Hot on your paper trail

Think about this: Some things are only true and valid if they are rendered in black and white. A piece of paper can mean the world.

Each home (or household) comes with its set of documents — such as papers to prove ownership (title) and to protect (insurance). You may liken these documents to the four walls of your home. Living in a space where your land title is missing or your home insurance has not been paid is like leaving your doors wide open and unlocked all of the time. Yes, scary stuff.

We list eight documents that you should always know the whereabouts of. It also doesn’t hurt to have copies. Go out of your way to make digital copies of these as well, in case of unforeseen circumstances like calamities. More importantly, familiarize family members, like your children who are of age, with these documents and the responsibilities that go with them. They will eventually inherit the properties you have invested in and have taken care of these years.