The Paper Trail

Marketplace Staff Sep 9, 2005

You should have these documents (or copies) in a fireproof safe at all times, and with you in case of an emergency:

Drivers license

Copies of credit cards — front and back

Health insurance card

Property deeds and titles

Basic info about employee benefits

Auto and homeowners insurance

Life and umbrella liability insurance

Wills

Trusts

Powers of attorney and other estate documents

Copies of last three state and federal tax returns

Children’s adoption papers

Marriage and birth certificates

Passports

Military discharge papers

Also, take the time to do a household inventory. Go room by room with a video recorder and document your belonging.

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