How long do you keep bills, bank statements etc. for?

[bobblehead]

I seem to be drowning under a sea of them, but I'm scared to get rid of any in case they're needed for some unkown reason. I'm sure I read somewhere the times you should hold onto pay slips and the like for but can't remember it. Anyone have any idea?

I'v always been told that 6 months is a decent amount of time. If you don't need them in those 6 months then it's unlikely you are going to need them again.

Oh god, we keep stuff forever. But I think that 6 years is plenty

Thanks, glad to know its not just me!

Got a paper shredder today so looks like I'll be having some fun

Have just realised how sad I sound that I count paper shredding as "fun" on a Friday night

i was self employed for many years and it was seven
cant see the point of more than year really..just check them at time

I have never ever thrown a single bank or credit card statement away!

i have them ALL filed away

i only have the current year, + previouse 2 years easily accessible though!

i have the last 6 months in my Big Green Folder and everything else going back to when i moved out of home in other folders sorted by date and alphabetised............... probably shouldn't have admitted to that

I hate to be boring but payslips and p60's should be kept for 6 years, because that's how far the inland revenue can look back in time(but the same applies if you think they owe you money), and if you are self employed you should keep bills, bank statements, etc for the same amount of time. It's probably a good idea to keep bank statements for 6 years anyway.