The Superstorm and Your Financial Records

All over a large part of the USA today, there are many families whose homes were destroyed by a powerful tornado or other major storm. They are going through the remains of their homes, salvaging whatever they can. What will happen to their financial records, as papers are scattered?

Now is the time, before the storm hits your community, to start writing your financial facts. Write down your birth-date, current and past addresses.

Then write down your insurance information. List your car, homeowner's/renter's insurance company, policy number and claims department phone number. add your health insurance policy and liability insurance information, if you have it.

Password protect the information online. It is easy to do with controls that may already be on your computer.

Print  a copy of this out and put it in a clear plastic sealable bag, or put it in your purse or wallet for now. If you can, send a copy to a friend in another state to keep for you in case  your home gets destroyed. You can also put this information on a password protected flash-drive attached to your keyring.

For more information of what to collect and an easy format to use, check out the Financial Overview Template. Even if you can't collect all the information you need, imagine how relieved you will be in the event of an emergency to have some of the information easily accessible!