NEVER Throw Away These Documents
Store these documents in a safe place in case of an emergency.
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While the winter months are a great time to purge your home of paper clutter, there are few documents you should absolutely keep in a safe place. We asked Amy Panos, a senior editor at “Better Homes and Gardens,” what you should have on hand in the event of an emergency.
Vital Records
-Birth/death certificate
-Marriage license
-Social security card
-Military discharge papers
-Divorce decree
-Passport(s)
-Property deeds
-Titles to vehicle(s), boat(s), etc.
-Documents relating to loans
-Items like bonds that equate to cash
-Insurance policies
Panos says to keep the above items in a home fire safe, which is a small safe that can withstand fires.
Tax Records
-Keep everything related to the current year: receipts, pay stubs and W2 forms.
-Keep returns and their supporting documents from past years in another file. The IRS implores keeping tax documents from the past seven years; in case you are audited, the IRS can look up to seven years into your financial history.
Statements From Investments
-Hold onto quarterly statements you receive until you get the next one. At the end of the year, file away your year-end statement; that is all you’ll need. Once you have your year-end statement, SHRED your quarterlies.
For more:
10 Ways to Make Your Home Safer in 2012
Tips to Instill Organizational Skills in Your Children
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