Pamela Hogue Real Estate Professional Century 21 Hometown Realty Century 21 Hometown Realty 1811 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454 O: 805.934.2105 M: 805.878.0493 Contact Me

Stress over financial matters can affect both your health and your family's well-being. To ease stress, take charge of your financial health with the following tips.

Gather your documents and store them safely. Over time, you accumulate all sorts of important papers from medical histories to bills and insurance information. It's a good idea to keep all these important documents in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box or fire-proof strong box. Here are some things you'll want to store safely and be able to retrieve quickly:

• Insurance plan information - life, health, dental, home owners, renters, auto, boat, etc.
• Mortgage information
• Tax information - returns, purchase and charitable contribution receipts
• Investment paperwork - savings, stocks, bonds and retirement records
• Will and trust or health care directives

Keep ATM receipts for a month, and paycheck stubs, bills, credit card, bank and investment statements for a year. Hold on to tax returns, medical bills, mortgage and home records longer -- up to three to seven years.