When was the last time you couldn't find an important paper you knew you had carefully put away? How do people decide where to store and keep such records? And how do they know what to keep, what to throw away, and when? Do you have a simple system or directions to where your important papers are kept you can refer to in case of an emergency?

Every household must work out its own records management system, but some general guidelines can help. A good system will also provide an overview of what happens to property after a major life event occurs. Below, please find some resources for protecting your most important possessions by keeping accurate and up to date records.

• Managing Your Household Records - A guide for cataloging and tracking household information, from the Family Financial Education Foundation.
• Managing Your Personal Records - A comprehensive guide to managing household records, courtesy of Record Nations.