Which of the following is NOT a stage in the records life cycle?

• A. Creation
• B. Storage
• C. Disposition
• D. Expenditure

Answer: (D)

Understanding the records life cycle means looking at how a record is created, stored, used, and eventually disposed of. Creation is the moment the record comes into existence. Storage is where it is kept during its retention period so it remains accessible and protected. Disposition is the final phase, when the record is either destroyed or transferred to an archive according to the retention schedule. Expenditure, on the other hand, refers to the costs associated with managing records—such as staff time, storage media, and processing—rather than a stage of the lifecycle itself. Costs may arise throughout the lifecycle, but they are not a step in the lifecycle process. That's why expenditure is not a stage in the records life cycle.