Community Chat

[akaburtonfan]

We still get paper statements from  our gas, electric and cable companies.  If you do, how long do you keep the statements after you’ve paid them?

I have been shredding old statements and have started to think that there’s really no reason to keep the past month once I receive the new month and it shows that the balance has been paid. It would be much easier to shred them every month instead of a year at a time.

What do you do?

edited to add I do recycle the shredded paper

[NicksmomESQ]

   I recycle my bill statements every 6 months.

[just bee]

Refer to the 1975 thread.

Like I said, I kept every scrap of paper and when my house burned in May I had to get rid of it all.  Start shredding your unnecessary paperwork now.

Once in a blue moon you have to produce a utility bill to prove you exist.  Hang on to them and when you get the new ones, shred the previous month's.

Better yet, just skip the paper and get your bill online.

[beckyb1012]

I shred every quarter for utilities.

[sashamatthews]

Ask your accountant.  Our company was told to maintain financial records for seven years.   We were then also told to keep our personal financial records for seven years.

[Kachina624]

I destroy them immediately after receiving.  Why would I need them?  You can always get a copy from the utility company.

[kaydee50]

I receive all my statements by email.  Much safer than snail mail.  Why would you keep any utility bills for more than a month???  

Also pay all my bills by email.  Why not??

I believe the "7 year rule" is for income tax purposes, not everyday bills.

[DJs mom]

There is no need to keep old utility statements. Should you ever need them you can go online and get a copy. Everything is digital.

[Bri369]

I have never needed a utility bill after it's been paid. 

[QVCkitty1]

I keep them till the next bill comes.