Important Documents Every Family Should Keep to Be Safe Not Sorry

There is a smarter way to approach important documents every family, and it starts with knowing a few key details. This guide covers them, along with tips you can apply immediately.

Key Takeaways

• Take control of your paperwork chaos and be prepared for whatever comes your method.
• Plus, don’t forget to download my freebie checklist PDF to assist you stay organized and ensure you have all the necessary documents on hand.
• More importantly, a photocopy of each family member’s current driver’s license.
• Divorce papers for any person in your family who’s been divorced.

Tips That Make a Difference

Here is the ultimate checklist of key documents, from personal identification to financial records and end-of-life plans, that each family should keep to be safe, not sorry. I receive plenty of informative mail from my dear readers, but none can top the letter from Bob Ford about the key documents each family should keep … Solid planning Meet Bob Ford, Certified Retirement Planner, and volunteer teacher for the Retirement Planning Group of Southern California, an organization that offers free seminars on all aspects of retirement planning.

• Worth noting: when Bob began teaching retirement planning he had a relatively short list of key documents he believed each family should keep in a locked safe, deposit box, or home safe with a minimum fire rating of two hours.
• When teaching teaches the teacher Over the years, Bob’s list has grown since, with each class, he learns of another document that, if kept, would have saved someone plenty of time, money, or both.
• The list grew and grew … Each addition Bob has made to his list represents a sad real-life situation that might have been avoided had the proper records been kept.
• One of those stories follows the list: Certified birth certificates for each person in your family Certified death certificates for any deceased members, including all details and documentation regarding the death Marriage certificates and all specific details for each married member of your family.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A copy of the letter to all credit card companies telling them you are not responsible for the credit card debts of a former spouse(s) and a certified mail receipt from the credit card company showing the letter was received. Naturalization and adoption papers as applicable.

• Remember that each family member’s Social Security card.
• A copy of all child support and alimony awards with complete details.
• Your family Bible if it contains family records.
• Records and documentation regarding any commission in the armed services including discharge and retirement certificates.

Is Important Documents Every Family Worth It?

As a rule, proof of key payments such as canceled checks for federal, state, and county taxes. W-2s and income tax forms.

• Details and physical location of all your stocks and bonds and the name, address, and phone number of your stockbroker.
• Your account numbers and the amount you paid for each stock and bond (cost basis).
• In short, the location of the original copy of your will and a photocopy of it.
• A videotape of you reading your will with the current day’s newspaper visible to establish the earliest possible date of the video recording The names, addresses, and phone numbers of the persons who witnessed the signing of your will.

Where the Real Savings Hide

The details of anything you received as a result of someone’s will. The name and address of the person who will administer your estate.

• Worth noting: all insurance policies that you currently have with the name, address, and phone numbers of your insurance companies and canceled checks that paid the premiums.
• Names, addresses, dates of birth, and social security numbers of all former spouses and the length and dates of your marriages.
• The addresses and full names of non-family members who are mentioned in your will.
• The deeds to any real estate you own and the original purchase prices.

A Closer Look at Important Documents Every Family

More importantly, county records have copies of all of these deeds. The escrow papers of all real estate you have purchased or sold.

• The receipts for major repairs to your home.
• All building permits for properties you currently own or have owned.
• Remember that any promissory notes that you own or owe with complete details of the names, addresses, and what and why the transaction occurred.
• The Grant Deed, Trust Deed, and Deed of Full Reconveyance of your real estate.

What to Know About Important Documents Every Family

The title (pink slip) to all family automobiles. The names of any trusts for which you are the trustee and the original trust documents.

• As a rule, the trustee’s name and address in any trust where you are the beneficiary and a copy of the trust document.
• A separate full-face color photo of yourself, your spouse, and each child with this phrase on the back.
• This is a picture of (full name and relationship) on (current date) A list of all the names you have had in your lifetime, when you had those names plus identification you had when you used the name.
• A copy of any court order that changed your name.

How Important Documents Every Family Really Works

In short, the complete names of your parents including your mother’s maiden name. The names of your biological parents if you are adopted (if known).

• The full details of any children you have given up for adoption.
• The names of all pension plans that you were ever a member including the name of the employer and dates of employment.
• Worth noting: the names and addresses of each place you have ever worked.
• Exterior photos of all sides and yard areas of your house or land.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on important documents every family?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. I receive plenty of informative mail from my dear readers, but none can top the letter from Bob Ford about the key documents each family should keep … Solid planning Meet Bob Ford, Certified Retirement Planner, and volun....

Is it worth shopping around for important documents every family?

Usually yes. Worth noting: when Bob began teaching retirement planning he had a relatively short list of key documents he believed each family should keep in a locked safe, deposit box, or home safe with a minimum fire rating of two....

What should I check before buying?

Read the terms, confirm any code still works, and factor in shipping or returns. When teaching teaches the teacher Over the years, Bob’s list has grown since, with each class, he learns of another document that, if kept, would have saved someone plenty of time, money, or both.

Smart Ways to Save More on Important Documents Every Family

• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.
• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.
• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.

Final Thoughts

Put these ideas to work and important documents every family gets a lot less expensive. Bookmark this page, check back for fresh deals, and let the savings do the talking.

Originally published at everydaycheapskate.com.