The ABC's of Important Papers
What to Keep and For How Long
PAGE 2
Automobile records (titles, registration, repairs)—As long as you own the vehicle(s)
Appointment books—1 to 10 years, depending on your comfort level
ATM slips—Maximum six years if needed for tax purposes
Bank statements—Maximum six years if needed for tax purposes
Credit card statements—Maximum six years if tax-related purchases on statements; otherwise, until annual interest statement is issued by company
Calendars (past)—According to your comfort level and whether you use them for reference or memorabilia Catalogs and magazines—Until the next issue
Dividend payment records—Until an annual statement is supplied by company, then just only annual statements
Household inventory and appraisal—As long as current
Insurance policies (auto, homeowners, liability)—As long as the statute of limitations runs in the event of late claims
Insurance policies (disability, medical, life, personal property, umbrella)—As long as you own it
Investments (purchase records)—As long as you own them
Investments (sales records)—Maximum six years for tax purposes
Mortgage or loan discharge—As long as you own, or six years after discharge
Appointment books—1 to 10 years, depending on your comfort level
ATM slips—Maximum six years if needed for tax purposes
Bank statements—Maximum six years if needed for tax purposes
Credit card statements—Maximum six years if tax-related purchases on statements; otherwise, until annual interest statement is issued by company
Calendars (past)—According to your comfort level and whether you use them for reference or memorabilia Catalogs and magazines—Until the next issue
Dividend payment records—Until an annual statement is supplied by company, then just only annual statements
Household inventory and appraisal—As long as current
Insurance policies (auto, homeowners, liability)—As long as the statute of limitations runs in the event of late claims
Insurance policies (disability, medical, life, personal property, umbrella)—As long as you own it
Investments (purchase records)—As long as you own them
Investments (sales records)—Maximum six years for tax purposes
Mortgage or loan discharge—As long as you own, or six years after discharge
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