What personal documents should I keep? (USA)?

Question

Things such as paycheck stubs, bills (credit/loans), and papers of the such.

Answer 1

If it's just financial info you're talking about then here's what you want to keep:

Keep for 7 years:
1) Initial contracts for any loans, accounts, etc. you opened. Basically the stuff you got when you OPENED the account.
2) Closing letters for any loans, accounts, etc. you closed.
3) State/Federal Income tax forms that you filed.
4) W-2, 1099s, etc.

Keep for 2 years:
1) If you used itemized deductions on any tax return, keep whatever paperwork or receipts you used
2) ANNUAL investment statements

Keep for 1 year:
1) Bill payment stubs that have notes of WHEN and HOW you paid the bill
2) Pay stubs
3) Credit card statements

Stuff you'll be ok to toss AFTER you've checked them out:
1) Monthly or quarterly statements for checking/savings/investment accounts.

Am I missing anything? On that last one, make SURE it's what you expect BEFORE giving it the heave-ho. You might also consider investing in a shredder if you're about to clean house on stuff you're trying to get rid of. Actually, you should get one anyone even for the monthly statement stuff that you'll be tossing.

Answer 2

Keep all of your records. Keep them for at least seven years.