Jill On Money: Financial cleanup — What to keep and what to shred
Home inspection /Home warranty/Survey: Can be useful for future projects.
Mortgage documents: Keep the promissory note, deed of trust, proof of title insurance for the life of the loan. While you can request copies of the originals, replacements can take time and effort, so keep them in a safe place.
Home improvements/major purchases: These may be necessary if you need to make an insurance claim or for tax purposes when you sell your home (some improvements can increase the cost basis on your home, which can minimize a potential capital gains tax exposure.)
If you maintain paper versions of any of these, make digital copies and then store them in a fireproof safe.
— Birth and death certificates
— Social Security cards
— Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
— Military Discharge papers
— Estate documents
While many people have access to their credit scores through their credit card companies or banks, now is a perfect time to access AnnualCreditReport.com for your FREE copy.
If you identify an error on your credit report, you should contact the credit reporting company (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and put in writing what you think is wrong, why, and include copies of documents that support your dispute.
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(Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is a CBS News business analyst. A former options trader and CIO of an investment advisory firm, she welcomes comments and questions at askjill@jillonmoney.com. Check her website at www.jillonmoney.com)
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