Peace of Mind. I love those three little words. Paperwork and personal information is not always easy to find – especially when you need it right away. That is why I highly recommend a Household Binder. Also called a Life Binder, Family Emergency Binder, Home Management Binder or a Home Keeper, this one-stop organizer will save you valuable time and money for the rest of your life.
Not just for financial organization or emergency preparedness, a Household Binder keeps ALL your important family information together. It is an invaluable way to have everything at your fingertips – whatever twists and turns life may bring.
Organizing all this information may seem like a difficult task, but take it one step at a time and do one category a week. You will have it completed in no time!
Customize your binder to fit your family and needs. Instead of one big binder you may choose to make a smaller binder for each category. Do what makes sense to you! There are LOTS of templates and printables online to get you started – or you can make your own. You can also purchase a Prepared Binder (check out Amazon.com).
Here are a few items you will need when creating your binder:
• Large, Sturdy Binder or Several Small Binders
• Clear Sheet protectors
• Business Card or Baseball Card Holders
• Labels
• Tabbed Dividers
• Peel and Stick Tabs
• Sticky Notes
• Pocket Folders
• Markers
• 3 Ring Hole Punch
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A HOUSEHOLD BINDER SHOULD INCLUDE:
A SUMMARY PAGE / TABLE OF CONTENTS
IDENTIFICATION:
• Birth Certificates
• Passports / Visas
• Child / Adult / Pet ID Kits
• Membership Cards
• Military Records
• Voter Registration
• Social Security cards and Information
• Immigration Papers
MEDICAL:
• Birth and Death Certificates
• Health and Immunization Records
• Dental Records
• Prescriptions
• Living Will
LEGAL:
• Marriage Certificate and License
• Divorce Settlements
• Adoption & Custody Papers
• Last Will and Testaments
• Estate Planning
• Court Documents
• Contracts
• Inheritance Records
• Power of Attorney Trust Information
• Deeds and Titles
RELIGION:
• Baptismal Records
• Church Records and Certificates
• Memorial Plans
FINANCIAL:
• Banking Information
• Stocks and Bonds
• 401K and Mutual Funds Information
• Investments
• Retirement Plan
• Social Security Information
• Bills
• Utilities Information
• Receipts
• Government Benefits
• Credit Cards
• Bank Cards
• Copies of Credit Cards – front and back
• Account Passwords
• Checking and Savings Account Information
• Debt Information
• Credit Reports
• Tax Returns
AUTO:
• Loan and Lease Agreements
• Titles
• Bill of Sales
• License Plates and VIN #s
• Registrations
• Insurance Policy and Agent information
• Repair Records
• Warranty Information
PROPERTY:
• Real Estate Records
• Loan information
• Titles and Deeds
• Mortgage Records
• Re-finance Records
• Property Tax Information
• Home Security Contact Information and Codes
• Homeowners Insurance Policy
• Inventory of Your Home – update annually
• Home Repairs / Improvement Records
EMPLOYMENT:
• Resume
• Business Licenses and Insurance
• Benefit Records
• Contact Information
• Contracts
• Records
• Paycheck Stubs
INSURANCE:
• Policies and Agent Information:
o Life
o Health
o Auto
o Renters
• Warranties
• Medicare and Medicaid Information
EDUCATION:
• Student Loan Information
• Diplomas
• Records and Transcripts
MISC:
• Backup of Computer Files
• Secured Online Sites and Passwords
• Evacuation and Emergency Plan of Action
• Genealogy Records
• Safe Combinations
• Safety Deposit Box information and Contact
• Serial Numbers of Valuable Items
• Firearm Licenses and Serial Numbers
• Extra Set of Keys
• Emergency Contact Information: addresses and phone numbers
• Special Contact Information: addresses and phone numbers
You may be concerned about the risk of having so much personal information together in one place. Like most things – you have to weigh the risks. If it makes you uncomfortable – don’t do it. I keep my Household Binder in a very secure location. I recommend a waterproof, fireproof locked box. I feel very safe and comfortable knowing all my important family documents are together.
Check out these Household Binder ideas on our Pinterest board:http://www.pinterest.com/silverliningorg/organize-a-household-binder/
