As we get closer to 2009, it's time to prepare for the new year and start out ORGANISED!

No throwing tomatoes at me. You know it has to be done.

So do you keep and organise your receipts? Which ones do you keep? How do you organise them? If you never have them in order, now is the time to start changing that!

My confession: All year long I throw them in a shoebox. After the first of the year I take them out and begin sorting into piles and writing down totals and other notes. It takes a good long afternoon, but that's usually it. Then I get another shoebox and get started again.  

Hi ... Yep, I am the keep of paperwork at my house. During the year, I place pre-sorted paperwork/receipts into two large plastic all-purpose filer cases with lids, into alphabetized and tabbed section. In January, I will sort and place paperwork/receipts into 'group' manila mailer envelopes with metal-tab closures (auto, house, computer, ect ...) and I will write a short list what is actually in the mailer for quick searching in the future. Then, all these mailers get alphabetically filed into a larger plastic tub storage container with a lid.

I keep all warrenty paperwork on appliances, ect ..., car repairs, computer parts and program information, tax documents, home repairs, all tribal paperwork on step-daughters, final payment receipts on various debts, life/accident/death insurance .... [*-) and ... the most inportant info is already scanned into my computer, saved on a cd and in a fire-proof lockbox.     

kb999999:

I place pre-sorted paperwork/receipts into two large plastic all-purpose filer cases with lids, into alphabetized and tabbed section. In January, I will sort and place paperwork/receipts into 'group' manila mailer envelopes with metal-tab closures (auto, house, computer, ect ...) and I will write a short list what is actually in the mailer for quick searching in the future. Then, all these mailers get alphabetically filed into a larger plastic tub storage container with a lid.

Pat:

All year long I throw them in a shoebox.

I have a file folder but it's a mess with them all being just dropped in. I need a better system for personal and business ones.

Gosh!  Everyone here seems very organised!  I have an A4 folder with clear plastic sleeves for appliances.  Each appliance has its own plastic sleeve and I keep the receipt stapled to the front of the warranty card and/or instruction booklet, so if anything breaks down its easy to check if its still within the warranty period.  Any receipts for things I may be able to claim on my tax, (very few), I drop into my tax folder.  I keep receipts for things I have paid with my debit or credit card just until I have checked them off my statements unless they are for something that may have to be returned.  They are just dumped in a box at the moment.  When I get a rush of blood to the head I go through the box and discard most of them and then they build up again........  If I use cash I do tend to hang onto grocery receipts in my wallet/purse for a week or so - just in case I need proof of purchase to return something - then they go in the bin straight away if I have time to sort them - otherwise they are just dumped in the box.  I hate having a purse bulging with receipts and I can't find my money though so I don't let them build up.

 Regards

Jo - who should probably make a NY resolution to sort out her receipt box more often!

 Scan and pitch. I haven't had any problems with scanned receipts thus far.

kb999999:

the most inportant info is already scanned into my computer, saved on a cd and in a fire-proof lockbox.     

That's a good idea.  I never thought of that but it would be another source in case you lost the original paperwork.  Thanks for sharing that.  Edey

I keep all store receipts, check carbons, paid bills and miscellaneous documents in accordian style folders. The receipts and check carbons go in the small check-type files with monthly dividers, and bigger pieces go into the large accordian folder. Then all is boxed up in a file box that holds 2 years worth of these folders. When they get 4 years old then I will sort thru and get rid of what is no longer needed, put things in smaller envelopes and all in a large manila folder with the year marked on it. Then the accordian folders will be re-used again.  Edey

Jo Bo:

 Each appliance has its own plastic sleeve and I keep the receipt stapled to the front of the warranty card and/or instruction booklet, so if anything breaks down its easy to check if its still within the warranty period. 

I keep those in a special folder in my file cabinet the exact same way. I got tired of having to go through reams of receipts and paperwork to find the receipt and warranty papers when something broke down.