By Rowena List
gettingittogether.ca
Would you love to be paperless?
Do you keep every “so-called” important piece of paper?
There is so much fear around getting rid of “important” documents.
Let’s unpack the myths once and for all.
Toss:
- Get rid of ATM slips that are more than a month old once you have checked them against your bank statement which is, hopefully, online and paperless.
- Get rid of manuals and warranties for cell phones you no longer own. And any other outdated expired warranties.
- Get rid of loan papers to the car you no longer own.
- Get rid of outdated mortgage papers.
- If you’re comfortable with your computer, get rid of all user manuals as the instructions are all online.
- It’s okay to get rid of old Wills as long as the person is deceased, and the estate is closed and complete. If you’re holding on to your deceased parents or grandparents’ wills “just in case” it’s okay to shred them and make room for your important papers.
- It’s very important to get rid of old Wills if you have updated and written a new Will for yourself or any family members. Keeping these old outdated papers simply confuses people who are taking care of your affairs.
- Get rid of old divorce papers if the person you’ve divorced is deceased and their estate is closed and complete.
- Get rid of all outdated utility bills once they are paid and you’ve found no mistakes.
- Better yet, go paperless.
KEEP:
- Keep receipts for big-ticket purchases in the event they are stolen or lost in a fire. This gives your insurance company proof you had the item. I would highly suggest taking pictures of these big purchases and have them with the receipt. Create a file on your computer (which has been backed up) and store the picture of the item along with a picture of the receipt.
- Keep active warranties. Have one spot in your home for these. It’s especially nice to leave these up to date warranties for the new homeowner in the event you sell your place.
- Keep birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates for obvious reasons however once a person has passed, a family member may like these important documents if they are studying your family tree.
- Have a safe place to keep your current Will, POA, estate planning documents and representation agreement. Be sure to let your Executor know where these papers are along with where your safety deposit key.
- Keep current mortgage papers and loan papers.
- Be sure to shred all the important papers you are getting rid of. Staples charges by the pound to shred. It’s reasonable and secure.
