Between mobile banking, eStatements and online bill payments, managing money has become increasingly digital. For many people, paper statements and mailed bills are becoming a thing of the past.
But even in today's digital world, paper documents can still put your personal information at risk.
That old bank statement, expired insurance document or credit card offer sitting in a drawer may contain information you wouldn't want falling into the wrong hands.
Going Digital Doesn't Mean Paper Disappears
Even if you've switched to electronic statements, chances are you still receive documents containing sensitive information.
These might include:
- Bank and credit card statements
- Medical bills and insurance documents
- Tax documents
- Loan and mortgage paperwork
- Preapproved credit offers
- Old financial records
Simply throwing these documents in the trash or recycling bin could expose personal information. A good rule of thumb: If a document contains sensitive personal or financial information and you no longer need it, shred it.
What Should You Keep and What Should You Shred?
Not every document should go straight into the shredder. Some records, including certain tax documents, legal agreements and important financial paperwork, may need to be kept for several years or longer. Before shredding, make sure the document is no longer needed for tax, legal, insurance or financial purposes.
For records you need to keep, consider storing them securely, whether in a locked location or an appropriately protected digital format.
Protecting Your Information Takes Both Digital and Physical Security
We often think about financial security in terms of strong passwords, suspicious emails and online scams.
But protecting your personal information also means being mindful of physical documents. Using secure digital banking tools, reviewing account activity and properly disposing of sensitive paperwork are all part of protecting your financial information.
And sometimes, the simplest security step is cleaning out that stack of old paperwork.
Have Documents to Shred? Consider Attending Shred Events!
Ready to clear out some clutter while helping protect your personal information? Join Nymeo for our upcoming Community Shred Day!
Saturday, November 7, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (or until capacity is reached)
Nymeo Field – Front Parking Lot
Frederick, Maryland
Bring your unwanted documents containing sensitive personal or financial information for secure shredding. It's a great opportunity to clean out old paperwork, protect your information and participate in a community event. If you can't attend or missed this one, look for other community shred events where you can shred for free and help the community by supporting local organizations.
Category: Financial Literacy & Safety
