It’s very inexpensive to obtain a reasonable sized fire-proof safe at your local Home Depot, Costco, or office supply store.
SAFE DEPOSIT BOX CHECKLIST
- keep these documents in a safe deposit box or fireproof safe
- check off each item as you include it
- include the date and location of your safe deposit box
- keep list at home in a file labeled “safe deposit box”
- if you remove something permanently, change your list
- copies of drivers licenses
- copies of other items in your wallet (in case stolen)
- list of credit card account numbers
- insurance policies
- last will and testament
- living wills
- powers of attorney (durable and medical)
- also give copies to executor in a sealed and labeled envelope
- social security cards
- birth or adoption certificates
- death certificates
- marriage licenses
- divorce decrees
- military records
- passports
- vehicle titles
- household inventory (video, photos, appraisals, etc.)
- real estate warranty deeds
- jewelry
- coins
- collectibles
- other expensive or hard-to-replace items
- may need additional insurance when items not locked away
| WHAT PAPERS TO KEEP ON HAND |
- cemetery deeds, burial instructions, and estate documents
- box may be sealed upon your death
- need to make sure family has your last wishes and instructions
- tax records
- copies of education records, diplomas, and transcripts
- appliance and equipment instructions and warranties with serial numbers
- bank statements and cancelled checks
- credit card statements
- medical and health records
- investment account statements
- passports or passport numbers
Lynn Plait is a Professional Organizer who specializes in personal finance. Visit her website at www.finorder.com. or contact her at lynn@finorder.com. Content provided by OnlineOrganizing.com – offering “a world of organizing solutions!” Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business.
Tags: financial order, fire proof safe, keeping legal records, legal documents, legal papers, lynn plait, safety deposit box, where do I keep legal documents
Posted in Estate Planning, Planning for Incapacity
