how long do you keep documents for?

Cat501

Can't see why you should keep bank statements and utility bills for any length of time these days, given that you can go paperless on them. I'm getting rid of years and years worth at the moment and it feels great - and no more will be coming through the door:D

tooties

i just keep stuff for a year then its gone
regards

Living_proof

If you have a horrible OH like I do, then keep it until the finances are all settled. Thirteen years and counting, but 2012 looks like the year it will hit the courts!

meritaten

my OH has just been advised to go back 12 years for PPI on bank loans - Thank the lord he has kept it all!

barneydee_2

I have stuff going back years and had decided that this week I was going to have a clear out and get all my paperwork sorted as I want to tackle my Debts head on as I have set myself a target of my 60th Birthday to be debt free(4years).

Meritalen I noticed you mentioned that your Husband had been adviced to go back 12 years for ppi claims,I though it was only 6 years you could go back, I would be intrested to know as I have a couple that I could try and make a claim on but they are over 6 years old I would be greatful if any one can advice me

Thanks

Dee

JulieGeorgiana

bank statements - 1 yr
credit card bills - 1 yr
gas/elec bills - 1 yr
tax credit notifications - 5 yrs
wage slips/P60s/P45s - Mine date back 1997 with my first job!

I shred anything where the account is closed (loans/cc old gas/elec) if it's available online I don't keep it. Anything worth keeping over a year I file... the rest goes in a 'burn box' from Apr-Apr (unfiled) and in April 2012 I will burn April 2010 - 2011.

I used to file it all, but having a filing cabinet is a pain!

mi_jardin

I keep mine for a year, unless its something important. I have a cute box from phoenix that my sister bought me, and it has monthly dividers. I think its supposed to be for planning birthday cards etc, but I use it for my bills and credit card statements etc. Then as I move into a new month, last years gets burnt. I find it keeps down on space too.

Penelope_Penguin

As this has fallen from the front page of OS, I'll add it to the existing thread to keep ideas together

meritaten

barneydee wrote: »

I have stuff going back years and had decided that this week I was going to have a clear out and get all my paperwork sorted as I want to tackle my Debts head on as I have set myself a target of my 60th Birthday to be debt free(4years).

Meritalen I noticed you mentioned that your Husband had been adviced to go back 12 years for ppi claims,I though it was only 6 years you could go back, I would be intrested to know as I have a couple that I could try and make a claim on but they are over 6 years old I would be greatful if any one can advice me

Thanks

Dee

we just had our payout through a claims company for recent loans going back the six years - Then a couple of days ago the claim company phoned and said that they were now allowed to go back up to twelve years - another company said on tv they go back ten years - so I guess that it depends on the company (or you could DIY)!

OH is now going back over his loan statements and we will probably claim on a couple (but not through the claim company this time - ShHHHH - dont tell them!)

meames_2

nodwah wrote: »

Still trying to declutter and I'm drowning in a sea of paper: I've a folder for bank statements etc which is bursting open. DH wouldn't EVER throw any away but I've shredded all but the last 3 years. He also keeps everything to do with every car he's ever owned- i mean everything, recipts for new tyres, mot s tax discs. I try to keep the current things in a plastic pocket but he still gets in a state when it's time to renew anything like insurance coz he can't find the old ones. He also has every pay slip he's ever had!

So what do you keep and for how long?

This is me :rotfl:. I got in a panic because last year I couldn't find my P60 for 1997, as it would have been sent out during a time when i changed jobs and moved house and the post didn't get forwarded. I have all my wage slips going back to 1989 (partly as proof of how badly that job paid!). I did keep all the car receipts but gave then to the garage when I sold the car. I kept a lot of bills as proof of address because I had moved around a lot. I have reduced it to 2 A4 storage boxes iun the loft and just what I need is downstairs.