Cut back on paper piles

In preparation for a client appointment later this week, I came across this great info on how long to keep certain paperwork, bills, receipts, etc. I found it very helpful! I know I'm guilty of keeping things much longer than I need to...

What are the time limits for keeping old paperwork and files?

Here are some broad and fairly conservative guidelines that you may find helpful in managing your bills and financial records. Before making any decision on paperwork, however, you should definitely check with an accountant or financial advisor in your state to verify that this information is accurate, as sometimes legislation varies from state to state.

Toss out EACH MONTH:

• ATM, bank-deposit slips and credit card receipts after you have checked them against your bank or credit card statements.
• Receipts for minor purchases - unless there is a warranty or refund involved.

Toss out after ONE YEAR:

• Your monthly bank and credit-card statements (unless you require proof of deductions for taxation purposes).
• Monthly mortgage statements provided you receive a year-end summary of your account.
• Pay stubs after they are checked against your W-2 or 1099.
  

Toss out after SEVEN YEARS:

• Your W-2 and 1099 forms
• Cancelled checks and receipts or statements for mortgage interest, property taxes, deductible business expenses or other tax-deductible expenses.
  

Keep indefinitely:

• Annual tax returns
• Year-end summary statements from financial institutions.
• Receipts for the purchase of any investments you own.
• Receipts for home-improvement costs or major purchases that may be needed for insurance claims or similar.

It may be helpful to download one of the publications of the IRS about what paperwork to keep. Go to www.irs.gov and search for Publication No. 552 - that has much of the information you are seeking.

Good luck taming your piles and files!
-amy

Roadside Hazard Kit

It's important to have emergency items in your vehicle in case you experience hazards on the road, especially as we head into the winter weather season. For around $40-50 you can purchase a kit online that's endorsed by the AAA. It has most everything you need (and some things that you don't!).

Or, you can build your own kit using many items you already have. My dad, who worked as a mechanic many years ago and is my go-to-guy for all things car-related, recommends a few items not in the AAA kits, including an emergency fan belt and an extra quart of oil. I've included those items on my list - pasted below (sorry for formatting weirdness; I've been fighting with blogger for almost an hour now!!). If you'd like a formatted copy (in PDF) that you can easily print and use as a guideline for your vehicles, just send me an e-mail :)

Safe travels!
-amy

Roadside Hazard Kit You Can Make Yourself
Must-Have Items:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Jumper cables (recommended min. 8 feet long)
  
• 2-3 bungee cords
• Flares
• Emergency fan belt
• 1 roll duct tape and/or electrical tape
• Large garbage bag (multiple uses, including a rain poncho and a dry place to kneel when changing a tire or tire chains!)
• 2-in-1 screwdriver and pliers
• Assorted fuses
• Extra quart of oil
• 1 rag or "shop cloth"
• Cable ties (especially helpful for securing hoses and tire chains)
• First Aid Kit

Extras

• WD-40
• Tire pressure gauge
• Tire Inflator (this "goo" patches holes and re-inflates the tire temporarily; can be purchased at automotive stores)
• Safety Lights (I have a 2-pack of 12-hour lights; they don't need batteries or fire)
• Solar charger for cell phone and other devices (we use the Solio)
• My in-laws also gave us the SafetyCross 6-in-1 Self-Powered Emergency Light which includes a compass and radio
• Auto blanket for changing tires, etc. (we have one that's water proof on one side and fabric on the other so we can also use it for impromptu picnics!)
• Safety vest or other reflective tape/clothing (so you can be seen at night on the side of a road)
• Gallon jug of water and energy bars (if desired)
  

Plus: if you live or drive where there is snow, always have tire chains and a blanket with you (and perhaps even rubber boots!)

Prep for the Perfect Day Hike

Last Thursday to escape the heat, I went on a solo hike in The Gorge. My number one tip for women who want to hike on their own is to hit a trail you already know - fewer opportunities for ending up on the evening news that way, as you know what to expect and can plan accordingly. My favorite spot to hit on my own is Latourell Falls, which is the closest falls to Portland along the Old Columbia River Highway (trail head is only 35 minutes from my house!). I've been there more than a dozen times, plus my cell phone works on most of the trail, just in case!

It was absolutely gorgeous up there and I took many great photos. One of the best parts about this 2.3 mile loop trail is that most people/tourists get enamored with the first, large waterfall near the road and never go beyond the first .5 miles of the trail in either direction. However, for those with more adventure in their blood, another 1 mile hike will lead you to a second, s-shaped waterfall that you can walk behind, plus several wooden bridges to cross the creek. There is even a fallen log that works as a bridge in one spot.

While sitting on some logs in the middle of the creek, I enjoyed an apple and wrote down this list of "must have" items on a day hike, especially if you're alone. If you have anything to add, please let me know! I'm a huge fan of using lists for trips and adventures - that way you're never caught unprepared and can truly enjoy yourself. In a later post I'll share some of my prep lists for traveling domestically and abroad.

Happy Hiking!
-amy

Day Hike Checklist
Depending on the length of the hike, you should carry a small backpack with you, or you can leave some of this in the car.

• Small backpack / fanny pack
• Sunglasses
• Hat - keeps sun and sweat out of your eyes
• 1-2 pair socks (wool and/or wicking socks are the best)
• Hiking shoes/boots (I usually wear flip-flops or sandals in the car, which I then throw in the pack in case I want to get in the river!)
  
• 16 oz water bottle (I brought 2 with me this time, to add weight)
• Almonds or other nuts and/or protein bar
  
• Fruit (I took an apple and some strawberries)
• Chapstick/lip balm
  
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Band-aids
  
• Camera
• Cell phone
• iPod (if you want; I turn mine off at times to enjoy the sounds of nature instead)
  
• Clean t-shirt for afterwards
• Small diary for notes and thoughts
• Camp towel or hand towel
• Hiking book and/or map of area
• I.D. - always have this on you!
• Tell someone where you are going - I send a text to my husband as I leave town and as soon as I return.