Shred or Keep? A One-Page Guide

The full list (16 items)

1. Junk mail and pre-approved offersShred if it has your name or account details.
2. Expired coupons and flyersRecycle them.
3. ATM receiptsShred after you check your statement.
4. Bank statementsKeep for 1 year, or longer if you need them for taxes, then shred.
5. Utility billsKeep for a year, then shred.
6. Pay stubsKeep until you check your W-2, then shred.
7. Credit card offersShred them.
8. Medical billsKeep until paid and checked. Keep the ones that matter for taxes for the life of that return, then shred.
9. Tax returnsKeep. Generally 3 years is the minimum, and 7 is a cautious limit, not the rule.
10. Warranties and manualsKeep for the life of the item, or scan them.
11. Insurance policiesKeep while active.
12. Old insurance renewalsShred after replacement.
13. Property recordsKeep while you own the property, and after the sale for the statute of limitations of that year.
14. Vehicle titlesKeep while you own the vehicle.
15. Birth and marriage certificatesKeep for good.
16. Anything with an account numberShred when you no longer need it, rather than binning it.

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