This is part 3 of our filing 101 series for insomniacs: what to shred when. Again, these are only general guidelines, which I borrowed from others online. They don’t even necessarily match up with my previous post, so just add common sense (in place of milk).
- One month: Utility statements, sales receipts, credit card receipts, bank deposit and ATM receipts, etc.
- One year: Bank and credit card statements, monthly mortgage statements, paycheck stubs, etc.
- Seven years: Tax documents, W-2 and 1099 forms, year-end bank and credit card statements, etc.
- Keep forever: (OK, forever is a relative term, and there is some room for interpretation, but these are just guidelines to be on the safe side.) Annual tax returns, receipts from major purchases/appliances you still own, year-end summaries of financial services, home improvement records, beneficiary designations, etc. Also include any important vital documents as indicated in the previous post.
Shredding can be lots of fun, or it can be tedious, also hard on the shredder, human or machine, and once shredded, always shredded. So do small quantities at a time. Keep a shredding box near your filing cabinet. A shredder is a great investment if you deal with a lot of paperwork and are concerned with identity security and privacy. Shredded paper makes great packing material, and possibly other things. Otherwise recycle. I don’t recommend shredding cabbage with it, though. Also, watch the fingers.
Well, I’m glad I could be of assistance with your insomnia needs. You’re welcome. Remember, one shred at a time. 😉
