What Experts Say Kentuckians Should Never Carry in Their Wallets
I have a habit that I've recently learned is a bad one. When I leave a restaurant, I almost instinctively shove the receipt into my wallet. Whether I'm thinking I'll throw it away later or I don't leave unnecessary litter at the table, that's what I do.
And I need to stop.
Items You Should Never Carry in Your Wallet
Apparently, I'm putting myself at risk when I mindlessly shove those receipts in my wallet. And honestly, they stay there until I clean it out and start all over again. Yes, friends, I often have the classic "George Costanza wallet."
Boy, George REALLY would have come under fire from the financial experts at Clark Howard who remind us that receipts are one of the things you should never carry in your wallet. And considering the personal information that might be printed on one, I can understand.
There are six other items they tell us are wallet no-nos, and for more obvious reasons.
Social Security Card
This one comes without the need for an explanation, in my opinion, but, sure, I'll spell it out.
I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y T.H.E.F.T
Explodingtopics.com rather alarmingly informs us that about 33% of all Americans have experienced identity theft. That's actually DOUBLE the global average. It's very scary stuff and of which I am quite wary. I've even been told I go a little overboard in my concerns that such calamity might befall me. Better safe than sorry, I always say.
Extra House Keys
Well, I'm fine here. As I said before, I have no ROOM for extra keys in my wallet. I guess that's a good AND bad thing. As for why spare keys are on the list? Well, this, too, is fairly self-explanatory.
Insurance Cards
Again, the issue of personal information makes these vitally important documents persona non grata in your pocket UNLESS you are going to a doctor's appointment.
Birth Certificate
Clark Howard recommends we call and ask if we can use a copy if we're headed to a meeting or appointment where a birth certificate will be required. And if you HAVE to have the original, bring with you the one time, but never keep it with you.
All Your Credit Cards
Here's a toughie, right? I carry my debit card with me, and I'm sure you do, too. And I'm gathering Clark Howard understands that, based on their reasons for including these on this list. Their tone suggests they GET that debit cards have replaced paper money for point-of-sale purchases. They just don't think it's safe to carry all of your CREDIT cards with you all the time, and I agree.
Passport
Finally, an easy one. First, some people may not even HAVE a passport. Second, it really ISN'T necessary to have it on you at all times, only when you're traveling abroad. And in THAT case, you should never let it out of your sight.
Since I predate identity theft concerns (i.e. the Internet and social media), this brand of vigilance is still relatively new to me. On the other hand, I AM quite vigilant about it...sometimes to the point of being annoying.
I'll take it. I'd rather be annoying than have my life picked clean.