Document Locator System: A Handy Aid For Keeping Track of Your Records

Most people have no idea where to start searching for their important records. They usually keep them scattered in various locations - tax records in a file cabinet, savings bonds in a home safe, wills at an attorney's office, some contracts or deeds in a bank safe deposit box.

There's a reason many people do not have an organized recordkeeping system: Organizing your records is stressful and confusing.

Set up tabbed sections in your files with the following captions (customizing sections as appropriate to your particular situation):

File the documents and other records listed in Column 1 in the file sections recommended in Column 2 of the Document Locator. Where the original or a copy is filed elsewhere, note this location in Column 3 of the Document Locator. You can also use Column 3 for any notes regarding the document (such as Passport - "Renew by October 12, 2022" or IRA - "Take first distribution by December 31, 2022").

Certain documents, records, and other information should be easily locatable in an emergency. These include (1) your personal records, (2) a list of your assets, (3) your estate planning records, and (4) your financial records.

Use this comprehensive Document Locator table to organize all your important documents. File each document in the recommended section, and note any alternative locations or important notes in the third column.