Not Made Of Money

No, this isn’t a Capital One commercial. Seriously, what is in your wallet? Some people carry nothing but cash in their wallet. Others carry just about every type of identification or financial information they have in their wallet.

In a perfect world, the things you actually should carry in wallet lie somewhere in between these two stereotypes. There are definitely items that you should have with you at all times. But you also don’t need to have everything with you. In the event that your wallet is lost or stolen, minimizing the things in your wallet will help you contain the damage you will face.

Things you should carry in your wallet include:

Your Drivers License – It’s important to have valid identification with you at all times.

Your Auto Insurance Card – If you’re driving, you’ll be required to be have proof of insurance with you.

Cash – Although you don’t want to carry too much cash, it is nice to have a minimal amount with you.

One Debit or Credit Card – Carrying multiple credit cards with you is like an invitation to identity thieves to have a field day with your wallet. However, if your car breaks down, you’ll be glad to have a way to pay for a tow to your mechanic’s shop. Remember this card is for emergencies, not indulgences.

Medical Emergency Information – Allergies and medical conditions you have could be very important information if you become ill or are in an accident. Having that information with you could save emergency workers valuable time.

Things you should NOT carry in your wallet include:

Your Social Security Card – Never carry your social security card with you as a routine. If you need to provide it to an employer or to show it at a Social Security office, carry it with your for that particular day. Once you get home again, make sure you pull it back out of your wallet and put it safely away.

Tons of Credit Cards – Don’t stuff your wallet full with credit cards. You might be tempted to have them all with you just in case you need them. You’re much more likely to use your credit cards if you have them with you when you feel the shopping urge.

Your Birth Certificate – Like your social security card, your birth certificate should only be taken out of your home when there is a specific need. Very rarely will you need to present it to anyone.

Contact Information Cards – When you buy a new wallet, the wallet often includes one of those blank cards for you to write all of your vital information on. The premise is that if you lose your wallet someone will see the card and call you. Unfortunately, the other possibility is that some one will find the wallet, your credit card, and your private information.

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