At Richnow LifeStyle Transitions a big part of what we do is to direct donations to charities on behalf of our clients. We're often asked about establishing donation values, so we're including links to both Salvation Army and Goodwill. Look for the section on "valuations" and that should help you get to an acceptable amount for your donations.

Hopefully these will be helpful. 

www.salvationarmysouth.org/valueguide.htm             

www.goodwill.org

How long do I have to keep it?

It's a common question nearly every client wonders about at some point in the clean-out process.

Bank Statements - 6 years

Birth Certificates - Forever

Canceled Checks - 6 years -(or opt out of receiving them all together)

Contracts - Until updated

Credit Card Account #'s - Until updated

Divorce papers - Forever!

Home purchase and improvement records - As long as you own the property

Household Inventory - Until updated

Insurance Papers (life) - Forever

Insurance Papers (car, home, etc.)- Until updated

Investment Records - 6 years after tax deadline for year of sale

Investment Certificates - Until cashed or sold

Loan Agreements - Until updated

Military Service Records - Forever

Real Estate Deeds - As long as you own the property

Receipts for major purchases - Until sold or discarded

Service Contracts & Warranties - Until sold or discarded

Social Security Cards - Forever

Tax Returns - 6 years from filing date - unless unresolved

Vehicle Titles - Until sold or discarded

Will - Until updated

                     SPCA                                     Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

We love animals! So every chance we get we donate linens, towels, leashes, bowls, office and cleaning supplies, crates, brooms, mops and shovels to our local award-winning SPCA.          Remember our furry friends when you're thinking about getting rid of some of these kinds of things.