You are wise to prepare a "grab and go" kit in the event of a disaster. A small plastic file box with a handle usually works well. Consider storing financial documents electronically so that you don't have to carry around a lot of paper. One way to do this is to scan important original financial documents using a computer and save the files on a CD or USB flash drive, which is placed in the box.
Whether done electronically or with paper copies of documents, among the financial records that should be placed in the "grab and go" kit are checking and savings account numbers with bank/credit union names, a list of savings and investments, a credit card inventory (type of cards and account numbers), a household property inventory, insurance policies (name of company, contact information, type of policy, and policy number), copies of wills and trust documents, property titles (e.g., house and car), certificates (birth, marriage, divorce, death, and adoption), children's records (e.g., immunizations), educational records, and passports.
We would like your feedback on this Personal Finance Frequently Asked Question.
