Ditto for his driving licence, his credit card numbers, his bank account details, the share certificates he owns, and his life insurance policies. But paranoid as he may seem, my friend's mania has its upsides. If the answers to most of these are in the negative, you could have a problem if suddenly something catastrophic happens-like an earthquake or a fire or even a commonplace burglary. Here are six ways to disaster-proof your investments. Always have joint holdings for all your investments.
Joint names are preferable for investments in shares too.
Keep photocopies of all your investments in a safe place like a bank locker, a relative's house or in the safe custody of a lawyer. Maintain a sheet of paper with all the details of your various investments, including certificate numbers, maturity dates, etc. One day's work can be a lifesaver. Don't keep too much cash and jewellery at home. Use a bank's locker instead.