Important Documents to Always Keep Handy
Let’s face it - Life is incredibly unpredictable. While we hope to live long and healthy lives, where nothing ad ever happens, that’s rarely ever the case.
There are several reasons to keep copies and records of the documents we’ll discuss in this post, but, ultimately, it really boils down to the importance of having access to documents that can be helpful to you or your family if something happens to you or there’s an emergency situation.
So here are the documents that we recommend you keep handy:
Passport - It is always important to have a current passport in the event that you need to leave the country. For less serious reasons, having a passport is simply a gateway to explore and enjoy other countries. To get your passport, you can visit your local post office, and receive help with completing the process.
Passports in the US are currently $130.
Driver’s License / ID Card - If you drive, you likely already have a driver’s license handy. If you don’t, you likely still have some form of identification. You’ll want to keep this card handy in the event, it is requested.
Birth Certificate - Oftentimes, a birth certificate is requested when starting a new job. It can be helpful to have this handy if you need it for work or other reasons. This document can also bring peace of mind if you need additional documents to prove who you are. Birth certificates can usually be requested at your local government office.
Social Security Card - Social security cards are also another document that is sometimes requested for employment and/or an additional form of identification. Having it available puts you ahead of the game if you ever need it. Social security cards can usually be requested at your local government office.
Important Passwords Sheet - I have heard of countless stories where something has happened to a person and their family can’t access any of their bank accounts or online accounts. Having your important passwords listed can create an easier process for the people you love in case something happens to you.
Pro-tip: If you save most of your passwords on your devices, you’ll only need to list the passwords to access your actual devices.
Life Insurance Policies - Having insurance policies is completely optional, but can be helpful in numerous ways. For example, it can cover funeral costs, pay debts post-death, and even be used as a way to provide security and stability to your family after you’re gone.
Start by asking yourself, what you would like your life insurance policy to cover in the event of your passing, then research affordable plans from reputable insurance companies.
Medical / End-of-Life Wishes - Having clear instructions for your family on what you would like them to do takes the guesswork out of difficult decisions that may need to be made swiftly.
Reflect on the following questions to get started with this document:
In a medical emergency, would I like to be DNR (do not resuscitate) or would I like to receive all life-saving medical interventions?
In death, would I like to be cremated or buried?
List your requests in a clear manner, sign the document, and tell a trusted person where this document can be found.
A Will - We don’t like to think about this, but we’ve all got to go at some point. It can be such a gift to your loved ones to lay out detailed instructions on how you would like matters handled in an emergency or death. Take some time to reflect on questions such as the ones below to get you started:
Who are the people in my life that I would want to inherit my belongings (e.g. car, house, clothes, money, etc.)?
How would I divide up my belongings amongst these people?
Since wills are considered legal documents, you’ll want to schedule a consultation (they’re usually complimentary) with an attorney in your state to see what is required to legitimize your will.
The Three Copies Rule
Now that we know what documents are important to keep handy, you’ll want to follow the three copies rule. This rule recommends that you keep an original copy, make a second copy as a backup, and keep a scanned copy of the original documents on a secure, password-protected electronic device.
Where to keep them
These are precious documents that shouldn’t be available to anyone. We recommend keeping the physical original and secondary copies in a secure and waterproof place that is easily accessible in case you need to grab them quickly. You can also let a trusted person know where to find these documents in an emergency.
Where to Start
We know this list can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t already have most of the documents listed. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Just start with one document and work your way through the list as best you can.
Need Help?
We know this list can feel overwhelming, especially, if you don’t already have most of the documents listed. It’s ok to feel overwhelmed. Just start with one document, and work your way through the list as best you can.
As always, feel free to reach out to us for extra support in tackling this list and other organizational tasks!
XOXO,
TULU Team