreadsheet or Fillable PDF on their personal computer may be the simplest and most convenient option, particularly if they plan to update it regularly.

If this is your preference, consider:

• Password protecting the Family PACT file.

• Protecting your computer with a password, PIN or biometric sign-in.

• Saving the file somewhere other than your desktop.

• Keeping your operating system and security software up to date.

For step-by-step instructions, visit our Password Protection Resource.

Store it on a USB drive

If you prefer to keep your Family PACT offline, saving it to a USB drive is another option.

You may choose to store the USB drive in a home safe, locked filing cabinet, safe-deposit box or another private location.

If you choose this approach, consider:

• Password protecting the file before saving it to the USB drive.

• Confirming that the USB copy opens properly before removing any other version.

• Keeping a second protected backup.

Use cloud storage

Many people are comfortable using reputable cloud storage services such as OneDrive, Google Drive or iCloud. Others prefer not to store personal information online at all.

Either approach is perfectly reasonable.

Cloud storage can provide convenient access across multiple devices and allow you to share your Family PACT with someone you trust, if you choose.

If cloud storage is your preference, consider:

• Using a strong, unique account password.

• Enabling multi-factor authentication.

• Reviewing your privacy and sharing settings periodically.

• Password protecting the Family PACT file itself whenever possible.

Sharing your Family PACT

There may be times when you choose to share your Family PACT with a spouse, partner, trusted family member or professional advisor.

Whether you use email, cloud storage, a USB drive or another method, take a moment to consider:

• Who will have access?

• Am I sharing the most current version?

• Should I password protect the file first?

• Will I want to change or remove access later?

Share your Family PACT only with people you trust and in a way that you're comfortable with.

If you're using the Workbook

The same principles apply to the printed Workbook.

You may choose to keep it in a home safe, locked filing cabinet, safe-deposit box or another private location that works for you.

Privacy is important, but so is accessibility. Consider choosing a location where the people you trust can locate your Family PACT, if you choose to share it with them.

HELPFUL PACTips

Choose what works for you.There is no single storage solution that's right for everyone. Your own comfort level matters.

Use layers of protection.For digital versions, a password-protected file stored on a password-protected device provides more than one layer of protection.

Keep only the copies you need.Every additional copy is another one to manage and keep track of.

Consider a backup.Whether you use a Workbook, USB drive or digital file, consider keeping an appropriate backup of your current Family PACT.

Review who has access.If you've shared your Family PACT or a cloud folder containing it, periodically review who has access.

Keep it current.When you update your Family PACT, consider securely deleting or destroying outdated versions you no longer need.

Consider letting someone you trust know it exists.You don't necessarily need to share your Family PACT — or its password — today. You may simply want a spouse, partner or trusted family member to know where you've chosen to keep it.

ONE FINAL THOUGHT

No storage method can guarantee complete privacy or security — and there is no perfect solution for everyone.

The goal is to choose an approach that gives you confidence in how your Family PACT is stored, protected and accessed.

A little thought up front can help you feel comfortable knowing your important information is organized, current and where you want it to be.

And throughout it all, you remain in control of your information — from what you choose to include to how you choose to store and share it.

The information is yours. We provide the structure.