Ooh, hot topic alert here.
I don’t know why but whenever I talk about tossing your receipts, I get a lot of pushback.
Let’s think about why we keep receipts.
- I keep receipts until I can enter the expense on my spreadsheet. Yes, I can check my bank account and see I spent R354 at Clicks but I also want to know that R222 of that was my prescription and the rest was nail polish and chocolate (two different line items on my budget).
- I also keep receipts until I (or my family member) has fitted on the item of clothing. Once it fits and I/ they have worn it, I toss the receipt (if it’s been recorded on the spreadsheet). If not, I place the receipt together with the item in my errand bag to return.
In the picture above, I have worn the shoes but the bag strap is the wrong shade of green for the bag I wanted it for, so it will be returned. The bag strap plus the receipt is in my errand bag; hopefully I will return tomorrow.
For now, let’s clear receipts. You can toss these immediately:
- anything older than a year (some retailers also only accept returns within three months – by the way, I have returned items outside of the date; politely smile and ask for a gift card instead of a refund)
- any food retailer receipts
- shoes and clothes you have worn
If there is something you need to return, grab a tote and add the item and your receipt, and put it next to your handbag or in your command centre.
How did you do? Is your wallet nice and clear? Are all the piles of receipts around your home in the bin?
