The list (aka what financial documents you need to keep it safe and dry)

The list (aka what financial documents you need to keep it safe and dry) -
( This post originally ran in July 2011, but in the wake of Hurricane Sandy it seems appropriate to run again, especially in light of the advice in the last paragraph. )
How many of you have legal and financial documents stashed in various drawers in different places? Maybe you have some in your home safely, some in drawers in the bedroom, others in the den and in the office. What happens when you get sick or die? Does anyone know where all the documents? Probably not, including you.
The Wall Street Journal published a very interesting article, The 25 papers you need before dying, simply answer this problem. The article was two pages, very detailed and well written, so let me give you a summary of what he said
According to the WSJ, there are six categories of documents that must be maintained . Marriage and divorce, life insurance and retirement, health care, bank accounts, proof of ownership and "essential". Here is what should be included in these categories.
Marriage and divorce
o Marriage license
o divorce papers
life insurance and retirement of
o fonts life insurance
o individual retirement accounts
o 401 (k) accounts
o retirement papers
o annuity contracts
health care
o personal and medical history of the family
o sustainable food health proxy
o authorization to disclose health information
o Living will be
o Do-not-resuscitate for
o pre-need guardianship declaration (not required in all states, but an excellent idea)
bank accounts
o List of bank accounts
o List of investment accounts
o List of all usernames and passwords
o List of safes
proof of ownership
o housing, land and acts cemetery
o Escrow mortgage accounts
o evidence of loans and debts
o tracks vehicles
o stock certificates, savings and brokerage accounts obligations
o partnership and operating company agreements
o tax returns
the Essentials
o Will
o Letter of instruction
o other business documents such as purchase and sale agreements or share buyback
My list includes over 25 mentioned by the WSJ, and your list may include other. Here is another indication of someone who lives in an area prone to severe storms and flooding. Put your papers in watertight containers with water to prevent loss or damage due to water.
Now you have your list. Start organization!