Organized Wallet

Recently I spotted a person who was frantically searching through their bulging wallet trying to find the money to pay for their purchases meanwhile papers and cards were falling to the floor. Once everything was back in the wallet there was a problem in trying to close it. As she was leaving, another customer reached down and picked up a card on the floor that she had missed. Luckily the card was returned to the owner, it could have been another story had that card been spotted by an untrusting person. There are many bulging, unorganized wallets out there, causing stress, frustration and embarrassment to their owners, not to mention the huge possibility of identity theft leading to financial problems.

It made me think how personal we can all get with our wallet which holds not only money but credit cars, gift cards, membership cards, restaurant cards, business cards, family photos, receipts and identification information.

While it takes time to organize your wallet, the reality is saved time, emotions and peace of mind in knowing what information and cash you are carrying around with you.

Most of us spend more time in purchasing the right wallet then actually organizing it. Today wallets seem to be larger, to protect yourself only carry what is absolutely essential.

Tips to organize your wallet
1) Empty contents and put into categories
2) File receipts- coupon folder/zip-lock bags
3) Credit Cards etc.-only current cards used daily
4) Cards not used daily file at home
5) Drivers License, Medical cards-store in plastic sleeve
6) Money-bills in one spot, numerically for easy access/amount you have
7) Coins are bulky-store in a separate change purse
8) Photos- while it is important to carry family ID photos, a good
alternative is a mini family album separate from your wallet

Ask yourself, how quickly can you make a list of everything you have in your wallet now, do you know who to contact for each card and what information they will require? Having this information prepared ahead of time could prevent use of stolen card, identity theft; the last thing you want is to be searching frantically for your stolen credit card companies phone numbers.

Theft Protection Tips I learned first hand
1)Photocopy contents of wallet
-credit cards and all other id information
-copy front and back
- use safe copier
2) Make an information list with details such as
-name of card, institution, phone # for stolen cards, expiry dates
3) Shed or cut up expired or cards no longer used
4) Passwords, Pin #s do not store in wallet
5) Photos – should not have child’s name, phone number on back
6) Social security card, passports- store at home until needed
7) Cheques carry alot of info- take steps to protect yourself

How do I know this, a few years ago I had lost my wallet and was not prepared with this information. Luckily my wallet was returned by an honest person.
The stress that I put myself and my family through could have been avoided.
Just organize your wallet and lighten the load.
Be prepared. Be protected.