MannyDownloadGuides / Money
Most household papers can go sooner than you think, and a few should never go. A simple rule for each, so you keep what matters and stop storing the rest.
The Manny team - Updated October 2026 - 5 min read
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In short
| Document | How long to keep it |
|---|---|
| Bank statements | About 1 year; longer if they prove a deduction or a big purchase |
| Credit card statements | Until you have checked them; longer for tax or warranty proof |
| Utility and phone bills | Until the next bill shows the payment |
| Pay stubs | Until you have checked them against your W-2 |
| Receipts for big purchases | As long as you own the item, for warranty and insurance |
| Loan papers | Until the loan is paid off, then keep the payoff letter |
| Tax-related statements | At least 3 years, like the return they support |
These are common rules of thumb, not legal limits. If a statement proves something, like a deductible donation, a business cost or a home improvement, it follows the tax record rule instead.
Most banks and card issuers let you download past statements online for several years. That means the paper copy is rarely the only copy. Check how far back your bank's archive goes before you shred, and save a digital copy of anything you need beyond that.
Keep it digital, find it in seconds
Connect your email or scan a statement: Manny files it into your folders and pulls out any due date, so the paper can go.
This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Last checked October 2026.
