What are “sensitive documents”? How do you destroy sensitive documents? Sensitive documents contain personal information about you that if disclosed can result in identity/data theft or otherwise cause harm to you.
Destroying sensitive documents came up this week when a friend in Florida reached out asking how to deal with the documents impacted by Hurricane Ian. Shredding wasn’t an option per the county emergency services. This was something new for me to research and I’d like to share what I’ve learned!
Types of Sensitive Documents
Think about the mail you receive. The loan offers, the insurance offers, billing statement – anything containing personal information should be disposed of to keep thieves at bay! Take special care with these following types of documents.
Medical records
Medical records contain loads of confidential information. After you review the information for accuracy, it’s a good idea to destroy them. These documents include a variety of personal data, including your health insurance information, your name and identification numbers and information about your personal health history.
Financial statements and credit card statements
Many banks and credit card companies send financial statements through the mail, unless you’ve gone paperless! Be especially watchful of your IRS tax filings and tax information. If you have statements sitting in your house, they contain account numbers, your name and address and your account balances.
Insurance records
Insurance records contain loads of account information linked back to you. Home, Auto, Cyber, Disability, Health, Liability, Life, Long-Term Care, Umbrella policies + are highly sought after by the thieves.
Bills and Junk mail
Keep an eye out for bills arriving by mail. Pay special attention to junk mail and the personal data included. Any credit card and/or loan application that you receive, contains your full name, address and other financial information that identity thieves can use against you.
How Long to Keep Sensitive Information
The Spruce wrote a great blog post outlining how long to keep documents. Here is a link to their article: https://www.thespruce.com/how-long-to-keep-documents-2648494
Some documents we keep forever, tax related documents are kept longer in case of audit, other documents until they are paid! For Businesses and Self Employed people, here is information from the IRS to review: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-long-should-i-keep-records
Ways to Destroy Documents
- Shredding is the best way to destroy documents! All shredders are different. They are rated based on the size of the strips they cut, known as “P levels.” The higher the level, the smaller the strips become. Level P-3 satisfies the requirements for destroying HIPAA and FACTA documents
- Burning is an option. Slow controlled burns are recommended
- “Pulping” is the option is what my friend in FL uncovered! Pulping involves soaking documents in a water and bleach solution until they are really soaked. Then it is recommended you use a hand blender to “pulp” the documents until nothing can be read
- Cut or shred by hand. Last resort is cutting or shredding documents until no personal information can be identified
Update About Student Loan Forgiveness
The Debt Relief application process is live for students and parent plus loans! Here is the link to submit your application: https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief/application
Keep Learning
Until my friend reached out this week, I hadn’t considered how to destroy soggy paper! As we go through life, we have new experiences and learn new ways to stay well. Protecting the life you’ve built for yourself includes those you care about, the work you do, and your personal belongings.
Trying to think clearly in the moment isn’t easy. Having a “go to plan” allows you a bit of control when things seem out of control. To begin yours, send me a note: Lynn@thelivingplanner.com or call/text my office +1951.400.5966 to talk about you/yours.
For general information about what I do and why I do it, my website is: https://thelivingplanner.com and my online courses/resources will give you an idea of what I offer to assist people, pets and businesses here: https://courses.thelivingplanner.com
Let’s close with a quote by Francis of Assisi, “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” 💗 –Lynn
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