Keeping old checks - how long?

Factual Questions
1

In the past couple of months, I have been attempting to exorcise the pack rat within by throwing out old junk that, at the time, was important to me for some reason. In the process, I have uncovered the location of bank statements dating back to 1997.

I know that tax returns should be kept for seven years. How about all these old checks and statements? Should I get me a shredder and go nuts or should I hang on to them for a while longer?

2

Piker. Helping an Aunt move, we found cheques and statements going back to the late '50’s. They made such a fine glow in the fire.
Tax forms, seven years. All others. three.
I think I heard this on “Today”