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Easy Guide to Organizing Records at Home
The Two-Step Paper Handler
Every home needs an "office" or an area to pay your bills, keep tax records and
store important documents. It doesn't necessarily take a room of its own, but
you do need to make room to keep paper from taking over your home.
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Create an effective storing system. Storing your personal documents in labeled
records storage boxes or file cabinets will do two things:
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Offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing where your important papers are
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Cut your tax preparation time significantly
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Destroy documents you don't need to store. It's easy to let papers pile up, but
pretty soon they're taking over and you can't get your hands on what you need
when you need it.
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Shred obsolete financial records, old and obsolete receipts, credit card
statements, bank statements and telephone bills
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Consider opting out of junk mail by registering online at
www.the-dma.org/consumers/offmailinglist.html.
The One-Stop Bill Payment Place
Create one place for paying bills; keep everything together that you need to
get the job done. Turn that kitchen junk drawer into a bill-paying center or
designate a drawer in your desk. It doesn't matter where it is, as long as it
contains an organized, easy to maintain system.
Transfer each bill you wish to pay from your mailbox to your payment center.
Stock it with:
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Your check register
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Checks
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Envelopes
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Stamps
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Calculator
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Pens or pencils
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Files or large manila envelopes marked "Credit Cards," "Utilities," and
"Insurance."
Every month, designate a couple of dates for bill paying. When you open your
drawer, you'll be ready for business. When you're done, mark the date paid and
put your copy of the invoice section in one of the files or envelopes.
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