Where could you store important paperwork?

[Fern]

OK, i'm a tightwad, and about a year ago i decided not to renew my bank safe deposit box rental. They were increasing their rates. I sort of had it in my mind to purchase a fire-proof at-home safe, but i never followed thru as my research showed that no box is really fire-safe; at most, you can expect a box to be fire retardant for just a few hours of expsoure to high temperatures.

So no guarantee your important papers (like old tax returns, SS card, a will) would be completely protected. Plus a locked box would probably be taken by a thief, even not knowing the contents, in the event of a burglary/

Any ideas for safeguarding important paperwork? Is there no other option to a bank safe deposit box or burial in the backyard?

[PrincessPerky]

ooh I like the bury option..then if you ever had to find that document the annoyance (because for me it would be annoying to try) is tempered by the fun of a treasure hunt!