Do you have a drawer filled with sticky notes or slips of paper containing names and numbers? Perhaps you own multiple address books? Are “Proof of” documents available in paper and electronic format (in case you have to email it)? If you’ve taken over the bills and find yourself unsure of what needs to be paid, as well as where and when, it’s crucial to organize that information – it shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt.

Which documents and records require gathering, updating, and filing? Taking the time to organize your financial, insurance, health, and legal documents, as well as managing your online accounts and beneficiaries, can prove to be a significant time-saver and is essential in an emergency.