Keep These Financial Records in Your 'Go Bag'
Keep These Financial Records in Your 'Go Bag'
Lisa Rowan
But even if you don’t live in a hurricane-prone area like I do, there’s no excuse for not having an emergency kit ready for the worst-case scenario, whether it be a wildfire or a flood or an earthquake.
Beyond evacuation essentials like clothing, toothpaste and a flashlight, you’ll also want to have a substantial amount of financial information on hand. This information can help you make payments, access assistance, and otherwise go about daily life during or after an emergency. Since cell phone or internet service may not be available, it’s important not to rely on just having your username and password memorized to access various financial services.
Plus, you’ll need a lot of that financial information to help you rebuild: For instance, you may need to show proof of income if you apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief assistance. And the last thing you want to be doing as you’re trying to rush your family out of your house is trying to dig up your last pay stub.
The following are the financial documents you should pack copies of in your evacuation bag.
Identification
Driver’s license and/or passport
Social security card
Birth certificate
Contact numbers for family, friends or neighbors
School registration forms
Family
Alimony payment agreement
Child support payment agreement and payment receipts
Elder care payment records
Will or trust
Power of attorney
Home
The deed to your house or your rental lease
Home or renter’s insurance policy
Other home loans, like a home equity line of credit
Photos of your property, including photos of valuable items that have separate insurance coverage
Flood insurance policy
Property tax statement
Car
Title or loan records
Registration
Insurance policy Banking, Investing And Credit Cards
Account numbers, routing numbers, verification codes and institution contact information
Account information for stocks, bonds or mutual funds
Retirement account records
Other Financial Records
Most recent tax return
Employment record (an offer letter or pay stubs) and contact information for workplace
Government benefits documentation (Social Security, TANF, veterans benefits)
Utility account information
Student loan agreements
Cash
Along with your documents, you’ll want to have cash available for expenses if payment systems are unavailable or the power is out. How much should you have handy?
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