Keeping records, managing money

Your personal records:

Some of the most valued "records" that you have are probably personal letters, photographs, and such mementos as newspaper clippings, diplomas, and graduation programs. Don't feel guilty about saving these, but don't be overly sentimental either --throw out the scraps that will mean little as time passes.

To protect these mementos from fire or flood--and kkeep them in a metal strongbox or a small footlocker.

make sure that you have copies of all birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates. These records are filed permanently either in a state vital statistics office or in a city, county, or other local office.

To get copies of a birth certificate, write to the appropriate office of the capital of the state where the birth took place. The office may be listed in the phone book under vital statistics or health department. It may even be listed under birth certificates in a quick reference3 list of state or local government.