Organizing Your Financial Documents for the New Year with Charlie Gruys

As we kick off the new year, we want to share a simple habit that can make a meaningful difference in your financial life: organizing your financial documents.

Think of this as your Marie Kondo or Barbara Costello moment—but for your finances. A small amount of effort now can make the rest of the year feel smoother, more organized, and less stressful.

What does financial decluttering involve? It really comes down to three key areas: account statements, tax documents, and important legal paperwork.

1. Account Statements & Confirmations

Your monthly or quarterly custodian statements are the official records of your accounts. If you’re still receiving paper statements, consider switching to electronic delivery—it’s faster, easier to store, and more secure.

In most cases, keeping your most recent statement is all that’s needed. If you’re holding onto statements from 10–15 years ago, it’s worth checking with your advisor before discarding them. Older documents may contain cost basis details that aren’t always tracked by custodians.

2. Tax Documents

Keep your most recent tax return somewhere easy to access as new tax documents from the prior year begin arriving. Having last year’s return handy helps you know what to expect and simplifies the process for you or your accountant.

A simple system works best. Consider creating a folder—digital, physical, or both—for each tax year. Inside, include items such as:

W-2s and 1099s

Investment statements

Charitable giving receipts