5 TIPS FOR PAPER SECURITY

1. Replace your mailbox with one that locks. As I went to pick up my mail today, I noticed that my new credit card had come. I knew because on the back of the envelope two of the numbers were rubbed and as a result were etched onto the envelope. I took the base of my car key and rubbed and sure enough the whole number rubbed onto the envelope. When I took it to the mirror it reflected my personal credit card number back at me. The bottom line: get a Post Office-approved mailbox with a lock!
   
   
2. Always read the fine print. I opened my mail today and received an "explanation of benefits" from my insurance company. On the back side it said, "this is the only copy you will receive, please keep this copy for tax purposes." The bottom line: read the fine print and back side of documents before shredding or throwing away them away; they may be tax related. You may have a hard time getting another copy.
   
   
3. Keep critical papers somewhere safe. A safety deposit box is good for precious papers that don’t need to be used often, like your passport. A fireproof safe is good for less critical papers, like confidential papers from work. You can also use it for temporary storage of important documents, like your social security card when you’re applying for several jobs. Finally, if it’s large enough, you can store current tax records there over the course of the year.
   
   
4. Make sure your family knows where all of the important papers are. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have your personal papers in order. Unfortunately, life likes to give us unexpected events that are not always so pleasant. Therefore it is crucial that we can keep one thing in order for sure – our personal papers. Make sure that you have a sheet that lists where all of these important papers are. Again, you may want to keep the originals or a notarized copy in your safety deposit box.
   
   
5. Make a will, or update your old one. I don’t mean to be a downer, but without a will, you’re going to put your family through a lot of turmoil. Even the do-it-yourself kits are ten times better than nothing. And remember, if you get married or have a child, any existing will is as good as worthless. The will can go in the safety deposit box. If you have a lawyer, keep a copy with him or her too.