Protect your financial records from disaster     

Last year, a small storm formed in the southern Caribbean Sea off the coast of Nicaragua as a small, simple depression with gusty 40 mph winds. Over time, that depression strengthened and became Hurricane Sandy. It was the deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, as well as the second-costliest hurricane in United States history. With 285 total fatalities, Hurricane Sandy was one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history. Regardless, the IRS still collected its taxes.

For whatever reasons, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and other natural disasters are more common in the summer months. In New England, we get our share in the winter months as well. While there are many ways to plan for a disaster, like stocking up on food, water and batteries, many of us neglect protecting tax and financial records.