Gift Planning

What to Keep in a Safe-Deposit Box

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.

What to Keep in a Safe-Deposit Box

Insurance 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

What NOT to Keep in a Safe-Deposit Box

Originals of wills, trusts and power of attorney documents
Medical care directives
Funeral or burial instructions


	Missing some of the important documents listed above? Download our free guide on beginning your estate planning.

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.

Quick Tip:
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. If you'd like to include Hindu Heritage Endowment in your will or other long-term plans, please contact Swami Shanmuganatha at 808-822-3012 x244 or hhe@hindu.org.

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes apply to federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.