Alternatives to a safe deposit box in a bank.

[Jerry442]

My bank was recently taken over and I got a letter stating in effect, "We're closing the branch where you rent a safe deposit box. Come get your stuff before we throw it out."

I'd like a secure place off-site to store a (very) small amount of stuff, but banks really bug me these days. I think that they believe (quite correctly) that they're above the law. I really don't want to be putting my valuable stuff (such as it is) in the hands of money launderers, embezzlers, bunko artists, and casino operators running crooked games.

Anyone know any good alternatives, other than a home safe?

[PoliticAverse]

1. How often do you need to visit the stuff? n/t

[Jerry442]

2. For backed up computer data maybe once a month max. Other stuff, when life changes. NT

[intheflow]

3. Is there a community credit union in your area?

They're member-owned banks and don't normally get taken over (though sometimes they shut down). They have safety deposit boxes. That would be my first suggestion.

Other than that, IDK. Waterproof box in a hole in the backyard?

[Sherman A1]

4. Just a thought, but

how about a fire proof lock box at a friend or family members home. You could offer to do an exchange and keep one for them as well, under the heading of protecting backup copies of computer files from fire. In the long run it would be less expensive I think and Your retrieving the files to "update" them would be a built in occurrence.

Years ago I did something like this with a video inventory of my home contents. Might be worth doing this again with such things as copies of photos, important papers and alike. I am in the process of going through the workbook "Before It's Too Late" detailing things my Executor will need so this might be a good idea to make a copy on a thumb drive or CD and put in another location as well.

[Jerry442]

5. Not bad, actually. TY. NT

[Curmudgeoness]

6. I like this idea.

It is a good idea for backups of data, etc., but I am not sure that I would feel any better about valuables in this situation. The friend can be robbed as easily as you could. But that is because I would not be using a safe deposit box for anything but valuables.

Where did you find that workbook about "Before It's Too Late"?

[Sherman A1]

7. Yes, valuables would be a problem

I was mostly addressing the issue of copies of data and alike. As to the workbook, it was suggested to me in a lounge thread (discussing the passing of MFM) by another DU'er. I found it on Amazon, but they also have a website which you can easily find with a quick search. There are several books of this type on Amazon, this one just seemed to work out for me.

I have been following the format but typing it all and placing them in sheet protectors in a binder to correspond with the workbook, that way I can change out a page should things change (and we all know that things will do so). I have also made up a separate book of web sites and passwords that will be kept in another location as I will do one with financial sites and passwords. It is taking some time, but has already been helpful to me in looking up a password for a site I rarely use. My Wife & Daughter will know where everything is at, when the time arrives (hopefully far in the future).

[Curmudgeoness]

8. Yes, hopefully in the future.

But it is a good idea to do this well before the time you need to do it----when there may not be energy or ability to do this. Thanks for giving me a kicking the ass to get this started.

[Sherman A1]

9. My pleasure to be of any assistance

The beauty of such a project is that, anything that is done is far better than nothing and it will never be completely up to date, but I am in hopes that it will be of help at the time. When one simply thinks of their online presence these days, what would happen to your FB, Twitter, Photo Bucket, email, Flickr, Pintrest or for that matter DU accounts when the time comes? Who has access to them, where are the passwords kept and how does someone close them down? Where is the title to the car? The list of organizations to which you belong (and who to contact there)? Is there a list of life insurance policies that is easily found? Credit Cards? Health Insurance? Pensions? Cellphone Accounts? Car Insurance?