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    Master Lock Product Solutions for Secure and Structured Document Storage Review (& Giveaway Ends 4/18)

    By 364 Comments

    ABOUT:

    There’s no better time to sort through the growing pile of papers in your home office than when you’re preparing to file year-end taxes. While organizing paperwork and personal files can seem like a daunting task, it certainly doesn’t need to be. Master Lock has provided five tips for organizing and safely storing important documents for a smooth tax filing process and more organized year.

    “Eliminating unnecessary paperwork and storing tax files in one organized, secure place is vital to a stress-free tax filing process,” said Rebecca Smith, vice president, marketing for Master Lock. “By creating and maintaining a master storage system, individuals can not only ease the tax filing process, but also enjoy a feeling of preparedness year-round.”

    • Purge the paperwork: First things first – clear the clutter. Go through all paperwork and eliminate anything you no longer need, shredding identifying documents to protect against identity theft. Get rid of expired warranties and year-old receipts and bank statements.
    • Safely store crucial records: Designate a specific storage space for vital documents including birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, wills and social security cards. These items, as well as any important memorabilia, should be stored in a locked, fire retardant box such as Master Lock’s 7142D storage box. Not only will you always know where these items are, they’ll be safe from home mishaps.
    • Create a tax file: Create a separate file for all of your tax documents. We recommend a customizable, portable filing solution such as Master Lock’s 7148D storage box for simple and easy transport to and from meeting with your accountant or tax advisor. Organize this file into 10 categories: income (pay stubs, W-2s, interest statements), medical (medical expenses and health insurance out-of-pocket), donations (cash and non-cash donations), real estate (interest statements from mortgage, tax assessments), child care (payment receipts), tax correspondence (important IRS or state revenue service letters), student loans (statements of payment), miscellaneous receipts (any receipts that might be needed for deductions), payments (records of advance payments) and old tax papers (old tax returns). Continue to use your tax file year-round, and you won’t have to scramble for these documents when it comes time to file next year.
    • Back up everything: Make digital copies of important documents and store them in your fireproof box on a zip or thumb drive. Use a secure online organization and security solution, such as the Master Lock Vault (www.masterlockvault.com) to store log-in and password information for bank accounts and credit cards as well as lock combinations or key numbers to your file boxes. Consider appointing a guardian as an additional security measure who knows where and how your records are stored for easy access in your absence.
    • Make it a tradition: Select a specific time of year (perhaps when tax time rolls around again) and make your review of these records an annual occurrence. This will ensure your information is streamlined and up-to-date and that finding or organizing this information is never an overwhelming process again.

    MY THOUGHTS:

    Everyone has documents that are important and need to be kept in a safe and secure place, whether it be a Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Tax Documents, Home Deeds, or other important documents. Currently I have a safe deposit bank at a bank where I keep our important documents, but I don’t get a chance to go there as often as I should to put in new stuff.  So at home I don’t have anything safe and secure in the meantime before I go to the bank.

    I got the chance to check out the Master Lock  7140D Security Chest and its perfect for securing all my documents.

    Masterlock Security Chest 7140D

    The new handy storage security chest from Masterlock is an all steel construction chest and is ideal for money, jewellery and small documents. The Masterlock 7140D is fitted with a lock at the front, has a carry handle for easy transportation and the lid is secured by a piano-type hinge

    Features:

    • Fire Retardant Insulation
    • Heavy Duty Steel Construction
    • Handle for convenient carrying
    • Two document envelopes included
    • Built-in security lock

    What I love about the Master Lock Security Chest is that it is the perfect size for my needs and light enough that I can carry it.  The two main features that are a must for me are that it has fire retardant insulation and has a key lock.  Having a fire or other emergency is not something people can really prepare for, but the Master Lock products do a good job to make things easier for people.  I feel much safer knowing my documents are secured in a Master Lock product rather than just sitting in an envelope in a filing cabinet.  The Security Chest is also something I can just carry with me to the bank to empty into our safe deposit box or if we ever close our safe deposit box I would be fine with just keeping everything inside the Master Lock Security Chest.

    VISIT: For more information on document storage solutions including where to buy, please visit Master Lock’s website at www.masterlock.com. Visit www.masterlockvault.com to utilize the free, secure online storage application and download a smart phone app for easy access on the go. 

    WIN IT: (1) US winner will receive the Master Lock Storage Security 7148D

    Features:

    • Locking file box
    • 6″ (15.2cm) x 13-1/2″ (34.3cm) x 10-1/2″ (26.7cm)
    • Durable steel construction stands up to daily use
    • Key lock to protect and secure your personal documents
    • Includes 2 keys

    TO ENTER:  Leave a tip or comment on keeping documents secure or organized.


