Piles of Paper
Is paper a challenge? Do you feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start? Not sure if you should keep it or toss it?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you go through your piles of paper:
1. Why do I need it?
- Do I need it for my taxes? Then file it in your current tax folder.
- Is it a vital record? Then keep it safe.
- Is it legally required? Then keep it in your archived files.
- Do I need it to verify a payment, purchase or a deposit? Keep it until you've verified.
- Is it a memento? Limit keepsakes, but protect them if you really want them.
2. How long do I need to keep it?
- Refer to why you are keeping it.
- Ask your lawyer or accountant.
- Refer to appropriate web sites or sources like Consumer Reports or the IRS.
3. Can I find the information somewhere else?
With information easily accessible on the internet and updated almost constantly, there is no reason to keep most of the information we've collected on paper. If you can find the information somewhere else let the paper go.
4. How easy would it be to replace?
If you are not currently using the information and you could easily print out another copy just by logging on to your account or searching the internet, then let it go.
5. What's the worst thing that could happen if I let it go?
If you let yourself spin the worst case tale, you will often find that the consequences of letting something go is not as bad as you've been fearing.
6. If I keep it, how will I find it again?
The ultimate goal of filing paper and information is not for storage but for retrieval. If you can't remember you have the information, it doesn't do you any good. This is also a good place to begin identifying potential file names and categories.
Now that you've built up a stack of papers to toss, make sure you protect your personal information by shredding. Here are some shredding tips and other resources to prevent identify theft at www.dhucks.com/fyitopicidentitytheft.html
You are also welcome to check out some additional ideas from a workshop I did a few years back on www.dhucks.com/whattodowithpaper.html. It is fun to see how my style has changed since then, but the information still works.
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