Hasta La Ideas

Your wallet (or purse) is likely one of the items that you probably use on a regular basis. Can you name all the things that are inside of it? How long does it take you to find what you’re looking for? If it’s bursting at the seams or you’re keeping it together with a rubberband, try …

Purging your receipts

…along with the other pieces of paper (post-it notes, business cards, movie stubs). Why overload it with things that you probably won’t remember are in there? If you need to reconcile the receipts before you discard them or remember that phone number you wrote down, take a photo of those items and let go of the paper. And, if you really need that business card, enter it directly in your contacts or save it in your online notebook.

Use digital coupons

If you’re still carrying around store loyalty cards (or paper coupons), they could be taking up much needed space in your wallet. Try using digital coupons or a smart phone app, Passbook (for iPhone), instead. They’re attached to your phone and loyalty number, so you really won’t need those cards (which means you can also let go of the ones for your key chain, too).

Figure out your must-haves

Everyone’s wallet will hold different items based on their unique situation and routines. There’s no right or wrong way to organize your wallet. The right way is the way that works best for you. But, that doesn’t mean that it needs to be stuffed and stretched beyond its limit. Take a minute to figure out what you really need to have in your wallet on a regular basis. For me, one of those things is a book of stamps. It’s probably not typical wallet fare, but I really like having quick access to stamps when I’m running errands (I’ve been known to mail cards when the mood strikes). As you sort through your things, consider how many credit cards you really need to carry and be sure remove your social security card.

Decide if you need a new wallet

Once you’ve decided which things you must always have with you, figure out if you need a new (larger or smaller) wallet that will suit your needs. Instead of forcing many items into a too-small wallet, use one that will comfortably fit everything. The reverse is true, too. If things keep slipping out of your larger wallet or you find you’re not using all the compartments, consider getting a smaller one.

And, before you put everything neatly back in place, make a copy of each item first (remember to update it when you add/remove something). Hopefully, you will never need to refer to it, but it is helpful to have if you lose your wallet or if it is stolen.

Have a spot for an emergency money

Along with your driver’s license or state ID and health insurance card, it’s a great idea to have emergency money in your wallet (a small sum will suffice). If you’ve ever been caught off guard when you realize (too late) a restaurant only accepts cash or your debit card is expired, it’s nice to have that extra money.

What do you have in your wallet that you could remove?

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