We all carry our purses with the best of intentions, ready for any situation life might throw at us. But while it’s tempting to load them up with all kinds of “just in case” items, there are certain things you should definitely avoid stashing in your bag. Some of these seemingly harmless objects can cost you big if they fall into the wrong hands or become damaged. Here are 8 items you should never, ever carry in your purse.
Personal Documents
There are few things more dangerous than carrying personal documents like your birth certificate, passport, or other forms of ID in your purse. While it might seem convenient to have them on hand, losing or having them stolen can result in serious identity theft. Keep these vital records in a safe place at home or in a secure, locked compartment of your bag if absolutely necessary. Never carry them unnecessarily, and avoid keeping them in your purse for convenience.
Expired Coupons and Membership Cards
While it’s great to have coupons and membership cards for various stores, carrying expired ones in your purse is not only a waste of space, but it can also create unnecessary clutter. Expired items can cause frustration when you’re looking for the right card or trying to redeem a deal that no longer exists. Keep your purse streamlined by regularly purging outdated coupons and cards. Organize these items digitally when possible, or toss them once they’re no longer valid.
Debit Cards and Checkbooks
While it’s easy to throw a debit card and checkbook into your purse for those spontaneous moments when you need them, this is an unnecessary risk. If your purse is lost or stolen, these items give a thief direct access to your bank account or the ability to write fraudulent checks. For better security, keep your debit card only when you need it to make a withdrawal and avoid carrying a checkbook unless you absolutely must. A bit of planning ahead can prevent major financial losses.
Passwords
It’s tempting to jot down passwords on scraps of paper and tuck them in your purse for quick access, especially with the ever-growing number of accounts we manage daily. However, this is an open invitation for identity theft. As Eva Velasquez, president of the Identity Theft Resource Center, warns, carrying your passwords in your purse may seem secure since it’s always with you. But if your bag is lost or stolen, your security could be completely compromised. Instead, rely on a secure password manager app to store your passwords safely and access them easily, without risking writing them down.
Receipts
Many of us store receipts in our bags, either as a quick way to hold onto proof of purchase or simply out of habit. While it might not seem like a big deal, receipts can become a security liability. Not only do they clutter your purse, but receipts also contain valuable information, such as your purchase history, which could be exploited by identity thieves. Over time, a thief can gather enough data to make fraudulent transactions or access your account information. Instead, consider a digital solution to storing receipts or simply dispose of them promptly.
Gift Cards
Carrying gift cards around might feel like an easy way to keep them handy for when you need them, but it’s a risk you don’t need to take. If you lose your gift card or it’s stolen, there’s often little recourse to recover the balance. According to Intuit’s Mint, once a gift card is gone, it’s gone, no refunds or replacements. Only carry your gift cards when you plan to use them, to avoid the headache of losing them and losing their value.
Full Makeup Collection
A purse may seem like the perfect place to store your makeup collection, but carrying everything is asking for trouble. Makeup containers can break, leak, or spill, causing a messy disaster inside your bag. Liquid foundations, lip glosses, and other cosmetics are prone to leaking, which can damage your purse and other contents. Instead of bringing your entire collection, opt for smaller travel-sized versions of only the essentials. That way, you won’t risk turning your bag into a makeup nightmare.
Social Security Card
Your Social Security card is one of the most sensitive documents you own, and it has no business being in your purse. Carrying it around increases the risk of loss or theft, which could lead to identity theft. If you need to carry your card, do so only when absolutely necessary. For everyday use, you can store it securely at home, where it’s much safer.
