Record keeping is probably not your favorite way to spend your time. However, the time you spend organizing your personal and family records and keeping them up-to-date is extremely important.

Even though you establish a thorough family information system, you should accept the fact that it will soon be out of date. There are many events and stages, and therefore changes, in your life and family cycle. Each change brings the need to add, delete, and update family records. If you have the basic records organized in a systematic way, then changes are easier to record.

One way to stay organized and up-to-date is to set aside a day each year when both spouses or you and a trusted friend can review the records and discuss changes together. Many people find that New Year's Day, a birthday, or an anniversary of a significant event is an ideal time for this annual review.