Paper shredders are noisy, but they do the job. They take your personal information and destroy it so crooks can't piece it together.
With the permission of one Colorado Springs homeowner we showed you how easy it is for crooks. I dug through the trash he set on the curb and got my hands on two credit card numbers.
Experts warn anything that has your signature, account number, social security number, medical or legal information should be shredded as well a those annoying credit card offers.
When buying a shredder, look for one that cross-cuts the paper. That ensures thieves can't take the tiny, little parts and piece them back together.
Also consider one that will handle at least 12 sheets of paper at a time. That will allow you to shred more documents, quickly.
After doing some research we bought this one from Staples. The Mailmate costs $70 and also shreds cds, dvds, credit cards, staples, paper clips... even unopened mail.