    Extra Entries (Only valid after you answer Main Entry above and Please leave a comment for each):
    ~ Follow me via Google Friend Connect (bottom of site)
    ~ Subscribe to Mama’s Money Savers
    ~ Follow Me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (You can Tweet daily! – Or hit the TWEET Button at the top!)
    #GIVEAWAY: Win a Master Lock Security Chest! @mamasmoney (Ends 4/18) http://bit.ly/huDKDc
    ~ “Like” Mom and More on Facebook
    ~ Share on Facebook (just click the Share button at the top of the post and leave a comment that you did!)
    ~ Follow me via Networked Blogs
    ~ Blog about this contest or send an email to friends/family and CC:[email protected]
    ~ Post my blog button on your site
    ~ STUMBLE or any other social network this giveaway
    ~ Enter any of my other giveaways or tell me how you heard about this giveaway!
    ~ 2 ENTRIES – Enter the Master Lock giveaway over at Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

    Please leave me a comment for EACH entry. This contest ends April  18, 2011. Thanks everyone and good luck! Also, if you just put a generic comment like “I want to Win” then I will have to disqualify you. Once per household/ip address please.

    Mom and More Disclosure: I was sent a product to review in exchange for my honest opinion. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

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    Comments

    6. heather c says

      A good idea is to keep a log of what’s contained within your lock box somewhere else (trunk of car, regular file cabinet, etc) as well as within. Compare and update at least twice a year and review to see if anything else needs to be added.

      Reply

    9. brian e. says

      Thanks for the giveaway…for extra security, scan your important documents onto a flash drive & store somewhere other than your home.

      senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

      Reply

    16. Beverly M. says

      I don’t have any secure place to keep my important documents, so this would be really nice to win. Thanks for having the contest!

      Reply

    19. susan smoaks says

      to keep documents secure and organized i organize them as they come into the house that way it never piles up

      Reply

    21. Jaque R. says

      I keep important documents in specific places according to their category. Some in the metal file cabinet and others in an old metal, portable box. Not much of a system, but it works for me. 🙂 Thank you.

      Reply

    23. Leslie S. says

      I have my husband take all of our important papers to his office at work.He is the only one with a key to it.Thanks!
      lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com

      Reply

    40. momznite says

      If you put things in a safety deposit box, keep a list at home of what is in the box.
      momznite_at_yahoo_daught_com

      Reply

    55. Rosey says

      File them as soon as you get them, and always keep them in the same place so you know where you’ve filed them.

      Reply

    56. Kim Parrott says

      Keep things relatively coherent in your tax file or it makes tax time a disaster. Don’t be like me this year – nightmare time! I need serious organization!

      Reply

    57. Angie Dixon says

      I think a lot of people are like me–we always start out strong with organizing, but then get distracted or fall behind.

      One way to keep up with it is on a certain day each month to file any new documents that have come in, and quickly purge any old ones. Takes about five minutes and if you put it on your calendar you don’t forget.

      THanks.

      Reply

    60. Jennifer R says

      I go through my documents yearly to make sure I am aware of where everything is and it is organized. I keep them in a fireproof file cabinet. reejen at comcast dot net

      Reply

    62. Aisling says

      The key to organizing documents for me is to keep them sorted in clearly labeled file folders. (I’m talking about receipts and warrenties and such. Really important documents need to be kept in a lock box.) mcgillrmcgill(at)charter(dot)net

      Reply

    69. bonnie says

      One of the best things to do with documents is to scan and save them on a hard drive so that you have back ups.

      Reply

    70. Daily Woman says

      We have a small safe for our important documents and use a metal file cabinet to keep our papers organized.

      Reply

    77. Erica C. says

      Even if your documents are in a safe that has a key…it only works if you have the key hidden! Don’t keep the key right next to the box!

      Reply

    113. Raven In A Blue Room says

      following you on twitter @left_the_stars
      I tweeted your giveaway

      schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

      Reply

    114. Raven In A Blue Room says

      Google Friends Connect – following your blog publicly as Louis

      schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

      Reply

    115. Raven In A Blue Room says

      really important is stuff should be stored at a bank safe

      Thank you for hosting this giveaway

      Louis
      schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

      Reply

    121. Michelle says

      One thing I learned about keeping documents secure is to put them in a high place. We had a minor flood last year and it nearly ruined all the documents I had in a flip file on the floor.

      Reply

    138. Kimbuckjr says

      MANDATORY ENTRY: Gosh, a tip on how to keep documents organized. Well, I usually keep all my MOST important documents in a filing cabinet that is kept in our garage. And I only keep documents that are a year or newer. If the document is 13 months or older, I trash it. And anything that has important personal info. on it…I SHRED it!!!! I take NO risks. Actually, I usually SHRED everything.
      [email protected]

      Reply

    158. ShellieAndBrutus says

      Well, my documents are NOT irganized very well. They seem to be in various places all over the house. I’m bad, I know.

