“While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us.”
– Benjamin Franklin
May Day! May Day!
Alright–it’s not a distress signal…it’s more like the opportunity to enjoy the shift in seasons…the shift in what’s possible for you. Let the warming weather ENCOURAGE you to remember what’s possible.
And, when (not if–when) you’re feeling like you want to give up … watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf5Leeh9JQo
And bookmark it.
Look, I’m not a motivational coach–I’m a tax professional.
But I KNOW that our clients and friends face the same “junk” every season–doubt, fear, worry. And finances can play such a big role there. By the way–this is something that even the wealthiest among our clients *still* deal with.
Don’t believe the hype that having more zeros in your bank balance eliminates all of your problems.
Instead–pick up, pray, do what you need to do to dust off the detritus of fear and doubt…and step into what you were made to do.
Now…onto something a bit more practical (though that may actually be arguable–how much more practical can you get than healing your mind?): This is the time of year (after tax season), where it makes a whole lot of sense for you to clean things up…not just in your mind, but how about your files?
Pamela Britz’s
“Real World” Personal Strategy
What To Do With Your Records (& Why)
Now’s the best time to get rid of unnecessary paperwork, as well as to ensure that you caught everything for your ’09 tax return.
Here’s a guide for how long to keep your records…
Taxes: Seven years
Reasons Why:
There are three, actually:
1) The IRS has three years from your filing date to audit your return if it suspects good-faith errors.
2) The three-year deadline also applies if you’d like to make some sort of amendment because you discover a mistake in your return and can claim a refund.
3) The IRS has six years to challenge your return if it thinks you underreported your gross income.
All this adds up to keeping that info for seven years. Beyond that, there’s no reason–except for posterity.
IRA contribution records: Permanently
Reasons Why: You’ll need to be able to prove that you already paid tax on this money when the time comes to withdraw.
Bank records: Usually just one year
Reasons Why:
Those related to your taxes, business expenses, home improvements and mortgage payments will obviously need to be included for next year’s taxes. But unless there is some sort of emotional or posterity reason, get rid of everything after one year.
Brokerage statements: Until you sell
Reasons Why:
To prove whether or not you have a capital gain or loss for tax purposes; after this point, shred it.
Household Bills: From one year to permanently
Reasons Why:
When the canceled check from a paid bill has been returned, you can shred the bill with a clear conscience. However, bills for big purchases — such as jewelry, rugs, appliances, antiques, cars, collectibles, furniture, computers, etc. — should be kept in an insurance file for proof of their value in the event of loss or damage.
Credit card receipts and statements: 45 days/Seven years
Reasons Why:
Some families don’t even bother to match up their statements, but if you do so, shred the receipts once you’ve verified everything. There’s no reason to keep everyday receipts beyond this point. For tax-related purchases, you need only keep the statements for seven years–after that, shred it!
Paycheck stubs: One year
Reasons Why:
This is to verify that when you receive your annual W-2 form from your employer, the information from your stubs match. If so, shred all of the stubs…if not, request a corrected form, known as a W-2c. After that’s been handled–shred.
House/condominium records: Six years/permanently
Reasons Why:
You’ll want to keep all records documenting the purchase price and the cost of permanent improvements — such as remodeling, additions and installations as well as records of expenses incurred in selling and buying the property, such as legal fees and your real estate agent’s commission, for six years after you sell your home.
Holding on to these records is important because any improvements you make on your house, as well as expenses in selling it, are added to the original purchase price or cost basis. Therefore, you lower your capital gains tax when you sell your house.
I’m truly dedicated to the success of your family. Can other tax professionals say that?
