Are Your Important Documents in a Safe Place?

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/documents.jpeg" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/> The other day, I was looking for my original Social Security Card and I couldn’t believe it when I found it under a pile of other things on my desk. It got me thinking about other important papers and where I’m storing them. We do have a fireproof safe where we store our passports, birth and marriage certificates, car titles, and deed to the house. Experts also recommend keeping your will and health care proxy in a safe. I better get those in there, too. Organizing experts divide paperwork into three categories: critical life documents (I listed those above), important reference documents and quick access items. Important reference documents are things like tax returns, IRA and 401(k) statements, and life insurance policies. Online cloud storage is a good place for these items. They say once you upload the papers, you can shred the originals. For quick access items (health insurance cards, driver’s licenses, etc.), you should carry them in your wallet. I’ve scanned these items and added them to an app on my phone so I don’t carry the originals anymore. Never carry around your Social Security Card because the information can be used to create another identity. What happens when you lose an important document? Marriage and birth certificates are available through your state’s vital records office. Passports can be replaced through your local passport office unless you’re abroad when it’s lost or stolen. In that case, go to the U.S. embassy or consulate. Car titles can be replaced through the Department of Motor Vehicles. And to get a new Social Security Card, you don’t have to pay a fee, but you do have to provide proof of your identity with a driver’s license, birth certificate or passport.  <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Savvy-Consumer/" target="_self">Your Guide to Being a Savvy Consumer</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>