What Are Vital Documents?

We all think of our birth certificate as a vital document. We need it here and there throughout our life, we know we shouldn't lose it, and hopefully we aren't storing it under the mattress! A vital document is just this - any written piece of paper that holds some type of significance: legal, historical, personal, official. These documents need to be preserved for a current or future purpose. Here are some examples:

• Personal: Government issued ID, Driver's license, Passport, Social Security card, Birth Certificate

• Home: Warranty Deed, Deed of Trust, Lease Agreement, Property Insurance

• Vehicle: Title, Loan Docs, Insurance, Registration

• End of Life: Will, Power of Attorney (Financial and Health), Trust, Funeral Arrangements

• Finances: Bank info, Retirement statement, Investments, Income Taxes

There are more! But this gives you a start. Is everything current (driver's license hasn't expired)? Have you made changes (moved jobs, banks, home)? Here's the point - if you need help, will someone be able to help you? Or, if you have to step in to a loved one's life - do you have all the information you need?

Message us to discuss your questions with your own situation. We're here to help!