Start the New Year with Peace of Mind: Organize Your Important Documents

A Simple Step That Can Bring Peace of Mind When Life Feels Unpredictable

Our lives can be disrupted with little or no warning - by natural disasters, fires, medical emergencies, or other catastrophic events. In those moments, stress is already high. The last thing anyone wants is to be scrambling for critical information or important documents.

The good news? Preparing for the unexpected doesn’t have to be complicated.

It can be as simple as creating one organized folder which can be physical, digital, or both with copies of your most important information. Think of it as a personal safety net for you and your loved ones. This small act of preparation can make a big difference when time, clarity, and peace of mind matter most.

Your Important Documents Checklist

Use the list below as a guide to help you get started. You don’t need to do it all at once—set aside an hour or two and build it over time.

Identification

• Birth certificates

• Marriage license

• Social Security cards

• Passports

• Voter registration

Finances

• Copy of your most recent credit report (you’re entitled to one free report each year)

• Most recent tax return

• Bank account information

• Financial portfolio account information

• Credit card account information

Home Accounts

• Mortgage documents or rental agreement

• Utility companies and account information

• Copy of your home warranty policy (if applicable)

• Copy of homeowners or renters insurance

Other Account Information

• Credit card accounts

• Student loans

• Vehicle loans or leases

Health Information

• Vital health information for each family member (blood type, allergies, medical conditions)

• Immunization/shot records

• Health insurance information

• Short- and long-term disability insurance

• Life insurance

• Vehicle insurance

• Pet insurance

Life Planning

• Last Will & Testament

• Living trust (if applicable)

• Health care power of attorney

• Advance directive

A Few Helpful Tips

• Keep copies: Store a digital version securely in the cloud and a physical copy in a waterproof, fire-resistant folder if possible.

• Tell someone you trust: Make sure at least one trusted person knows where this information is kept.

• Review annually: Life changes and we suggest updating your folder once a year.

We can’t always control what happens around us, but we can control how prepared we are. Taking this simple step today can provide reassurance, clarity, and protection for the people who matter most.

If this post reminds you to start or finally finish your folder, consider sharing it with someone you care about. Sometimes peace of mind is one checklist away.