Over time our wallets can become filled with old loyalty cards, receipts, outdated gift cards and other items that no longer serve a purpose. When your wallet is overstuffed, it is hard to find what you are looking for.

We may also carry items in our wallet that are highly confidential, the problem with this is if your wallet is lost or stolen it can lead to financial and identity theft. Re-evaluate what you carry not only so your wallet is less bloated but also for your personal safety.

Clean it Out

Start by taking everything out of your wallet, throw away anything that is outdated or no longer needed, be sure to shred anything that contains personal or confidential information before throwing it away.

Then decide what cards and other items you use daily. Those are the items you should carry, for example one or two credit cards, your driver’s license, and a small amount of cash.

Utilize Your Smartphone

Use a password manager and a wallet/payment app on your phone. A password manager is an excellent tool to store not only your usernames and passwords but also tons of other information such as your Social Security number, Medicare number, insurance information, medical information, and anything else you need access to. The apps are encrypted, and password protected.

Payment apps can store credit and debit cards, loyalty and store cards, and other cards you would normally carry in your wallet.

Receipts can be stored by taking photos of them or by using an app specifically designed to scan and store receipts, some health insurance companies offer their own app to manage your medical information and appointments.

Just be sure to protect your phone with a passcode and setup find my device so that if your phone is lost or stolen you can track it and remotely erase it if necessary.

Make Copies

Make copies, front and back of all the items in your wallet, credit and debit cards, drivers license, loyalty cards, etc. If your wallet is lost or stolen the copies serve as a valuable resource so you know exactly what is missing. You will need this information to report the loss.

Never Carry These Items in Your Wallet

There are things you should never carry in your wallet, designate an area at home to keep these items. If everything is stored in one convenient location, you can easily find what you are looking for if you need to take it with you to a specific appointment or meeting.

Social Security Card

Never carry your Social Security card. Instead, memorize your Social Security number or store it in your password manager. Very few establishments ask for your Social Security number or need a copy of your card.

Birth Certificate

Never carry this with you. If you do need to provide it, call ahead and ask whether a copy will be sufficient. If you must present the original, take it with you just for that appointment. You can take a picture of your birth certificate and store it on your phone to show when needed.

Passport

Leave it at home, a thief may be able to use your passport to open bank accounts, get a copy of your Social Security card, travel using your name and more. Keep a copy of it on your phone.

Every Single Credit Card

Don’t carry all your credit or debit cards with you. Instead, take only the ones you need at the time.

Receipts

Some receipts contain personal information. Keep them at home instead of in your wallet or purse.

Spare Keys

A lost wallet that contains a spare key and your ID or other identifying information gives the thief access to your home. Even if your home isn’t robbed changing the locks is time-consuming and expensive. Instead, leave a set of spare keys with a trusted relative or friend.

Insurance Cards

Carry your Medicare and/or insurance cards with you only when needed for an appointment, store a copy in your wallet app for easy access.

Checkbook

Leave your checkbook at home, stolen checks can lead to financial and identity theft, instead use a credit card which is a more secure payment method and not tied directly to your bank account.