GET YOUR PAPERWORK IN ORDER Marcia Bennett, M.Ed. Founder: Live to Manage, LLC

FACTS ABOUT CLUTTER  Americans spend 9 million hours looking for things  23% of adults pay bills later because they lose them  80% of what we file we never use again  A four drawer file cabinet can hold 18,000 pages  Getting rid of clutter in homes eliminate 40% of housework in an average home  80% of home clutter is a result of disorganization and not lack of space

WHAT SHOULD I DO?  What papers to keep  What papers to toss  What papers to shred

TYPES OF PAPER  Personal bills  Personal statements  Tax documents  Retirement information  Coupons  Receipts

PAPER BILLS Keep: insurance policies until they renew Toss: credit card statements once payment is verified on the following statement Shred: utility bills after a year Shred: credit card and bank statements to reduce the possibility of identity theft

TAX DOCUMENTS  Keep: receipts that support tax deductions for three to seven years  Keep: receipts of credit card statements that prove charitable donations, expenses. And other deductions for at least three years  Shred: when the time has lapsed, shred.

RETIREMENT INFORMATION  Keep: all statements proving contributions to a non-deductible Retirement Account.

COUPONS  Keep: coupon inserts for about three months  Write the expiration date of the coupon on the front cover of the coupon insert  Once expired, you can toss them.

RECEIPTS  Keep: for major purchases keep receipts to prove purchase  Only keep ATM and debit card receipts until you reconcile your bank statement  Maintain the title for your vehicle for as long as you own it  Keep receipts that show house improvements for as long as you own your home plus six years.

 Need help getting your papers organized? Please schedule a complimentary organizational consultation today by e- mailing: