Matchbook Magazine

Another lovely issue of Matchbook Magazine is now live on the virtual newsstand. Check out the fab 50 green products on page 60. I'm loving the personalized door mat by Pottery Barn...Happy Reading Everyone!

Cookie Exchange

The Cookies Exchange went well this past Saturday...Lots of cookies and lots of fun, thanks to Pottery Barns new party planner page. Has anyone used this before?

Delivery Day

Yay, my stockings from Pottery Barn were delivered yesterday. I didn't get the Channel Quilted ones I wanted because they were sold out but the Velvet ones I got are just as good...Happy Shopping!

Happy Weekend

I know the holidays are here because my inbox is full of great holiday decor ideas. I'm thinking about getting these stockings from Pottery Barn. They are only $19 and for 5 days only they are offering free monogramming and shipping...I love this time of the year.

Q&A-Filing

Happy Monday Everyone! I'm still trying to put together my post on "Creating the Perfect Home Office". The decorating class at Pottery Barn was wonderful and very informative so I have lots of information and ideas to share. Today's post is a Q&A from the class on how long you should keep financial records.

Q: I want to declutter but I'm afraid to throw financial records away. How long should I keep them for?

A:
Tax Return - Keep records for seven years for years tax deductions were taken. The IRS has three years from your filing date to audit your return if it suspects good faith errors....You can also ask your accountant to put your returns on a CD, which makes them easier to store.

Bank Records - From one year (statements) to permanently (anything related to taxes, home improvements, and mortgage payments)..... Online banking and statements will cut down on clutter.

Brokerage Statements - Until you sell the securities. You need the purchase/sales slips from your brokerage or mutual fund to prove whether you have capital gains or losses at tax time.

Bills - One year, unless there's a dispute with a bill or the bill is for a big purchase (e.g. jewelry, appliances, cars) and might be needed for insurance purposes.

Credit Card Receipts and Statements - Keep records 45 days and statements seven years. Keep your original receipts until you get your monthly statement then shred the receipts if the two match up. Keep the statements for seven years if tax-related expenses are documented.

Paycheck Stubs - One Year

House/Condominium Records - From six years (documents related to expenses of buying/selling home such as legal and broker fees) to permanently (records documenting remodeling cost or purchase price).

I would like to thank the Pottery Barn team for giving me such great and useful information.... Thanks Guys!......More to come on "Creating the Perfect Home Office".

Happy Weekend

This weekend I will be going to Pottery Barn for their "Creating the Perfect Home Office" decorating class. Should be lots of fun. I shall report all I've learned on Monday....Happy Weekend Everyone!