A GON Reader Asks

Hi Maria,

Are there benefits to saving credit card receipts until that month's statement arrives? If so, what are they? I've always saved them and never done anything with them...just wondering if it's not a good use of my effort. Thank you for your time and talent!

This Reader Question was submitted by:

--Leah Klotz, Watertown WI


Maria Gracia responds...

Hi Leah,

Hope you are doing well! I love seeing you in my fitness classes and around town! Regarding your question, here are a few reasons I hold onto receipts, paid by credit card or cash, paper or digital, for a short amount of time:

1) if I think I might return the item, like an article of clothing or home decor. I've even had to return a few items to the grocery store in the past that were spoiled when I opened the packaging. I've also had to return a shirt that, even after following the washing instructions, practically fell apart after I washed it one time

2) if I get something repaired, in case the repair fails. It's always good to have proof, readily available, of what you paid

3) if I purchase a gift card, in case the cashier forgets to activate it or the activation fails

4) if someone insists that I didn't pay a fee (like a school fee), but I did. It's easier to show the credit card receipt than wait for the bill statement or have to search online

There are probably other reasons, but these are just a few I've run into.

I have ONE folder in my main filing system labeled 'Receipts,' and all receipts get placed in that folder chronologically. I purge it every 90 days or so...it takes up minimal space and by then, I'm pretty certain I won't need that receipt any longer.

4) I also hold onto paper receipts for large purchases (like a refrigerator) for the life of the product, and especially so if there's a warranty. In this case, I staple this to the use and care book with any warranty paperwork

Of course, you should save any receipts you will need for tax purposes or business expenses as well.

I purchase many items online and have a 'virtual' folder named 'Shopping' where I store my digital receipts, and again, keep them for 90 days or so.

I highly recommend you save your credit card receipts and double-check that they match with your credit card statement. On more than one occasion, I've been double-charged, charged incorrectly, or charged for purchases I never made.

For the most part, unless the receipt is needed for tax or business purposes, or it's for a large purchase, once you've verified (and rectified any issues), and are pretty certain the transaction won't require a refund, you can get rid of it. If it has your full credit card number on them, which is pretty unusual, be sure to shred them first.

I hope this helpp!

--Maria

To fast-forward to My Oh-So-Organized Filing System Deluxe, visit:

getorganizednow.com/rd-mosofs.html

There is tons of paper pouring into our homes every day....bills, warranties, receipts, important documents, user manuals, bank statements, letters, promotions, insurance papers, employment and medical information, school papers, magazines, newspapers, etc. etc. etc. This never-ending paper monster grows on tables, countertops, desks, and dozens of other surfaces and drawers, until it's seemingly too overwhelming to conquer.

If you're sick and tired of the piles of paper taking over your home and your life, I have great news. I've just released the perfect solution for you to get it all organized once and for all, in no time, with little effort!

I am thrilled to announce My Oh-So-Organized Filing System Deluxe sold exclusively on the Get Organized Now! web site. It is ready to help you get your piles of paper organized so you can get your papers in perfect order AND find what you need within 10 seconds or less.

My Oh-So-Organized Filing System Deluxe is my NEW, affordable, and easy- to set up and use filing system for your home. In fact, it's not just a filing system. It's actually a Filing System AND an Organizing System rolled into one. And the best part is...no thinking required! I've thought of the easiest method for you to follow, along with all the categories you'll need and then some!

Here's what just one person who LOVES My Oh-So-Organized Filing System Deluxe had to say...

'I never realized how much information I kept scattered around the house. Now it's all in one place--easy to find and easy to use. The day after I finished setting up the system, my husband needed a manual for one of our appliances. I was able to locate it within seconds. Boy, was he impressed! Thanks again for such a great product.' --Cate Brizzell, Author of 'Real People Don't Diet'

The 3 main components of this system include the filing system itself and a full explanation of how to quickly get it in place, the 'Never Forget to Do Anything Ever Again' Tickler File System (to ensure you remember and handle everything you need or want to), and the Paid Bills Organizer System (which will keep bills due...and all paid bills...in one organized place.

PLUS...until FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, when you get your hands on a copy of My Oh-So-Organized Filing System Deluxe, you'll also get 7 COMPLIMENTARY eBook BONUSES, all brand new and all created by me, as follows.

1. Find It Fast: You'll know instantly which file folder your document is in.

2. Easy TO DO Tool: It's the tool I use each and every day -- and it never fails to help me get a `ton' of TO DOs done...fast!

3. How Long Should I Keep This? Paper Retention System: Have you always wondered which papers you need to keep and for how long? Wonder no longer...here's the answer

4. Mini Money Tracker: To help you stay on top of your finances

5. 30 Doable Ways to Go as Paperless as Possible: You can actually eliminate a lot of the paper constantly bombarding you

6. Perpetual Calendar: You will never have to buy or create another calendar again

7. Prevent Identity Theft: Documents to Shred Before You Recycle: Beat identity thieves before they make you their next victim

P.S. Get your paperwork in order once and for all. And don't miss out on these NEW COMPLIMENTARY BONUSES. For more details, visit:

getorganizednow.com/rd-mosofs.html

GON Cleaning How to clean the toilet bowl correctly...and how often
getorganizednow.com/cleaning-secret-cleaning-toilet-bowl.html



GON Dirty Little Secrets I hate having to trek down to the basement or into the garage when I need an extension cord or power strip. Here's what I do instead...
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-extension-cord.html


In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

Decisions, decisions... Our quotes of the week are focused on decision making, and may inspire you to make a decision this week

Facebook Feature Make your needs your wants, and your wants few. This is a must-read article

Do you have trouble making decisions? If so, you have to read this simple thought about decisions by Doe Zantamata on my home page

August Organizing Checklist Make this last full month of summer 2019 your most organized yet. Start with our NEW August Organizing Checklist, but don't look back. Start with today's date and move forward

August Organizing Mini-Challenges For August, our mini challenges are focused on Being Prepared. This week, focus on WEEK FOUR.

Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

'Sometimes when I have a mountain of paperwork, I dream of how many paper planes I can make.' --Anthony T. Hincks

I'd love to hear from you.

Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

(c) Copyright 2019 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

* Copyright, contact and reprint information:
getorganizednow.com/contact.html

* You signed up to receive our Idea-Kit and/or our Newsletter at our Get Organized Now! Web site. We never add names unless you have voluntarily opted in.

* We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone. You'll never get an unsolicited email from a stranger as a result of joining this list.

* If you happen to purchase anything I recommend in this or any of my communications, its likely I'll receive some kind of affiliate compensation. Still, I only recommend stuff that I truly believe in and share with my friends and family. If you ever have an issue with anything I recommend please let me know. I want to make sure I am always serving you at the highest level.

* To subscribe, visit:
getorganizednow.com/free-ezine.html


* To unsubscribe, if you absolutely must go, please click the link below. However . . .

YIKES! - If you unsubscribe, you'll lose all the complimentary organizing resources I share with my loyal readers each week. You'll lose the Weekly Tips, Reader Tips, Reader Clinics, complimentary videos, ebooks, resource recommendations, and the many valuable bonuses I offer each month (some totaling hundreds of dollars). Please don't go. I love sending you all of this free training. I'd be lost and lonely without you. If there is something more you would like from my newsletters, then please reply to this email and let me know.
-- Maria Gracia