We get nearly all of our information online regardless of what platform we decide to use be it a laptop or cell phone. Still, we will find that certain paper items cannot be escaped, like bills and receipts. Some credit card companies offer online statements, as do banks and even electricity companies. However, when was the last time you walked into a retail store and were offered an electronic receipt?
It’s important for consumers to keep their receipts for various reasons like personal or business taxes, and if you need to start budgeting your money. If you’re prone to stuffing them in your wallet or car door where they can easily get lost, think again. Identity thieves have wizened up and have the ability to calculate your credit cards digits and use your money how they want to.
There are several ways to digitize your receipts, statements, and other important documents. Here a few ways to get started.
- Contact your credit cards, bank, and loan companies to see if they offer online statements as opposed to paper statements. Be sure to read all the fine print though as some companies may only offer the statements online for a certain time so you may need to save your own copies onto your computer or a Dropbox account online.
- Use an app to such as OneReceipt can help you keep your receipts without actually having to pile them up. Take a photo of your receipt using your smart phone and the item will be stored onto your account. You can also scan your receipts at home to be added to your account. Shred your receipt once you know it is saved.
- Scan and save them. Scanning your receipts does mean you will have to keep them; however, you can shred them once you’ve stored them in your computer. If you’re a bit more on the organized side then maybe save your receipts for the few days and scan them in batches.
- Don’t forget to back everything up! Accidents can happen and you wouldn’t all your hard work to go down the drain because your computer or iPhone broke. Backing your saved files is always the best way to be sure you have all your documents. If you’re files are stored online make sure you have a good security system set up and that no one can (or ever does) access your personal information.
The Takeaway
Saving your receipts doesn’t mean having to buy a filing cabinet. Reviewing your expenditures can be in an important step in creating a good budget and staying debt-free. Be conscious of your spending habits and keep tabs on it using digital formats like online banking statements. If you come to find that you are in need of credit repair services, AmOne is here to help you. Contact us to find what credit monitoring or repair services may be right for you.
