How Long and Where to Keep Important Documents

Special thanks to my very organized coworker for suggesting this topic.

File drawers overflowing with papers? Here is an easy-reference list of what important documents to keep and how long to keep them. (Note: this article is several years old, so the 2013 reference is no longer valid.)

Documents that you should always save:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage licenses
• Death records
• Social security cards

Also, keep the most current copies of these safely filed:

• Wills
• Deeds and Vehicle titles
• Passports
• Divorce and custody paperwork
• Photocopies of front and back of insurance and credit cards in the event of theft

Wills and other items that might be needed in the event of an untimely death should be stored in a fireproof safe, rather than a safe deposit box. See here for an explanation.