And, as Hempton indicates, one of the biggest risks at BofA was that market confidence in the bank might die, making financing impossible.

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Your estate consists of everything you own when you die, including your home, personal property, investments, bank accounts, retirement plans and any interests in a family business or partnership.

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In addition to a sizable bank account and local family ties, Pegula is also a die-hard hockey fan.

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Unless a family member has access to it (you must not only give the person a key, but must also sign a form at the bank authorizing that designee to open it), the box could be sealed when you die, and it might take court action by your heirs to get it opened.

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Might a bank, for example, turn down a loan to someone because their health records suggest they may die at a young age?

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