When can I start throwing away old bill statements?

Question

When can I start throwing away old bill statements?

Answer 1

I hang onto all my statements until I get the next statement reflecting my last payment.

Answer 2

Good answers.

Since you have online access you don't have to keep your statements at all, you simply register for an online account to monitor your credit cards with each of your credit card companies.

The other statements, like cable or utility bills, unless they are tax deductible toss them out as soon as they are paid. Your check stub or online receipt will prove payment was made. A warranty for something not registered online might be something to hang onto.

I saved everything for years.

It wasn't until our area was evacuated because of a huge fire last summer that I realized there was nothing (except very old family photos) that I couldn't replace with a click of my mouse, including military paperwork, social security information, passports, insurance policies, financial statements, and after I returned home I tossed out everything but the originals of birth certificate, divorce decree, marriage license and the original insurance policy contracts (and I only saved these because I couldn't quite let go of the paperwork yet, not because I needed them).

Don't clutter up your life, if it isn't tax deductible, toss it out.

Answer 3

don't just throw them away shred them tare them up to protect against identity theft

Answer 4

If you are talking about credit card bills, you can get rid of the old ones as soon as you get a new one which, is the current one. Unless you need the old bill to make a claim.

The same applies to utility bills.