We like to keep all our receipts to keep on the budget track, and our bank requires a special code off our statements to retrieve a check for us, so we keep folders with this info.

We seperate receipts at the end of the month according to category, and if it's split, we have a seperate pile for that, too. I use the cheap folders with the foldover pins (bought bulk at the unclaimed freight store) in the middle for the account statements and seperate folders by quarter, labeling each clearly. I also do a printout of my register and put it in the front, to make things easier to look up.

This helps by showing us where we could improve. It sounds like alot of work, but after the first couple of months, you have a set pattern and it takes a total of ten minutes! It's also handy should the IRS ever choose to audit; I hear if you come in well prepared, having all the info cuts down on the time spent in their office.

-- Dawn (olsoncln@ecenet.com), January 03, 2002

Answers

I have learned this to be a good idea. I have been throwing everything in a box and I can never find anything. I am now organizing and putting everything in file folders.

-- Melinda (speciallady104@hotmail.com), April 18, 2002.