To avoid identity theft, financial loss, and physical strain, never carry your Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, or a list of passwords in your purse. Also, avoid keeping checkbooks, spare house keys, and excessive cash. Additionally, remove heavy items like laptops or unused items to prevent back/shoulder pain.
10 Things You Should Never Carry In Your Purse Or Wallet
Carrying your Social Security Card puts you at unnecessary risk if your wallet is lost or stolen. Even though you may need your physical Social Security card in select scenarios, in most cases, it's perfectly sufficient to provide your number (or the last four digits) verbally.
Scraps of paper with sensitive information such as PINs and passwords are inherently risky, so add them to the list of what not to keep in your wallet. “Certainly carrying the PIN that goes with the debit card or even the credit card is downright foolhardy,” Sullivan says, “so you should never do that.”
To put good luck in your purse, carry items like a lucky coin, four-leaf clover charm, or red ribbon, symbolizing prosperity and protection, or use Feng Shui items such as citrine, Chinese coins, or Shree Yantra for wealth, along with a positive affirmation or faith symbol for mental clarity and good fortune. Always keep a small bill or coin in a new wallet as a tradition to ensure you're never broke.
Crayons come in handy when traveling as you'd need to mark maps, signposts, and other important places. They can also be used for writing down information that you might need. Crayons can be a great way to entertain yourself when traveling.
The 15/3 credit card payment method is a strategy to potentially boost your credit score by making two payments per billing cycle: one about 15 days before your statement closes (to lower reported utilization) and another around 3 days before the payment due date (to cover the rest and avoid late fees), though its actual impact on credit scoring is debated. It works by keeping your reported balance lower when the card issuer reports to bureaus, but experts note the specific timing isn't magical, and focusing on the reporting date is key.
What You Shouldn't Store
You should always keep your health insurance card in a safe, but accessible place. Most people carry their health insurance card in their wallet or purse. Your insurance ID card is like a passport or driver's license, it gives you access to care and coverage.
Keep your social security card locked up in a safe at home. Don't carry it around with you in your wallet, as that's an easy way to have it, and your identity, stolen.
Get the party going with a “What's in Your Purse?” Scavenger Hunt! Here are the rules.
Not allowed in a carry-on are sharp objects (knives, box cutters, scissors with pointed tips), firearms/ammunition, flammable liquids/solids, tools (hammers, screwdrivers), many sports equipment (bats, golf clubs, ski poles), and self-defense items (pepper spray, stun guns), plus liquids/gels over 3.4oz/100ml, and hoverboards/e-scooters with lithium batteries. Always check the TSA website or your airline for specific rules before flying.
In a pinch, the sturdy corner of a bread clip can double as a flathead screwdriver. Whether you need to tighten a loose screw on a pair of sunglasses or perform a simple task that doesn't require professional tools, carrying a bread clip in your wallet ensures you're always prepared for what the day throws at you.
Including Feng Shui symbols of wealth and abundance in your wallet can amplify your intentions and attract financial luck. Consider adding: Wealth Charms: Chinese coins tied with a red coloured ribbon are a classic Feng Shui symbol for attracting wealth.
Psychological Barrier: Beyond their practical deterrent effect, crayons can also create a psychological barrier for thieves. The presence of crayons suggests that the owner may have intentionally placed them there as a decoy, leading the thief to question what other surprises or countermeasures might await them.
The best bag colors for women are versatile neutrals like black, brown, beige, gray, and navy, as they match most outfits, but trendy options like red, deep plum, butter yellow, and jewel tones (emerald, sapphire) offer stylish alternatives that can be surprisingly versatile. The ideal choice depends on your wardrobe's core colors: go black for cool tones, brown/cognac for earth tones, or explore deeper shades like navy and burgundy for modern versatility that adds interest without being too loud.
While not a strict rule, many fashion experts suggest every woman should have a black purse because it's a versatile, timeless, and elegant wardrobe staple that pairs with any outfit, season, or occasion, saving time and ensuring a sophisticated look without needing to overthink accessories. However, personal preference and individual style are most important, and other neutrals like brown or white are also great choices.