22/07/2024

18 Important Documents You Should Never Trash

We all know that dealing with paperwork isn’t fun, so most of us have stacks of papers shoved in a drawer or a file cabinet somewhere. But the truth is that you have to keep some of those dusty documents forever. Why? Let’s look at 18 of them to find out.

Birth Certificates

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You need your birth certificate for almost anything important, whether getting a passport or signing up for Medicare. It’s a pain to replace, so make sure you keep it safe by putting it somewhere secure. After all, you never know when you’ll need to whip it out to sign up for something or settle a dispute.

Social Security Card

If you want to manage your finances, you’ll need your Social Security card, including when starting a new job or filing taxes. Losing it can lead to serious issues, the worst of which is identity theft. To avoid this, make sure you tuck it away safely and only bring it out when absolutely necessary.

Passports

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Even your old, expired passports are worth keeping because they may come in handy for renewing your current passport or providing proof of your identity. It’s also kind of fun to flip through them and remember all the places you’ve been! You may sometimes need them for a background check or to verify past travel if you apply for certain visas.

Will and Testament

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Your will is your voice when you’re not around to speak, and it tells everyone what you want to happen with your things when you’re gone. Keeping the latest version safe means there’s no confusion or family feuds later. Just make sure you update it as your life changes, like after buying a new house, so that everything stays on track.

Power of Attorney

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If you’re physically incapable of making a decision, that’s when your power of attorney comes in. You should always keep this document handy so that you know your loved ones will manage your affairs the way you want, come what may. When unexpected health issues or accidents happen, your power of attorney can be a literal life-saver.

Marriage Certificate

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While some people might think your marriage certificate is just a memory of your big day, it’s actually a lot more than that. You may need it for things like tax returns or health insurance, so it’s well worth holding onto. Even if you’re traveling in some countries, you might need your marriage certificate to get accommodation.

Divorce Decree

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Similarly, if you’ve been through a divorce, your decree is as important as any marriage certificate because it sets out who gets what and helps you move on. This document helps keep things straight, whether that’s for changing your name back or sorting out your finances. You might also need to prove your marital status; having your decree will speed this up.

Home Deed

When you’re proving ownership, your home deed is the perfect document, even if you decide to sell. Once you retire, you’ll need it to help plan your estate or perhaps pass down your property to your heirs. Without your deed, you’ll have to deal with many questions that nobody wants to face.

Property Tax Records

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Vehicle Titles

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Just like your home deed, your car title proves that your set of wheels is all yours. If you’re selling or insuring your vehicle, it’s a must-have, and without it, you could run into legal issues or issues with future sales. Keep this document secure to avoid any troubles, and remember, no title, no sale.

Loan Documents

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Even if you’ve paid off your mortgage or big personal loan, keeping all the paperwork is worthwhile until you have absolute proof that you’re all clear. This can save you from potential disputes with lenders or issues on your credit report. You might even want to keep it after that date to prove your financial obligations and how you’ve handled them over the years.

Tax Returns and Supporting Documents

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You never know when the IRS might start bugging you, so you should probably hold onto your tax returns and all the documents you used to file them. This way, you can also track your financial history and sort out your estate further down the line. If there are any discrepancies or audits, having these documents will make your life much easier.

Retirement Plans

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Any documents for your 401(k) or other retirement plans are perfect for ensuring you retire worry-free. They’ll help you know what you’ve put away and ensure you’re on track for your golden years. You’ll also need them to manage your investments so you can understand how your retirement is shaping up as you plan ahead.

Insurance Policies

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Whatever insurance policies you have, including health or home, you should keep your current ones at hand so you know exactly what you’re covered for and how to file a claim. You may even want to hold onto old policies for any claims that might appear later. Reviewing them every so often also means you can check you’re getting the best deal and the right coverage.

Medical Records

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Keep a file of your major health milestones like surgeries or major treatments, as you may need these during an emergency or just for regular doctor visits. It’s far easier to have these close by so that your medical team can give you the best and most personalized care. Having a well-documented medical record will make insurance claims much faster.

Death Certificates

While it might be sad to think about, you’ll need to keep death certificates for family members whenever you’re settling estates or claiming benefits. After all, a lot goes into handling the formalities of losing someone, like closing accounts and fulfilling final wishes. Why not make it easier on yourself by keeping those documents?

Stock Certificates

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Any stock or share certificates you have are your proof that you have invested in a company, which is pretty important even in this day and age of digital trading. You never know when the internet might go down, and you don’t want to rely on an online copy when you really need it. You may also need these certificates for tax calculations.

Educational Certificates

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Finally, you may want to take your diplomas and certificates off the wall and put them somewhere a little safer, as they prove your qualifications and expertise. These are particularly important when you’re job hunting or going for a promotion. There’s no better way to prove your skills and knowledge than with these documents, which will seriously help you stand out in the job market.