When did I buy that?

Knowing the date you bought something can be very helpful. If you are reselling something, the person buying it will want to know how old it is. If something breaks, you need to know if the warranty is still good. So how can you keep your purchase dates organized so you can find out when you bought something?

Keep a list to track the purchase dates:
You could do something as simple as keep a file folder or box where you stick all your receipts. That will work, but it can take some time wading through them when you want to find a particular receipt. Chances are you will not want to take the time to look through them all when you need one. And the receipt might not be readable when you do find it. Some receipts, especially those printed on thermal paper, can fade with time or the printing can get smeared so you can no longer read the dates. It is best to keep a list of items and purchase dates. That way all dates are in the same place and you can find them easily.

Using a spreadsheet:
If you have read some of my other organizational tips, by now you know I am a big fan of spreadsheets. So I keep my list of purchase dates on spreadsheets. I have a spreadsheet for personal purchases, and one for work purchases. In those spreadsheets, I have several columns to track specific information (these columns could be used on the top of a piece of paper as well if you don't like using spreadsheets):

Item ----- Purchase Date ----- Cost ----- Where purchased ----- Warranty period.

Enter information immediately:
Whether you use a spreadsheet, or list the information on a piece of paper, be sure to enter the information as soon as you can. Put the receipt by your file cabinet or computer as a reminder so you remember to enter the information you need. If you leave the receipt in the sack, it will get thrown out. If you lay it aside it will get lost in the midst of other papers. Put it someplace where it won't get lost and will be a reminder to get the information on your list. I have a small letter holder by my computer where I put information I need to enter. That way I notice it the next time I am at my computer so I get it entered and filed away.

Save those receipts and warranties:
As soon as you have listed the information, be sure to put the receipts and warranties in a safe place. They can simply go in a file where you can find them if you need them. Or use a box labeled "Receipts." If you have a lot of receipts, you can split them up into alphabetical files, or by year. Do what will work best for you. Wherever you put them, be sure to put them all the same place. Then there is only one place to look when you need one.

Preventive medicine:
You may think you will never need a receipt or a purchase date. But this simple organizational technique used as preventive medicine can save a lot of time and frustration in the future. It doesn't take much time. Spending a little time now can save a lot of time, frustration, and perhaps some dollars later when you can look and see, "Aha! The warranty is still good!"