The ABC's of Important Papers
Receipts
PAGE 3
Appliances—As long as you own the item
Art, antiques, collectibles—As long as you own the item
Clothing—For the length of the returns period, unless tracking your household budget
Credit card slips—Until your statement comes and you can match purchases
Furniture—As long as you own the item in case repair is needed
Home improvements—As long as you own your home, or six years after sale
Household repairs—For life of warranty, or longer to reference reliability record of service people and their rates
Major purchases—For the life of the item
Medical and tax-related—Maximum of six years
Rent—Your canceled check is sufficient
Utility bills—Your current bill and one previous year's to check billing patterns
Warranties and instructions—For the life of warranty or the item. Stick label with warranty expiration date and service repair number on bottom of appliance. If something breaks down, you've got an easy way to check if the item's still covered without even having to go to your file drawer.
Art, antiques, collectibles—As long as you own the item
Clothing—For the length of the returns period, unless tracking your household budget
Credit card slips—Until your statement comes and you can match purchases
Furniture—As long as you own the item in case repair is needed
Home improvements—As long as you own your home, or six years after sale
Household repairs—For life of warranty, or longer to reference reliability record of service people and their rates
Major purchases—For the life of the item
Medical and tax-related—Maximum of six years
Rent—Your canceled check is sufficient
Utility bills—Your current bill and one previous year's to check billing patterns
Warranties and instructions—For the life of warranty or the item. Stick label with warranty expiration date and service repair number on bottom of appliance. If something breaks down, you've got an easy way to check if the item's still covered without even having to go to your file drawer.
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