Keeping Paperwork - Statements and Such

[DesdemonaB]

Hi All

As I still accross my 58 Qt bin of all my formal credit card statements, collection letters, overdrawn notices, etc. I was wondering how long do I have to hold on to these? I realize I need to hold on to them till my BK is discharged but how long after the close of the case? 6 months, 1 year ?? I just get sick everytime I look at and feel it's giving me a big fat everytime I set eyes on.

Now I am NOT talking about BK paperwork - I am talking statements, and collection letters only - I know that I need to hold on to most of BK paperwork for IMHO the full 7 years before it's wiped out as a just in case something comes up after the close.

I just really want to start my 2011 paper (statement) free.

[chicagoannie]

Desdemona - I feel the same way. I call it my "file of shame" and I've been dragging it around with me for the past 5-6 years. I can't wait until I can get rid of all this not-good paper!

[DesdemonaB]

Yeah - the "bin of shame" - thank God it's only 1/2 full :0 The deepest part of the basement, the darkest corner of the garage, farest corner of the attic.. I can't get rid of it. In my new life (post BK7 God willing) I will be paperless, I will be green, I will never be afraid of another piece of paper ever again and I might actually skip to the mailbox

[ssmdem]

You know what I've finally done this year with past year's taxes, bank statements etc?? I was tired of going through it every year and throwing out the oldest year and adding the new year. I just wrote on it DISCARD in 2018. I will put all my bankrupty stuff in it after we're discharged in the spring (hopefully!! knock on wood!) And I'm sealing it up and hoping to never open it again!! So I'm essentially starting off paper-free NOW!! It's there if I need it for something, but I'm cleaning house!! Tired of all this mess!!

[Flamingo]

I held all related BK paperwork all during the course of our Chapter 13. Afterwards, I cleaned out files and filed away permanently copies of the main plan paperwork and copies of the discharge papers in case anything ever comes up in the future. It is always best to hold all receipts for anything for at least 3 years for IRS tax purposes especially if you itemize your taxes.