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Managing important documents can be a daunting task, but it's essential to keep them organized and secure.
Having a designated place for storing documents is crucial, as it can help prevent loss or damage. This can be a file cabinet, a safe, or even a digital storage service.
It's also vital to keep track of which documents are important and which can be discarded. This can be done by categorizing documents into different types, such as financial, medical, or identification documents.
By implementing a system for managing documents, you can save time and reduce stress in the long run.
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Important Documents
Vital documents are essential for various life events, such as enrolling in school or applying for a passport.
Birth, marriage, and adoption certificates are examples of vital records that are often required. These documents are usually needed when claiming benefits or verifying identity.
Medical records, including annual physical exam results, are crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and tracking medical history. As we age, these records become increasingly important.
Here are some examples of vital documents:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Adoption certificates
- Annual physical exam results
Vital Records
Vital records are documents that you'll need throughout your life, from enrolling in school to applying for a passport. These documents can be birth, marriage, or adoption certificates.
You'll often need to provide these records when claiming benefits, so it's essential to keep them organized and easily accessible.
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Wills and Deeds
A Will is incredibly valuable in the event of an unplanned and extremely unfortunate accident, allowing your desired asset allocation to be handed out as you'd like.
Proof of ownership, such as property titles, falls into the category of important documents to keep.
A Will ensures that your wishes are carried out, and your assets are distributed according to your plans.
In the case of property, a deed is a crucial document that proves ownership and should be kept safe and secure.
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Inaugural Address (1865)
In his Inaugural Address of 1865, President Andrew Jackson presented a strong argument against the Bank Bill, which granted privileges to the bank's shareholders. He believed the bill created a monopoly that harmed the government.
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Jackson opposed the Bank Bill because he thought it favored the wealthy few at the expense of the many. This is evident in his comparison of himself to Brutus, who opposed Julius Caesar's power grab.
Here are some key points to consider in Jackson's argument against the Bank Bill:
- He believed the Supreme Court didn't have the sole power to decide what is constitutional.
- He thought the benefits the bank created for the government were outweighed by the harm it caused.
- He argued that it's essential to respect the rights of the states.
Jackson's views on the Bank Bill highlight the tension between individual rights and the power of the government.
Birmingham Manifesto
The Birmingham Manifesto, signed on April 3, 1963, was a call to action for civil rights in the United States. It was written by F.L. Shuttlesworth and N.H. Smith.
This document was a response to the growing tensions and violence against African Americans in the South. The manifesto was a key moment in the Civil Rights Movement, as it brought together various groups and leaders to demand equal rights.
The manifesto's authors, Shuttlesworth and Smith, were prominent figures in the movement. Shuttlesworth, in particular, was a key leader in the fight against segregation and racism.
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The Birmingham Manifesto was a pivotal moment in American history, marking a turning point in the struggle for civil rights. It paved the way for the passage of landmark legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Here are the key points of the Birmingham Manifesto:
- Demanded an end to segregation and racial discrimination
- Called for equal access to education, employment, and housing
- Urged the government to take action against racist violence and intimidation
The Birmingham Manifesto was a powerful statement of intent, and its impact can still be felt today. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the United States.
Rainbow Coalition Speech
The Rainbow Coalition Speech to Democratic National Convention was a pivotal moment in American history. It was delivered by Fred Hampton, a prominent figure in the Black Panther Party, in 1969.
The speech was part of the Democratic National Convention, which took place in Chicago that year. The convention was marked by protests and clashes between police and anti-war activists.
The Rainbow Coalition Speech was a call to action, urging unity among different racial and ethnic groups to fight for social justice and equality. It was a powerful message that resonated with many people.
Herbert Croly's book, "The Promise of American Life", published in 1909, highlights the importance of progressive ideals in shaping American society.
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Document Management
You should keep medical bills for at least a year in case of an insurance dispute or a mistake in the billing department of the hospital. This is a good rule of thumb to follow.
It's also a good idea to request paperless statements from your financial institutions and bills. This will save you time and reduce paper clutter in your home. You can simply upload those documents to your digital filing system.
Here are some categories to consider when organizing your documents: Actionable (permission slips and pending bills), Household (vehicle registration, home insurance, tax documents, and medical bills), Recycle (generic junk mail, envelopes, and loose notes), Shred (anything with your personal information), Relocate (anything that belongs to someone else), Archive (irreplaceable items like birth certificates, deeds, and estate plans), and [Name] or [Project] (for family members or specific projects).
