Documents

When to toss them

Bank deposit slips

After you reconcile your statements

Banking statements

After a calendar year; store with tax returns if they will be used to prove deductions

Brokerage, 401(k), IRA, Keogh, and other investment statements

Shred monthly and quarterly statements as new ones arrive; hold on to annual statements until you sell the investments

Credit-card bills

After you check and pay them, unless you need them to support tax filings

Employer defined-benefit plan communications

Never

Household warranties and receipts

After you no longer own the household items

Insurance policies

After you renew them

Investment purchase confirmations and 1099s

Hold until you sell the securities, then keep with your tax records for an additional seven years

Pay stubs

After you reconcile them with your W-2

Receipts

After you reconcile them with your credit-card or bank statement unless needed for a warranty

Safe-deposit box inventory

Never, but review and update annually

Savings bonds

Cash them in when they mature

Social Security statements

When you get a new statement, then shred the old one

Tax returns and supporting documents

After seven years

Documents

When to toss them

Birth and death certificates

Never

Estate-planning documents

Never

Life-insurance policies

Never, or when a term policy has ended

Loan documents

After you sell your home, automobile, boat, or whatever the loan was for

Marriage licenses and divorce decrees

Never

Military discharge papers

Never

Social Security cards

Never

Vehicle titles

After you sell the car, boat, motorcycle, or other vehicle