Should I stop keeping paper backup and, instead, trust online billing records?

1. 89

   JSParkerposted 13 years ago

   Should I stop keeping paper backup and, instead, trust online billing records?
   
   For utilities, credit cards, and mortgages, for example, is it safe NOT to have paper billing and record keeping?  Will the online data (monthly utility usage, amortization schedules) reliably be available online when I need it? 
   
   

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2. 76

   flacoinohioposted 13 years ago

   I like the idea myself it would be awesome to not have to keep seven years worth of documents lying around the house.  I think using electronic data storage is good for ease of use and quick reference and access to data, but here is always the risk of your personal infomration being lost, stolen, or sold for profit.

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3. 38

   henderposted 13 years ago

   I wouldn't solely trust each website's billing history.  Some of them only keep their records available online for certain periods of time, some may be sold and bought by other companies and have data lost or unavailable in transition, and you will always need a net connection to access any of it.
   
   You can download a free PDF printer such as Primo PDF, and go to each of your statements and convert them to .PDF files (if they aren't already available as such).  You could go as far as paying for cloud storage and saving all of the PDFs both on your hard drive and on the cloud, or even just on a flash drive or external hard drive.  The downside there is a similar risk as paper, if your residence were to be compromised, whether through fire, storm, theft, or computer failure, you may lose all your work.
   
   The accountant in me would answer "absolutely not!" though, and point to PDF files if you're absolutely unwilling to keep paper around.

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   1. 89

      JSParkerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I like your idea of cloud storage for statements and records. It offers protection from fire loss and avoids the hassle and expense of printing everything.  However, that leads me to a question for another time: how secure is cloud storage?

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4. 59

   cheaptoysposted 13 years ago

   i still prefer hardcopy in case I need some reference but I will probably throw the older bills away

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