Forever Documents
Whenever purging papers and setting up files there are certain papers that need to be kept forever and in safe deposit box or fireproof box in your home. I have heard that making a second copy of all these important papers can be kept in a ziplock bag in the freezer. Somehow whenever there is a disaster the freezer survives.
These are the papers that are difficult to replace and need to be kept safe. They are:
1. your will – keeping another copy with your attorney
2. birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, child custody and alimony papers, adoption papers, citizenship papers, military records
3. passports
4.health care power of attorney – this gives another person the right to make medical decisions for you if you are unable
5. copies of your IRA, 401k, and all other retirement account plans. These papers determine what happens to the money in these plans when you die, not your will. Get copies of the forms that name your plan beneficiaries from your retirement plan custodians if you don’t have them. They will send you copies. Keep the beneficiary names and addresses current.
6. insurance policies – home, health, auto, disability, life. If anything happens you need copies of these in a safe place
7. keep documents (receipts) showing improvements to your home. If there is ever any damage these can help in a dispute. These can be tossed once you move or sell your home.
8. receipts or bills for large purchases for proof of value in the event of loss or damage. Take pictures of these items also and keep with the receipts.
9. deeds, property titles, stock and bond certificates, and employment records
10. automobile, vehicle, truck, and machinery titles. When you sell it, give the maintenance records to the new owner along with the title.
I found this extremely helpful and I based this article on an organizing tip on the website www.spacesavers.com. Have a great day. Leslie