My husband and I usually have no drama when it comes to doing our taxes. Normally we do our own taxes. One year we had to pay a firm to do our taxes because my husband switched jobs and had some severance pay, and some other stuff (including having to pay tax in Iowa – and we live in NY!). It was a mess. So we had a professional do it for us. Thankfully we got back a little bit of money.
This year we had a relative do our taxes. Like fools we didn’t set aside $$$ for taxes. We have NEVER had to pay taxes – ever. This was the first year that we owed. Normally what I make is so little that is gets absorbed into my husband’s income and we just end up getting back a little less than normal. This year however – OUCH! We got hit with a huge tax bill. We learned our lesson the hard way.
If effort to avoid a repeat of this year’s tax fiasco I am keeping better records and making sure to update them on a regular basis.
I do have a filing drawer where I keep paperwork and contracts. It’s an actual drawer. When I got my new corner desk we took the drawer were we kept our files out of the old desk and simply shoved it under the new desk. It’s literally the whole drawer. It doesn’t exactly look nice either.
I was sent a Master Lock 7148D Storage Security Box to review. Talk about ideal. This box is big enough to let me keep my important papers in without being so big that it’s an “eye sore” to look at. In fact the box is such a good size that I can easily hide it away under one of the beds or in my husband’s wardrobe. Currently I have it next to my desk, only because I am trying to organize my papers. I need to purchase some manila folders and a few hanging folders with tabs on them so I can organize a lot better.
What I love about the box is that it’s the perfect size. It’s also very light weight so you can easily tote it around. This will be very helpful next year when we have our taxes done. I can bring the entire box with me so that I have all the necessary paperwork on hand to give to our tax preparer. No more fiddling around with a shoe box full of receipts and papers. This is a much more organized way to keep your papers in order.
I have a lot of contracts that I hold on to as well. Some include W-9 information. The last thing I want is for someone to get a hold of any of those papers. The likelihood of that happening to me is slim, but you never know. Robberies happen all the time across the country. Never say never.
The Master Lock 7148D Storage Security Box comes with set of keys. That way I can lock the box when not in use. I keep one key in a very safe place where only I know where it is. The other key is in our lock box which is also locked.
Here are some additional details about the Storage Security Box.
- Locking file box
- 6″ (15.2cm) x 13-1/2″ (34.3cm) x 10-1/2″ (26.7cm)
- Durable steel construction stands up to daily use
- Key lock to protect and secure your personal documents
- Includes 2 keys
- Duplicate keys not available
Did you read that last part – Duplicate keys are NOT available. So make extra certain you know where the keys are and don’t lose them. Otherwise you’ll need to hire a locksmith to open it up for you (and as you know they are expensive).
I honestly would think that something like this would cost upwards of $50. The Master Lock 7148D Storage Security Box is only $21.09! That is a small price to pay for security.
I think the Master Lock 7148D Storage Security Box would make a great gift too, especially for newlyweds, new home owners and even college students who want to protect important information and documents from spying room mates.
For more information about this and other Master Lock products visit www.MasterLock.com. You can also find the brand on Facebook and Twitter.
Kimberly
*I received a free product sample to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced in any way.
June M. says
I need something like this for my tax documents and such 🙂
Karen D says
Thanks for the review. I think everyone should have their household records organized and secure, It would be nice to have one of these.