We keep documents in a few different places depending on what they are. Here's how to find what you need.
Shared Family Docs: drive.google.com (Google Drive — preferred for sharing)
Individual Files: iCloud Drive (personal, per-device)
Scanned Documents: paperless.speicher.family (Paperless-NGX)
Passwords & Credentials: my.1password.com (1Password)
"Where's the insurance card?" → Check 1Password Family vault → Insurance, or Paperless
| Document Type | Where to Find It |
|---|---|
| Shared family docs, spreadsheets, slides | Google Drive |
| Insurance cards & policies | 1Password Family vault |
| Tax documents | Paperless-NGX (scanned) |
| Medical records | Paperless-NGX (scanned) |
| Warranties & manuals | Paperless-NGX (scanned) |
| Personal files (individual use) | iCloud Drive (per person) |
| Passwords | 1Password |
| ID photos / passport scans | 1Password Family vault (secure documents) |
Google Drive is the family's go-to for shared documents. When something needs to be shared or collaborated on, Google Drive is the default choice — it works for everyone regardless of their device or account.
iCloud Drive is used for personal files — each family member's own iCloud Drive is tied to their Apple ID. It's great for individual use (your own documents, Desktop/Documents sync on Mac), but Google Drive is preferred when sharing with the family.
Access: Built into Finder on Mac, and the Files app on iPhone/iPad.
See also: Files Storage for more detail on iCloud Drive.
Paperless-NGX is our self-hosted document management system. Physical mail, bills, and important papers get scanned and uploaded here. It's searchable by content, tagged, and organized automatically.
1Password stores more than just passwords — it also stores:
The Family vault is shared with all family members. The Private vault is Matt's only.
See the Family vault for anything labeled Insurance, Medical, Finance, or Household.
Open Files app on iPhone → iCloud Drive → look in shared folders
Paperless requires being on the home network or Tailscale VPN. If you're away from home and need a document urgently, text Matt and he can look it up.
If something important isn't in 1Password yet, text Matt to add it. The goal is to have all critical documents (insurance, IDs, key accounts) accessible there.