Different people and cultures believe different things for the answer to this question. The meaning of life as we perceive it is derived from philosophical and religious contemplation of, and scientific inquiries about existence, social ties, consciousness, and happiness.
A long-term financial plan should include these elements. Time Horizon. A plan should look at least  five to ten years into the future. Scope. A plan should consider all appropriated funds, but especially those funds that are used to account for the issues of top concern to elected officials and the community. Frequency.
Every billing statement, every letter, every receiptâ I couldnât get her to part with a single piece of paper, says Leeds, author of One Year to an Organized Financial Life (Da Capo Press, 2008). While Leeds says there are financial documents you should keep for life, most can be held three years or less. Unless it shows proof of a deductible expense, many documents and receipts can be shredded monthly or annually, says Leeds. Material that supports tax returns should be saved for three years.