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Medical Records
can be divided into 2 main categories, personal medical records
and medical insurance information. It may be convenient to
develop a binder with divided sections instead of a filing
system for your medical records, so the information is more
portable and accessible.
1. Personal Medical Records: This section is your medical
history and should include immunizations, physical exams, lab
results, dental records, allergies, and a list of medications.
Keep the list of medications up-to-date and have an extra copy
available, so it is easy to take with you to your medical
appointment. It is helpful to create one section or file for
each member of the family. (You could even have a folder for
your pet’s medical history).
2. Medical Insurance Information: This section can be
divided into categories such as medical, dental, and vision.
Policies, necessary forms, and directories should be placed into
these folders. An additional category can be added for your
settled claims within the last year. Once a year has passed,
remember to archive the older claims.
Financial Records
should be organized into a filing system specific to the your
collection of papers. Much of the paperwork we keep is
unnecessary, so check with the IRS for proper retention
guidelines. (www.irs.gov)
1. Banking/Investments: Create individual files for each
bank, investment/brokerage firm, or loan company with whom you
do business.
2. Vehicles: Keep all service records and other related
documents in a file specific for each car, boat, etc.
3. Insurance: Make files by either the type of insurance
(auto, home, life, etc.) or the managing company.
4. Taxes: Store only the current year’s tax receipts and
documents in a file. Past records should be archived and stored
in a more remote location.
5. Utilities: Group these papers based on either the
company or the utility they provide.
Vital Records
are documents such as birth, death, adoption and marriage
certificates. You should store the original copies of these in
a fire proof box or a safety deposit box for an increased level
of protection. However, do not put items you may need to
unexpectedly access into a safety deposit box as it may be
difficult to get them out when needed. Items which should
remain easily accessible may include your passports, your will,
a living will or medical directive, or the power of attorney.
©November 2009 by Beth Giles |