      Reply

    171. clynsg says

      If you have several family members who each have to file taxes, it certainly helps to have a separate folder for each of them

      Reply

    175. marina says

      My tip would be to keep your imp docs in a file under lock and key.Also ensure you shred any mail you get with personal info on the same

      Reply

    181. Nikki says

      I have a lot of paperwork in my house that’s important since I have a child with a disability. I find that organizing by function as well as date works really well for me, and I can always put my hands on exactly what I need. Whether it’s a document from the doctor, a copy of our IEP or a financial document, they are all sorted and organized.

      Reply

    198. Mike says

      I digitize all my important documents and place them in a my safe deposit box…

      Or, at least, that’s what I plan to do…

      mtdoonmeister at gmail dot com

      Reply

    203. Sarah Hirsch says

      to stay organized, make sure you go through your files periodically and get rid of anything you don’t need anymore. get rid of or shred anything unimportant.

      Reply

    215. Suzanna60 says

      tip for organizing important papers- a folder -labeled with the info is what i am using at the moment -got great

      Reply

    227. susanlanai says

      We like to make a copy of all our important documents and file them somewhere else besides our home.

      Reply

    237. SnowflakeDay (Audra) says

      I (try) to stay organized by cleaning out my filing cabinet at least once a year. I actually go through every folder and weed out what is to be filed in the attic for tax purposes and what should be tossed. It’s amazing how much gets trashed. I do it around tax time, so that actually helps me get my taxes accomplished at the same time. I also file away any new items weekly.

      Reply

    244. Victoria Lester says

      A tip for keepin documents organized is to put documents in labled file folders in a box and Lable the box – that’s for unimportant documents.
      flophasit at yahoo dot com
      Thank you for the chance to enter!

      Reply

    257. B.J. Bernal says

      For my important documents i’ve always used folders different colors to keep up with whats what (chucosbabygirl(at)yahoo(dot)com)

      Reply

    263. deb c says

      My tip for keeping organized is get rid of the junk paperwork you don’t need right away. If you let it pile up then you’ll be overwhelmed and not know where to start.

      Reply

    267. artina says

      I would suggest going through things as soon as you get them. Then they don’t pile up! I have a hard time sticking to this one.

      Reply

    271. alh1203 says

      keep all my groupons and restaraunt.com certificates printed and in one folder in one spot so I can always find them!

      Reply

    279. Joyce Mlinek says

      It is important to keep all your important documents in one location where they can easily be found by immediate family members when needed. It is best to have a water/fire-resistant storage box for your hard to replace documents.

      Reply

    281. Jay says

      I heard once that the best place to put valuable paperwork was in freezer bag and hidden in freezer! Burglars would never check there and it is pretty fireproof.

      Reply

    291. DEBIJOT says

      To keep documents organized, I file them as soon as I receive them. I don’t let them lie around the house.

      Reply

    296. Patti Hess says

      It is very important to keep marriage license, birth certificates, life insurance policies safe in case of fire and flood. We really could use a bigger one then the one we have

      pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
      thanks for the chance

      Reply

    306. Gladys Parker says

      I suggest putting documents into clear page holders that fit into 3 ring binders, therefore covered with plastic. Then put in a secure place.

      Gladys P
      @sueparks2003
      sps1113 at yahoo dot com

      Reply

    313. Some Lucky Dog says

      My tip! My sister and I keep copies of each others important documents and photos (in disc). We live in different states even if one of us lost everything in a fire or natural disaster those copies should be safe.
      someluckydog at gmail dot com

      Reply

    319. Tonya Filleman says

      I am not good at organizing papers OR keeping them very safe….therefore, I REALLY need something like this!

      Reply

    328. Kelly D says

      My tip for keeping documents organized is to use lots of labels and to sort things before they get out of control

      Reply

    347. Kayla says

      One of the most important tips I can think of is if you’re done with any sort of important documents, you need to shred every last bit of them so they’re safe to throw away. If you don’t own a shredder, there are places you can go to get your paperwork shredded and disposed of as well.

      Thank you for this giveaway!

      Reply

    354. Emily L Freelove says

      I have the serial & model numbers of everything I own on a spreadsheet saved to a CD, I keep one master copy and 1 back-up! This makes it very easy if you need to report an item lost or in a house fire, etc.

      [email protected]

      Reply

    359. JamericanSpice says

      I put my documents in shoe boxes or folders and keep them in one area so I can grab and go if there is an emergency. It’s not good if there is water, but that’s all I have for now

      Reply

    361. Lindsey says

      I keep documents organized by having file folders for each main category in my filing cabinet. I then file the papers right away, instead of just leaving them around to get lost.

      Reply

    364. Jennifer says

      I’d love to have the file box pictured above. That seems like it’d be really easy to keep organized.

      We have a regular old box (kind of like the first one pictured). They are a bit harder to keep organized. What I like to do is use envelopes. For example, I have Jens’s 2011 Taxes and inside are copies of my forms. Helps to stay organized.

      Reply

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