Things you should never carry in your wallet or purse

If someone asked you what was in your wallet, what would the answer be? Do you have credit cards and cash or do you have more interesting items such as an old button, picture of your first pet, a piece of chewing gum or possibly a long forgotten vitamin you meant to take one morning with breakfast? For some people, wallets become almost like a biography of their life, showing where they have been and what they have done. These innocent items that we carry in our wallet would not cause much chaos if our wallet was stolen or lost; however, carrying certain items in your wallet is risky when you consider the consequences if your wallet was lost. For that reason, never carry these items in your wallet.

• Checkbook and blank checks - This seems harmless enough until you consider that your bank's routing number, your account number and your name and address all appear on the check. All of the information you need in order to set up an online transfer or payment. Furthermore, your signature is imprinted on the blank checks from the numerous times you have signed checks on top of them. If you carry your checkbook for a specific reason, remember to remove it from your wallet when you return home.
• Gift cards and gift certificates - Gift cards and gift certificates are just like cash and should never be carried in a wallet unless you plan to use them that day. Gift cards are a wonderful way to remember a special occasion; however, either spend yours immediately or leave them at home until you are ready to use them.
• Receipts - I am guilty of using my wallet as a filing cabinet and either throwing the receipts away or losing them instead of filing them away. Then when I need that receipt, I cannot find it. Get in the habit of taking receipts out of your wallet and putting them in a safe place at home. Receipts may also have your account number, name, address and telephone number on them, making it easier for a thief to steal your identity.
• Social Security Card - This is the one number you never want to carry in your wallet because identity thieves love to grab these numbers. Carrying your Social Security card in your wallet along with your driver's license, passport and checkbook is just like serving up your credit rating on a platter to a thief. Memorize your number and leave the card at home.
• Excess cash - This is never a wise idea even if you are taking it to make a large purchase. Keep your cash in the bank and use plastic for your purchases to keep from losing your money or having it stolen with your wallet.
• Passport - Your passport has information you do not want floating around in public. It can be used to steal your identity and make it easier for thieves to steal from you. The only time you really need your passport is when traveling so keep it at home instead of your wallet or purse unless traveling.

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