Get These Things Out Of Your Purse Or Wallet Now !
By Glen McKenzie
Your wallet can easily become cluttered with loyalty cards , coupons , cash , checks , store credit cards and a host of identification cards . Not only is an overstuffed wallet a hassle to carry , it may make identity theft easier .
Give your purse or wallet a good once over . Look for things you don ’ t regularly need , and take them out .
Some things should never be in your purse or wallet . If you see these items as you ’ re trimming down your daily carry , take them out immediately .
1 . Your Social Security card
It ’ s easy enough to stuff the card into your wallet when you need it for identification and then forget about it .
That could be a big mistake . Thieves can use your original Social Security card to apply for all kinds of unsecured debt in your name . Canceling your Social Security number and getting a new one is a complicated , time-consuming process , and you may be liable for fraud as you do so .
Keep yourself safe , and get the card out of your wallet . Put it in a secure location in your home , like a safety lock box .
2 . Receipts
This is by far the easiest way to accumulate paper in your wallet . You never know what might be needed later and you stick them all into your wallet . Before you know it , you ’ ve got a novel-sized stack of transactions .
This could be serious trouble if your purse or wallet is ever stolen or lost . Thieves can use the last four digits of your credit card number on a receipt to build a profile of your purchases , and can fish for more information with a merchant who has the card on file , like a cable company or an online retailer .
Think about going paperless . Turn your phone into a digital file box . Information can be encrypted to keep it out of the hands of malicious people but still accessible to you if you need to check a purchase .
3 . Tons of credit cards
Every store offers its own card and incentives . Those cards can really add up . Tack on an extra couple of cards for gas purchases , everyday expenses and work-related stuff , and you could easily end up with a wallet or purse full of plastic .
If your wallet or purse is stolen , each one of those cards has to be canceled individually . Forgetting even one can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars . Thin your collection down to the one or two you use regularly . Look for those that can be widely used , provide the lowest fees and best acceptance rates .
Once you ’ re down to your top cards , make a list of their numbers and the steps you ’ d need to take to cancel them if necessary .
Don ’ t forget that it is also important to keep your address and all phone numbers updated with your financial institution and credit card carriers . This enables them to quickly notify you if fraud is suspected or to send you alerts / notifications if something looks suspicious on your account or credit card .
Your Turn : It ’ s time to think about what ’ s tucked into your purse or wallet . What items make your “ essential carry ” list , and what can you safely leave behind ?
DATCU is your local , member-owned credit union . It would be our pleasure to help you with any financial need you might have . Call us at 940-387-8585 , go to our website at datcu . org , or stop by any of our eleven ( 11 ) convenient branch locations if you are considering a new financial partner in your life . It would be our pleasure to serve you !
Glen McKenzie , President / CEO of DATCU Credit Union , may be reached at 866-387-8585 .
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MARCH / APRIL 2017
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