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In case of an emergency, we want to have access to the very important papers we need to assist those we love.
Personal Records
Birth certificates, adoption papers, citizenship records, marriage certificates, divorce documents, military service records, passports and social security cards should be stored in a safe or safe deposit box. You may also want to keep my booklet ‘My Last Wishes’ in here so your family can find it. Make a copy and store it in your filing cabinet, leaving the original in a safe place.
Tax Returns
Required by law to be retained permanently, supporting tax information must be retained for 6 years. Keep tax returns in a safe deposit box or safe in your home. Keep the supporting documents stored in your home in a box labeled with the year.
Life Insurance Policies
Retain the initial policy as well as any addendums, keep in a safe
Keep a list of the policy numbers and insurance companies in a file in your file cabinet labeling the file “Insurance – Life".or in my book ‘My Organized Personal Records’
Legal Documents
Powers of attorney and wills should be kept in a safe in your home and at your attorneys. Give a copy of the important document to the executor and family members. Do not keep these in a safe deposit box, as this may be sealed when the box owner dies.
Property Information
The deed to your home, mortgage, or car title, should be kept in a safe deposit box or in your home safe. For home repair and maintenance bills, keep these in a filing cabinet labeled “Home Repair". Also use my book ‘Repair and Maintenance‘, where all information is kept in a handy booklet form. A household inventory is important in the event of a home catastrophe. Your insurance provider will need proof of loss in the event of a fire, flood, or robbery. Videotape or photograph your possessions. Place the photos in a notebook with receipts and appraisals for expensive items. There is room to do this in my book ‘My Organized Personal Records. ‘
Always keep a copy of Important Information that is Kept in Your Wallet
If your wallet is lost of stolen, it is important to keep a copy of the contents. Using a copy machine, photocopy the front and back of your credit cards, driver’s license, insurance cards and all else in your wallet. If you don’ use one of my books, keep this information in your safe.
Keep Your Information Safe
Choose a safe that is fire proof.
Choose a filing cabinet with a lock and key.
Safe deposit boxes can be rented at a bank and some UPS stores, often at a reduced rate.
By organizing your documents in case of a family emergency, you will feel peace of mind and security and so will your family. |
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