Your Safety Safe-Deposit Box

Kimberley A. Hammer, Esq.

Vice President for
Development,
Institutional Advancement

412-397-6413

hammerk@rmu.edu

I am a 1980 Graduate of Robert Morris University. I receive a lot of information from the college. Sometimes this information comes in handy. Recently, Kimberley A. Hammer sent out some information on what should be in your safety deposit box. She says;

“Your most valuable documents don't belong stashed haphazardly in a messy desk drawer. A safe-deposit box is a secure place to store items that would cause panic if lost.”

“Many banks and credit unions rent safe-deposit boxes. The annual cost can range from less than $50 to more than $400, depending on where you live and what size box you need. In addition to the important documents listed below, consider using a safe-deposit box to store personal items that have great sentimental value or would be difficult and costly to replace.”

This is what she recommends in a safety deposit box;

• Policies Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates

• Adoption Papers and Divorce Decrees

• Deeds, Titles, Mortgage Papers and Lease Contracts

• Military Records and Citizenship Papers

• Stock and Bond Certificates

• A videotape or DVD inventory of your home and all its contents

•  Insurance

Kimberley does not stop here. She recommends that you do not place things in your safety-deposit box that family members and medical personnel must get to fast and easily. She lists such things as;

• Originals of Wills, Trusts and Power of Attorney Documents

• Medical Care directives

• Funeral or Burial instructions

Ms. Hammer gives this advice; “So what should you do with important items that shouldn't be kept in a safe-deposit box? Store them in a safe place at home, such as a fireproof/waterproof safe, where they are more easily accessible in a hurry. You might want to consider giving the originals of these documents to your estate planning attorney and making a copy to keep at home or to give to a close relative or friend. Even more important, make certain the person you've appointed in your power of attorney and medical care directives has an original copy of these documents.”

“As a precautionary measure, keep a separate list of the items in your safe-deposit box and make a habit of checking the box at least once a year—if only to keep from forgetting where you hid the key.”

“Once your records are safe, be sure you keep them up to date.”

I am telling you this information because I have seen many families over my 61 years of life get screwed because no one could find the current Will or Trust papers. No one could find the insurance information or know what insurance company handles the policy. Some people have to make burial decisions on the spot just to find out that no money can be found because no insurance policy can be found. Some people wanted doctors to handle their care one way but some relative decides to do just the opposite. 

If you don’t care about you or your property. If you want to place your friends and love ones in the dark when something happens to you then don’t take this advice.