There are some documents that all adults should have: an original birth certificate, a social security card and multiple methods of identification. These items are necessary when we apply for jobs, search for apartments or purchase things like insurance. Because of how important these documents are, it is tempting to keep these items handy in our wallets, purses or glove compartments. But what happens when you lose your wallet? What if you're the victim of a robbery? Losing those documents that allow you to move about in the world legitimately can be devastating.
Here's a list of items you should avoid keeping on you:
1) Social Security Card
A consistent theme you'll notice in our advice to you is to keep documents that would allow others to use your identity secure. With a name and a social security number, any stranger can start opening up credit cards or take out loans in your name. Fortunately many banks have built-in safeguards for this sort of identity theft, but there are still avenues criminals can take to exploit confidential information. Replacing a social security card is an involved process that includes mailing documents to the Social Security Administration. There is also a limit on how many times you can replace your card. Avoid the hassle of replacing your card by keeping the first one secure and off of your person (unless you intend on using it on a particular day, of course!).
2) Birth Certificate
It's rare that you'll need to show your original birth certificate, but it can come in handy to acquire other forms of ID, so you should definitely keep it safe and out of your wallet. The same advice above about identity theft applies to birth certificates.
3) Spare keys
It seems self-evident not to keep spare keys in the same place you'd keep your usual set of keys, but this advice is so important that it bears repeating. In the event you're robbed, the criminal with your keys may also have your ID with your home address on it. It's bad enough to have your purse or wallet stolen; don't risk having your residence robbed. Consider keeping spare keys with another trusted individual somewhere safe (but hidden) at their residence or even in a safety deposit box at your bank. A safety deposit box is also a great option for storing your social security card and birth certificate.
4) Multiple credit cards
Here's a tip that won't just prevent you from losing more of your assets in the unfortunate event of a robbery but will also help you control your spending. We've written before about the virtues of credit cards when used responsibly and also about the danger of credit cards in less savvy hands. Consider only keeping one credit card on you at a time if you have multiple cards. Anything you're not actively using should be kept safe at home to avoid replacement charges in the event of loss or robbery. The less credit you have at your fingertips, the less likely you are to spend money you don't have.
5) Account numbers, passwords and PINs
With frequent use of social media accounts comes so many usernames and passwords that it is difficult to remember them all. It may be tempting to keep things like passwords, PINs and account numbers written down but imagine the fear and devastation that would result from discovering you've lost not only access to your accounts but also the sense of security that comes with being the only one with access. Don't make your purse or wallet into a gold mine for thieves and less virtuous finders! Instead of keeping a physical copy of all of this information, consider using one of the many secure applications available using technology like cloud computing to store easy-to-refer-to but secure information at your fingertips. You can also install programs that will randomly generate super secure passwords for all of your sites, save them, and operate from one master password. Cnet.com is a great resource for programs like these.
Take a look at what you keep in your wallet or purse. How much of that stuff do you actually use? While you organize your possessions, take special care to ensure that you only carry with you replaceable items and as few items containing sensitive information as possible. It will always be a bummer to lose your wallet, but it can less of one if you apply some minimalist philosophy to what you carry every day.
Here's a list of items you should avoid keeping on you:
1) Social Security Card
A consistent theme you'll notice in our advice to you is to keep documents that would allow others to use your identity secure. With a name and a social security number, any stranger can start opening up credit cards or take out loans in your name. Fortunately many banks have built-in safeguards for this sort of identity theft, but there are still avenues criminals can take to exploit confidential information. Replacing a social security card is an involved process that includes mailing documents to the Social Security Administration. There is also a limit on how many times you can replace your card. Avoid the hassle of replacing your card by keeping the first one secure and off of your person (unless you intend on using it on a particular day, of course!).
2) Birth Certificate
It's rare that you'll need to show your original birth certificate, but it can come in handy to acquire other forms of ID, so you should definitely keep it safe and out of your wallet. The same advice above about identity theft applies to birth certificates.
3) Spare keys
It seems self-evident not to keep spare keys in the same place you'd keep your usual set of keys, but this advice is so important that it bears repeating. In the event you're robbed, the criminal with your keys may also have your ID with your home address on it. It's bad enough to have your purse or wallet stolen; don't risk having your residence robbed. Consider keeping spare keys with another trusted individual somewhere safe (but hidden) at their residence or even in a safety deposit box at your bank. A safety deposit box is also a great option for storing your social security card and birth certificate.
4) Multiple credit cards
Here's a tip that won't just prevent you from losing more of your assets in the unfortunate event of a robbery but will also help you control your spending. We've written before about the virtues of credit cards when used responsibly and also about the danger of credit cards in less savvy hands. Consider only keeping one credit card on you at a time if you have multiple cards. Anything you're not actively using should be kept safe at home to avoid replacement charges in the event of loss or robbery. The less credit you have at your fingertips, the less likely you are to spend money you don't have.
5) Account numbers, passwords and PINs
With frequent use of social media accounts comes so many usernames and passwords that it is difficult to remember them all. It may be tempting to keep things like passwords, PINs and account numbers written down but imagine the fear and devastation that would result from discovering you've lost not only access to your accounts but also the sense of security that comes with being the only one with access. Don't make your purse or wallet into a gold mine for thieves and less virtuous finders! Instead of keeping a physical copy of all of this information, consider using one of the many secure applications available using technology like cloud computing to store easy-to-refer-to but secure information at your fingertips. You can also install programs that will randomly generate super secure passwords for all of your sites, save them, and operate from one master password. Cnet.com is a great resource for programs like these.
Take a look at what you keep in your wallet or purse. How much of that stuff do you actually use? While you organize your possessions, take special care to ensure that you only carry with you replaceable items and as few items containing sensitive information as possible. It will always be a bummer to lose your wallet, but it can less of one if you apply some minimalist philosophy to what you carry every day.
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