question on saving receipts

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2007
question on saving receipts
20
Sun, 01-04-2009 - 1:08pm

Hello Everyone:


I just read an article (I think it was on unclutterer.com) about having a minimalist workspace. He said that he never prints out anything. He reads and stores everything online. Now, my eyes are getting too tired to do that for things that I need to read and/or edit; but, I'm wondering if I need to save all my receipts after I pay for something.


I currently have 7 plastic folders that have 13 slots in each. When I pay bills, I put the paid receipt in there, according to month. At the end of the year, I put my tax return in the back. This way, I have all my paid receipts


Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-17-2003
Sun, 01-04-2009 - 1:32pm

I keep every receipt.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2008
Sun, 01-04-2009 - 2:54pm
We scanned all of our receipts for a while, trying to declutter. We have gone back to keeping things in files because it was too time consuming to scan everything. Also, at one point our computer hard drive was crashing. We had to back up the files of our receipts.
Tara





iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2007
Sun, 01-04-2009 - 4:25pm

Thanks for your input, Carolyn.

For now, I'll continue to do what I've been doing; but, you have me thinking of ways to further consolidate. I just don't need to have my previous 6 years, plus the current year, in full view. I do think I'll look for some nice decorative boxes at TJ Maxx and bundle my receipts as you said. I have a small file box with all my investment, insurance info., etc. and I think I'll put all the old tax returns in there, by year. I'll keep filing the current year, as I've been doing, but just the current year.

I feel better already! Thanks again.

Dee






iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2007
Sun, 01-04-2009 - 4:29pm

Thanks, Tara.

You mentioned the main reason I do keep paper copies: a computer crash. And I hate saving things to disc. All those jewel cases are worse than files, IMHO. I do think I came upon a solution, though (see previous post). That should ensure that I keep all that I need to keep without having to clutter up a bookshelf and see it all the time.

Dee






iVillage Member
Registered: 09-22-1999
Sun, 01-04-2009 - 6:52pm

You know what I hate about keeping receipts?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-01-2008
Sun, 01-04-2009 - 7:05pm

If I need to keep a receipt that's on thermal paper, I make a photocopy of it and then staple the original to the photocopy.

Mary Jo








iVillage Member
Registered: 10-02-2008
Sun, 01-04-2009 - 11:02pm

I want to get one of those files you speak of.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2007
Mon, 01-05-2009 - 6:19am

Hi Sarah:

I find mine at Staples. They are 13 pocket folders. They have many to choose from, so take a look at your local office supply. I'll try to look it up online later. I actually got the idea from Real Simple and just kept adding one binder a year to get to 7. That's why they're a mishmash of colors. I think they're around $10 each.

Take care,
Dee






Avatar for boboluver
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Mon, 01-05-2009 - 10:30am

OK, am I the only one that doesn't save any receipts? I can't imagine what I would need to save them for. Would I only need to save them if we itemized deductions? I use my debit card for most everything, so I guess I figure that if I needed to prove anything, I could go online through my bank. Day care is paid by check so that's online as well. What would I need actual receipts to prove? Thanks for any insights!

Chris


Chris

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2008
Mon, 01-05-2009 - 12:50pm

Whew Chris - I was thinking it was just me.


I keep the receipts that I know can be deducted for my DH's job but otherwise I don't keep them. Well, if we buy a gift card or a gift I save the receipt until after I give it. Otherwise, everything gets shread.

Pages