1. Financial Documents:
- Bank statements
- Check stubs
- Credit card statements
- Tax returns
- Investment statements
- Loan documents
2. Medical Documents:
- Medical bills
- Prescriptions
- Medical records
- Health insurance information
3. Legal Documents:
- Court documents
- Legal contracts
- Wills
- Trust documents
- Property deeds
4. Personal Identification Documents:
- Social Security card copies
- Birth certificate copies
- Passport copies
- Driver's license copies
- Expired government-issued IDs
5. Utility Bills:
- Electricity bills
- Gas bills
- Water bills
- Phone bills
- Internet bills
6. Old Tax Forms:
- Keep tax returns for at least 7 years, then shred.
7. Junk Mail with Personal Information:
- Shred any mail that contains your name and address, especially pre-approved credit card offers.
8. Old Pay Stubs:
- Keep only the most recent pay stubs for tax purposes, then shred the older ones.
9. Pre-Check Applications and Forms:
- Shred any unused loan or credit card applications that contain your personal information.
10. Travel Documents:
- Shred boarding passes, luggage tags, and other travel-related documents.
11. Receipts:
- Keep receipts only for warranty claims or tax deductions, then shred them.
12. Expired Warranties:
- Shred expired product warranties once they are no longer needed.
13. Old School Papers:
- Consider shredding old school assignments or transcripts if they contain personal information.
14. Financial Planning Documents:
- Shred old retirement account statements or insurance policies if they are not needed.
Remember, it's important to periodically review your documents and shred anything that is outdated or no longer necessary to keep. Consistent shredding habits help protect your sensitive information and reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud.