5 Steps to Organize Paperwork

If I have to guess - your vital documents are in drawers, file cabinets, under your mattress, at your mom's house. Basically, everywhere they shouldn't be. Time to get organized folks! You may be doing this for yourself or a loved one. Here are a few tips on getting started.

1. Take Some Time! Gather all of your paperwork into one place. Just doing this one step is half the battle. If you do nothing but this, it still helps in an emergency. It helps your loved ones if there is a death. You have saved your future self or other family members a lot of exhaustion and stress.

2. Separate Paperwork into Categories So, you've got a giant stack in front of you, good work! Now it's time to make many small piles. Start with the major categories: home, vehicle, personal, medical, finances. (Just a plug - the Master Keys kit has 10 categories to help you!)

3. What is Relevant? Keep original documents and certified copies. If there are monthly statements, keep the annual statement. The point is to leave a helpful paper trail.

4. Protect Your Privacy There will be a shred pile for unnecessary bills and receipts. There'd better be some trash! Everyone keeps too much, and this is the time to pare down to what's important. Remember to destroy any account numbers and personal information.

5. Tell a Loved One At least one person needs to know where your vital documents are located. Leave notes to share pertinent details.

Congratulations! Every effort protects your future. One small leap for paperwork, one giant leap for your future!