Here are some essential documents to keep forever:
- Birth, adoption and death certificates.
- Marriage certificates and divorce decrees.
- Social Security cards.
- Military service and discharge records.
Medical Records
Medical records are an essential part of your personal history, including annual physical exam results that may become important as you age.
It's a good idea to keep all your medical records in one place, as they can be a lifesaver if you ever need to refer back to them.
You should keep medical bills for at least a year in case of an insurance dispute or a mistake in the billing department of the hospital.
Medical records also include financial statements, such as monthly debit and credit accounts, which can be useful to keep track of.
Here are some documents to keep for 1 year:
- Medical Bills (in the event of an insurance dispute or a mistake in the billing department of the hospital)
- Financial Statements (monthly debit, credit, investment accounts as well as employment paystubs)
Requesting paperless statements from financial institutions and bills can save you a ton of time and paper clutter in your home.
Assess Your Resources
To assess your resources, start by gathering documents you should keep forever, such as birth, adoption, and death certificates, as well as marriage certificates and divorce decrees.
These documents are essential and should be stored safely, like in a fireproof safe. You'll also want to save social security cards, military service and discharge records, and property deeds and vehicle titles until they're sold.
Next, consider documents you may need for many years, like records of home purchase, improvements, and expenses, which should be kept for three years after a property exchange transaction. Current insurance policies and business licenses should also be stored, as well as current will and trust documents, and retirement benefit information.
Tax documents are another important consideration, and you should save them for three years after filing. This includes investment information, medical expense documentation, business-related receipts, and receipts for charitable contributions.
Here's a breakdown of the types of documents you should save and for how long:
Remember to also back up your digital documents using cloud storage or an external hard drive, and consider evaluating what you have by sorting documents into categories like actionable, household, recycle, shred, relocate, and archive.
Employment and Educational
Organizing your employment and educational documents is a crucial part of effective document management.
Many of your employment documents are likely already covered under insurance policies or financial records, but it's essential to consider anything pertinent to your current workplace.
Your educational documents, such as diplomas and transcripts, can also play a significant role in your professional and personal life.
Having a centralized system for storing and accessing these documents can save you time and reduce stress in the long run.
How to Get Rid of
Getting rid of important documents can be a daunting task, but it's essential to do it properly to protect yourself from identity theft. Tearing papers and tossing them into the recycling bin isn't enough to keep your sensitive information safe.
Fortunately, there are several options to consider. You can do it yourself with a good shredder, which can be a cost-effective option. Many community banks and credit unions offer free shredding days, where you can drop off sensitive documents to be properly disposed of.
You can also find free community shred events, which usually allow you to bring up to two file boxes or three grocery bags of documents. Another option is to pay for shredding, which typically costs around $1 per pound at places like UPS.
Here are some options to consider:
- Do it yourself with a good shredder
- Take advantage of free shredding days at community banks and credit unions
- Attend a free community shred event
- Purchase shredding services at a reasonable cost (typically $1/lb)
Speech to Congress
Speech to Congress is a crucial aspect of document management, where a President's words can have a lasting impact on the country's policies and laws.
The first recorded instance of a President giving a speech to Congress was by George Washington in 1790, who delivered a message to Congress outlining the country's financial situation.
A well-crafted speech can be a powerful tool for conveying a President's vision and goals to Congress, as seen in Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, which redefined the purpose of the Civil War.
In 2020, President Trump's speech to Congress was notable for its brevity, lasting just 55 minutes, a stark contrast to the 1 hour and 20 minutes speech delivered by President Obama in 2015.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 influential documents?
The U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Federalist Papers are four foundational documents that shaped America's government and history. These influential documents provide a glimpse into the country's early development and continue to impact its laws and policies today.
What are the 3 great documents?
The 3 great documents of American history are foundational documents that shape the country's government and freedoms. They are the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights.
What paperwork do you really need to keep?
To keep important documents, consider storing papers like driver's licenses, credit cards, health insurance cards, and bank account records, as well as any special health documentation. Keeping these essential papers organized can help you stay on top of your finances and health.
Sources
- https://elegantsi.com/blog/organizing-important-documents
- https://teachingamericanhistory.org/collections/50-core-american-documents/
- https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/list
- https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-organize-lifes-most-important-documents/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/organize-important-documents
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