How long should one keep utility bills, bank and credit card statements before destroying them.?

Answer 1

7 years is the general rule of thumb. Some items can be tossed after 3 years but it's just easier to keep all documentation for 7 years. This is especially critical if you need to provide documentation to support an IRS audit. Make sure you SHRED any documentation you are ready to get rid of.

Answer 2

Actaully, you should keep one or two statements of each utility, bank, and credit statement for every passing yearyear, just for your records, however ......

the rest you can destroy. Especially if you are a college student! Plus, if you miss place any of your docoments, more the likely some can run across all your important information and you don't want that to happen.

Although, these statements are good for reference, keeping them for more then a year can be a waste of space. Buts thats my opinion ;)

Answer 3

I'm a 10 yr person myself. Sh** has a way of Poppin' up.
All you need is a lawsuit for whatever reason and then all of a sudden you may be surprised what these legal flunkies my ask of you. Sometimes it saves your butt, sometimes it'll help prove your expenses. So don't get too impatient with the ol' shredder yet. Better SAFE than SORRY........
Too many people with the same names, identity theft, fraudulent use of debit cards, credit cards, on and on and on.....you get the picture.

Answer 4

Utility 3 years
Bank Statements 7
Credit card 5
Finding the place to keep it all
You know
Priceless

Answer 5

as long as you want....providing no-one gets ur account number details and stuff that can be used to enter ur account...i have statements kept in a safe from ages ago

Answer 6

at least until the next month's bill comes in

Answer 7

i usually keep all of my stuff for 7 years