May 16th, 2008
Online Coupons: Do You Have an Organized Mess?
This is yet another installment by the hardest working personal finance blogger on the ‘Net, Kyle of Rather-Be-Shopping. I am hoping to get enough momentum to return the favor now that I have a few days off!
Earlier in the week, my desk was starting to look like that of the crazy cat woman down the street. Stuff absolutely everywhere! Mainly piles of papers that needed a home or needed to find the shredder. I finally got around to doing some spring cleaning and did some research on what papers I needed to keep, and what I could get rid of. What I discovered was very helpful, so I thought I would use this post to pass this information along to the fine readers of Uncommon Cents.
~ Tax Related Documents - According to IRS.gov, you should keep tax returns, receipts, cancelled checks, and any tax related documents for 7 years. The IRS has 3 years from when you filed to audit you if they suspect you “messed up” but it was in good faith. This number goes up to 6 years if they suspect you under reported your income by $25,000 or more.
~ Credit Card Statements - Keep them for 45 days if not tax related, 7 years if any purchase on your statement is tax related. This is when it becomes handy to have a separate credit card for business expenses if you are a business owner.
~ Bank Statements - According to BankRate.com, experts say not to shred these until 1 year has passed.
~ General Bills/Receipts - BankRate.com suggests 1 year for general bills. For big tickets items, keep receipts longer than 1 year for warranty reasons or in case of fire or theft.
~ Paycheck Stubs - Keep paycheck stubs for 1 year. Once your W-2 arrives, make sure it matches your pay stubs before you shred them.
I hope this information helps you out when you go to organize and file that stack of paperwork sitting in your home or office. In keeping with this theme, here are some online coupons for stores that sell office supplies, organizational products, and filing cabinets that can help you save some money.
Office Depot.com
Save 10% Off your Entire Online Order
Coupon Code: 99012634
Expiration: 5/31/08
All Office Depot Coupons
Office Max.com
Free Shipping on your $50+ Online Order
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expires: 5/31/08
All Office Max Coupons
Organize.com
Save $5 Off your $50+ Online Order
Coupon Code: SC1283
Expiration: 5/31/08
All Organize.com Coupons
Overstock.com
Save $10 Off your $150+ Online Order thru this Link Only
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 5/31/08
All Overstock.com Coupons
Smart Bargains.com
Save 12% Off your Entire Online Order (New Customers
Only)
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 6/02/08
All Smart Bargains Coupons
Target.com
Save $5 Off your $50+ Online Order thru this Link Only
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 6/30/08
All Target Coupons
Staples.com
Free Shipping on your $50+ Online Order
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 12/31/08
All Staples Coupons
