Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

The fourth file slot in Box 1 of 3 of our family’s important documents holds our Important Personal Documents. After our birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and passports, I will find our marriage license. I have made 2 – 3 copies which I keep paper clipped to the envelope that holds our original certified license.

When we received our official marriage license, I made about 10 copies. To change my name on my driver’s license, social security card, bank accounts, credit accounts, and insurance policies, I had to supply a copy of our marriage license. Since changing all those accounts almost 13 years ago, I can only recall one other time I was asked for a copy of our marriage license. I sent it to the State Department along with my birth certificate when I applied for my passport.

Though I do not foresee needing a copy of our marriage license in the near future, this important document stays safe in my file for quick retrieval when needed. Having all our documents organized in one place/file system helps to save money (not purchasing additional certified copies), energy (not worrying and racking my brain trying to figure out “where I put that thing”), and time (not sorting through piles searching for a document that “must be here somewhere”).  Taking the time to organize will also help you save money, energy, and time. Keep up the great work!