Whether you're dealing with an emergency, setting goals or tracking your progress, organization is crucial to a well-balanced and thriving financial life. Your aim this month is to ensure that paperwork, passwords, and other essential information is orderly, easily accessible and well-protected. The February 2007 issue of Real Simple magazine got you off to a smart start with a customizable financial directory that puts institutions, account numbers and contacts at your fingertips. If you missed the feature — or need more room — you can download another copy here. Plus, check out additional online resources we've put together to help you better organize your financial life.

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Organize Your Finances

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Financial advice provided by the editors of MONEY magazine. For more, visit MONEY online at www.CNNMoney.com.

Learn more about MONEY and Carolyn Bigda.

Check out these online resources we've put together to help you organize your financial records: