A New Handbag
Posted by Gail | Filed under Money Management
It’s funny watching the people I work with respond when I buy something new. Since I’m by no means a fashionista, if I show up in a new top or wearing a snappy pair of shoes the comments are plentiful. In real life I’m a slob: yoga pants or jeans. Plain tops. Hair up. No make-up. No shoes, if I can get away with it. Sometimes people are a little surprised at just what a peasant I am.
I bought a new purse a while back when I was heading off on a vacation and wanted lotsnlotsa room to store all my travelling stuff. I got it at a little shop in Brighton called The Dragonfly where the girls in the store say “So you have some money saved up in your Dragonfly jar Gail?” Ha! But I digress.
So I bought this new handbag and every time I’ve gone to work with it, I’ve had comments on it. I guess it’s the first time I’ve made a really fashion-forward choice. Usually I just use a small over-the-shoulder purse that holds my cell phone and my wallet. I like to travel light.
I watched our producer pull her wallet out of her handbag the other day and I was astounded at how much stuff she had in it. I know those loyalty and membership cards add up since I’ve got a few in my wallet too. And then there are all the receipts people are keeping now that they’ve been Gailed. But some stuff does not belong in your wallet. Carrying your SIN card around is dumb. Memorize the number and store the card somewhere safe. Ditto your passport and your birth certificate.
So what constitutes a well-groomed wallet?
Cash. How much depends on what makes you feel safe, and how much you could stand to lose if your wallet was lost or stolen. If you’d feel the pain of losing $100, carry less. I never have less than $100 because I spend so much time on the road, and have had the experience of buying gas ($60) only to discover their “credit card machine is down.” And I cringe when I see people walking around with $5 in their wallets. I can hear my mother’s voice telling me to make sure I have enough money to take care of myself if “the date” goes south!
Speaking of credit cards, don’t pack your wallet full of ‘em. I recommend everyone have two credit cards. Carry one and leave one at home so that if you do lose your wallet, you have your back-up card until the replacement arrives. You also won’t be tempted to buy that very expensive moose head because you can split the cost over two cards!
Ditto debit cards. Most people have one. Some people have two or three (really?) and some have even more. When my friend Danni empted her purse out the other day to change it over, I opened up her wallet and started going through it. “Get out of there,” she yelled at me (laughing). I was counting up her debit cards. Since Danni has an account in almost every bank (hey, not everyone listens to me) she had a pile of debit cards, way too many to be carrying around. “It’s how I avoid having to pay extra ATM fees,” she said coyly. Right!
Some things you use all the time so you have to have them on you: your driver’s license or bus pass, for example. But while you may need it at any time, you don’t have to carry your health card around. Have you ever had to replace one of those suckers! It’s like pulling teeth. So I’ve taken photocopies of all our health cards and carry those in my wallet.
I also carry a couple of coupons in my wallet. If I received grocery store coupons I know I’m going to use, I stick ‘em in my wallet so I’m not slapping my head at the check-out the next time I pop into the store and “pick up a few things”.
Okay, your turn. What’s in your wallet?
October 14, 2010 at 6:23 am
I bought a beautiful purse there recently too Gail! I keep getting compliments on it
October 14, 2010 at 7:03 am
Well, I have a wallet wallet, and a little plastic 2-card holder wallet.
The plastic “wallet” carries my bus pass, my credit card, and sometimes $5-$10. In most situations, that is all I need.
The “wallet” wallet carries all my other cards: Optimum, Aeroplan, Airmiles, debit card (2) – personal and joint expense, health card, hospital card, lcbo card (for when the health card isn’t accepted as photo ID), coupons, gift cards, and $10 – $20.
My preference is to gain the points from my credit card, so I’m ill-inclined to use cash. If I know I’m going somewhere that cash is required, I’ll pull out some extra money, but that doesn’t happen often. If I pick up the tab, and later get money back (i.e. theatre tickets for mom and I – I know she will pay me, but I track my expense as though I’ve paid it), I’ll put that in my wallet. Wallet money is “free money” – it doesn’t require tracking, so I only use “found” money. I’ve had the same $20 in my wallet for easily 2-3 months now.
October 14, 2010 at 7:43 am
A couple pens, lip balm, a genuine handkerchief (thanks, Daddy!) anti-gas pills (TMI?), a keychain with my rewards cards and library card, two debit cards, one credit card, my insurance card and my daughter’s, my driver’s license, my AAA card, my grocery store gift card (bought at an 8% discount), and my health savings account debit card, cell phone. Coupons are stashed under my visor. I keep my insurance card with me because I’m on the road a lot, too. And my purse is small, Gail – probably about 8 x 6 inches. I’ve got a new one for winter, and it’s about the same size. I do not do big purses at all and watch people dig and pull out everything but the kitchen sink and think, how does your shoulder/back not just kill you hauling that thing around!
October 14, 2010 at 7:50 am
As little as possible – thought that ends up being more than I would like.
- Driver’s license
- Health card (I carry it because I’d never remember to take it with me otherwise)
- library card (I use it enough)
- one debit card
- two credit cards (my own and a work one)
- gym pass
- bus tickets
- aeroplan card (points points points!)
- a few business cards (never know when you will need one!)
- two or three coffee shop loyalty cards
- stamps (for some reason this just ends up being a good spot to carry them)
- and of course some cash.
I never sign up for any new loyalty programs that require carrying a card – there’s already too much stuff in my wallet. And I take my wallet everywhere with me!
October 14, 2010 at 7:54 am
Hmm… in my ‘wallet’…
1 debit card
1 credit card
a few points cards
my licence
my health card
my group benefits card from work
a few frequently used business cards
October 14, 2010 at 8:00 am
I don’t think I want to list everything that I have in my purse. Although in the last six months, I have gone from carrying around a diaper bag (yea potty trained!) and a small purse to just a medium sized purse. My wallet contains 2 debit cards, 2 credit cards, my drivers license, half a dozen reward cards (that get used frequently), health cards (because with kids, you never know when you’re going to need them), and receipts that I haven’t looked at in months. My purse has 12 pens (don’t ask me why), one pencil, hand cleanser, kleenex, lady products, tickets to the Wiggles, a ton of receipts (just started working for myself, so I have business ones as well as personal ones), raffle tickets for my kids schools, and other things that I don’t know why I carry them around but can’t seem to part with them. Cash doesn’t exist in my purse (but it does in my jars) because I’ll spend it on something, and I don’t like using my credit cards for anything (unless absolutely necessary). One of these days I’ll clean out my purse…and a week later it’ll be full again.
October 14, 2010 at 8:03 am
Hmmm… in my ‘wallet’…
1 credit card
1 debit card
a few points cards
a few business cards
my group benefits card from work
my health card
October 14, 2010 at 8:37 am
Hmmm I have:
$200 – Cash
2 credit card (one personal, one business)
2 debit cards (one personal, one business)
Rewards cards
Receipts
Driver’s License
Health Card
Pen and paper. That’s it.
Let’s not forget the coins, TTC tokens and safety pins (for my clothes) either, but it’s all I generally carry around.
October 14, 2010 at 8:41 am
I have a farily compact wallet (approx. 4″ by 3″ & maybe 1.5″ thick..), but yet there seems to be lots in it lol
I Have…
-2 debit cards
-3 credit cards (mastercard & visa & HBC store card)
-4 rewards cards (HBC,airmiles,aeroplan & shoppers optimum)
- driver’s license
-health card
- CPR certificate
- Blue cross card (health benefits)
- CAA card
- a couple coupons
- some change (no cash until I make it to the bank this afternoon…)
My purse is not very large.. my criteria for a purse is it has to be small, but big enough for my wallet, glasses & cell phone.. if all 3 can fit than it is large enough
In it I have.. my wallet, cell phone & glasses (of course) and..
- lip balmx2
-cdn tire money
- tyenol
-hair tie
- gum
-granola bar
-fem hygiene products
-fm transmitter for my ipod
and here I thought I travelled fairly light because I have a small purse lol
October 14, 2010 at 8:42 am
Timely, I was just cleaning out my wallet this morning and checking on my cash situation!
Driver’s license
One debit card, one credit card
Minimum of $10 (when I get below $10, I take out $20)
Health cards for me and the kids (otherwise I would never remember to take them to appointments, but you are right, they probably should be in a safe place and not my wallet!)
Library card
A couple of gift cards in case I wind up at one of those stores unexpectedly (all with less than $25 on them; any gift card with more than that stays at home until I’m ready to use it)
Petro point and shoppers optimum cards
Work ID card
Group benefits cards from my plan and my husband’s plan
My paypal security key, which I usually leave at home but needed the other day and haven’t gotten around to putting it away again
CAA card
A few important business cards, like my kid’s daycare so I have their phone number at hand even if I forget my cell phone.
October 14, 2010 at 8:49 am
I must admit I had a purse and wallet fetish. I love them! Never bought the expensivedesigner ones just lots of the less than $40.00 ones. When I became “Gailed” a few years back I actually donated most of my purses and wallets. It was like a detox. I have been pretty good since and have not purchased any new ones. I kept 4 of my favorite purses and 2 wallets.
In my wallet
Drivers License
Health cards for myself and my daughter
1 debit card
1 credit card
gym pass
my daughters debit card
a few points cards (MM and Shoppers)
Library card
cash
coupons
The only thing extra in my purse is my small date planner, keys, tire guage and a chapstick.
October 14, 2010 at 8:52 am
I work in a hospital, and although you’ll never be turned away in an emergency, you might be turned down at your appointments without your original health card. They are supposed to swipe them now. So if you’re only carrying the numbers, make sure to remember the original when possible.
What I’ve got:
drivers licence
organ donation card
health card
my daughters health card
$15 prepaid visa
debit card
tim hortons card
professional college card
bus tickets
$20 emergency cash
2 quarters – the amount you need for a pay phone these days
and a bunch of receipts
October 14, 2010 at 9:32 am
I never used to carry cash as I paid debit for everything. It drove my Dad insane. Now that we’re on jars, I always have a bit of cash on me (though not much, because I can’t stand losing money-also why I don’t gamble) and agree that it comes in handy on occassion (for more than just Timmie’s too!) My wallet is too big to admit…so many loyalty cards, so little time, full of receipts until I clear it out every few weeks. Just one debit and one credi card though, and they are rarely used (yeah jars!) I purposefully bought a small purse recently so I couldn’t carry too much stuff. It’s amazing how heavy it gets anyway.
October 14, 2010 at 9:37 am
I hear you about getting caught at the pumps with the machines down! When I first got my license, my parents showed me to tuck some extra $ inside the vehicle that would cover a full tank in case something went horridly wrong with the machines.
I always keep cash in there to this day. My oldest son, who gets his license in three weeks if all goes well, has been taught the same thing for his car.
ahh traditions.
October 14, 2010 at 10:00 am
I have to admit I have a Costanza Wallet. Not stuffed with lots of credit cards etc but business cards, loyalty cards (all of them), library cards, etc maybe even a little rock candy. From seinfeld:
Jerry: Your back hurts because of your wallet. It’s huge.
George Costanza: This isn’t just my wallet. It’s an organizer, a memory and an old friend.
Jerry: Well, your friend is morbidly obese.
That’s my wallet, my friend.
October 14, 2010 at 10:34 am
Wallet – 1 debit card, regulary used points cards, cash. Separate card carrier – two credit cards and remaining points cards, library cards, etc. Separate small folder from insurance company – drivers licence, car insurance, registration and health card.
Now to a more important question, where is the purse from used on the picture for this blog??
Have a good one!
October 14, 2010 at 10:55 am
[...] included the link to the full article which I definitely think is a must read: http://gailvazoxlade.com/blog/archives/2223 (A New Handbag). Time to open up the wallet and display the 'goods' – I need to be [...]
October 14, 2010 at 10:57 am
Wallet:
list of medications
two credit cards
one debit card
one airmiles card
nine rewards cards
Costco membership card
OHIP card
health insurance card
two federation cards
CAA card
Volkwagen mobility card
drivers licence and car insurance card
bank machine and store receipts
a little over 100 dollars
Many of these cards are not used regularly but if they’re in my wallet I know where they are and have them if needed.
October 14, 2010 at 11:22 am
Let’s see..
mittens (mine), kleenex, kid’s brush, headband, plastic baggie, medication, hand cream, lip balm*4, fem prod, makeup, barrette, pen, ikea pencil, 8 dead batteries to be dropped of at depot, nail clippers, agenda, kids forms, ski passes, mittens *2 for kids, …
No wonder my husband askes for things when we are out…my children even hand me all their garbage constantly…
In my wallet.. 1 cheque, reciepts, insurance, driver’s licence, ORGAN DONOR CARD!!, driver’s licence, health card, old driver’s licence (nicer picture that I use for photo id
, bank card, expired fitness card, costco, 3 privilage cards, 1 credit card, and everybody’s library cards 8, student card, coupons…and no cash or change..
I like the idea of putting cash somewhere in the van for gas. I have a small tank at home in case we are low and heading off. I also have kids in tow so I go for gas where you pay at the pump rather than bringing the kiddies in.
This is a relative clean purse/MEC backpack. Usually there are diapers and wipes too when we head out…
October 14, 2010 at 11:23 am
I have three wallets per se….
the first has two debit cards,one cc,one healthcare card and about 30 rewards or membership cards
wallet two has a bit of money (change for parking ) and receipts to get a discount from my local pet store which will price match the store 40 mins away only with a receipt.
wallet 3 is my budget billfold which is like gail’s jar system but more portable. Money is contained in pencil cases in the different sections. I take with me when i go shopping
October 14, 2010 at 11:26 am
My small expensive ($100 a bit over) purse that’s no special name on it but will have it for years to come.
Lipstick
mini body lotion
liscense
pen
coupons
pony tail
rosary
a credit card when I’m mood to pay cash back on it
mini photos
a few points cards but put all points around 15 cards numbers on paper the size of a card to keep wallet thinner
cell
receipts in one section to swoop them out in one go.
Cash (change – $500)
gum
KNIFE
and every two weeks cheque book, debit cards and than they get put back in drawer since only thing in bank is money for bills
October 14, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Wallet: 20 Euros in cash (enough for a doctor’s visit and a cab home), one of two credit cards, debit card, health card (because doctor won’t treat you without it), gym membership card, one store bonus card, a card-sized calendar, ID card, car ID card, driver’s license, a valve adapter for the bicycle, a small device to get my contact lenses out, and a few hairpins. My wallet does fit into the back pocket of the tight jeans I wear, but it’s not comfortable to sit on.
In my handbag, there’s usually also my pencil case, which, apart from pens in four colours, a biro, two pencils, a sharpener, and an eraser also contains a bunch of rubber bands, a few paper clips, a chapstick, a hairband, more hair pins, a small Swiss army knife, tweezers, safety pins, a ruler, a spoon, and two thumb drives. A ninja could conquer a small country with the contents of my pencil case.
Also in the handbag are the mobile phone, a book, and Mp3 player, my glasses, a foldable shopping bag, some ibuprofen, hand lotion, my company card, a small container for my contact lenses, a large handkerchief, paper handkerchiefs, lady stuff, all the recipts, letters, flyers and other papers I picked up on the day I have not sorted yet, and (usually) my lunch box. Sometimes a half-litre bottle of water. I’m going to add a daily planner as soon as I find a good one.
My keys go on my belt, not in the handbag, so I can access them quickly. Still, I have a large handbag. Not as shiny as Gail’s, though.
With all that gear, it can be no surprise that I keep an overnight bag in my car, can it?
October 14, 2010 at 12:15 pm
I used to carry a big long wallet that held every single card I owned. But when that wallet got stolen, I had to replace ALL those cards and yes, it was a pain to get a new birth certificate & SIN card! =(
Now I carry a smaller wallet & it holds my:
Driver’s License
Health Card
2 credit cards (my own & joint one with my hubby)
1 debit card
HBC Rewards Card
Save On More Card
Picture of me and my hubby
My business card
My hubby’s business card (if ever I get in an accident & they know who to call)
Bus Pass
Random Stamp cards for stores/restaurants
Eventually I’ll get rid of even more cards, so that the wallet is less bulky.
I think less is more! =)
October 14, 2010 at 12:23 pm
My wallet is long and slim. I am down to 2 credit cards and a debit card and 2 points cards and a library card. I do have a large stack of points cards that I almost never use. I have them in a small holder that I leave in my car. Truly not a big deal if they got stolen and they are close if I need them.
I do like to carry cash but not too much or I spend it like water.
I used to carry what I like to call a wallet on a string. Looks like a purse with an extra pocket or two on the outside. It just didn’t cut it any more with carrying a cell phone and a few other items. I have recently purchased a Miche bag. They have a black or brown basic bag that you can cover with your choice of covers. You end up getting 3 purses in one. You never have to move everything from one purse to another, just change the outside. I love it and for 3 in 1 the price was around $125.
October 14, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I think I’m going to have to stop by the Dragonfly sometime
Although I live 30-40 minutes away, I drive by the Dragonfly all the time because I recently started a 2nd job in Brighton…taking the 2nd job was done for several reasons, but a big one was on Gail’s advice to ‘make more money’ (don’t worry Gail, even though I commute, it pays really well so I still net a good profit). As for the content of my wallet: 1 debit card, 1 credit card, driver’s licence, OHIP and health insurance card…and no cash. I find that when I have cash in my wallet, it always disappears very quickly on small things like a bottle of water, gum, coffee, etc. If I know I need cash, I’ll go to the bank and get it out, but I never carry it with me, unless I’m traveling. I have very few, if any, loyalty cards in my wallet because my previous wallet was stolen in the summer and I never got those cards replaced… I’ve found I don’t need most of them…the only points card I really use (and have had enough points on to redeem) is my credit card. Now as for the contents of my purse…that’s a different story.
October 14, 2010 at 1:08 pm
If you like to switch purses frequently use a purse insert/organizer. Everything fits into the insert and you just lift it out of one bag and pop into another. You get more use out of your purses because it’s so easy to do a switch.
October 14, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Carry a purse? Nope. As I walk from work, I have no need for anything. I tote my lunch bag; it has my keys, my work pass, my thermoses (thermi?) , travel umbrella, and my sunglasses. I never have money or my debit card on me. Spontaneous lunches out or spending is absolutely not an issue!
If I have to go out somewhere on a weekend or evening, then my purse will hold my car keys, and my wallet. My wallet has: 1 credit card, 1 debit card, my health card, my drivers license, my organ donor card and (oddly) my Costco card.
October 14, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I actually have two wallets! One is strictly for non-essential consumer loyalty cards. All in flip format, I don’t even have to take them out for the cashier to zap the barcodes. I also leave it in my glove box so they’re always handy. Why so many loyalty cards impeccably organized? Believe it or not there are a handful on websites dedicated to converting earned loyalty points to the program of your choice. In under 3 months I had enough points to fly air canada top tier and get increased baggage allowances. Woo!
Then I have a change purse with driver’s license, health care and insurance, and coffee money. This way I can get to the daily items without foraging through a massive purse.
October 14, 2010 at 1:54 pm
I used to be terrible for losing my wallet, so I got in the habit of travelling light.
I think about where I am going and only bring what’s needed for the day.
Usually that is 1 debit card, my favourite points credit card (in case debit is down), drivers license, whatever change is in my wallet for parking and MY LIST. I almost never have cash. I am uncomfortable with the fluidity of it.
… I never thought of the gas machines being down though… I may have to think about stashing enough in my car for at least enough fuel to carry me to the next day.
I only bring the loyalty cards that I will need for the day, so they rarely weigh me down. I’d love to keep them in the car, but I never know which vehicle my hubby will leave me with for the day.
October 14, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Re: the SIN card, here’s a burning doubt I have. My mortgage broker gave me the same advice you just did Gail, YET the card itself says (on the back): KEEP ON YOUR PERSON.
Oh to trust Gail and my nice mortgage lady, or the government of Canada? Burning question here!
In addition to the usual, I also keep a card that says “In case of emergency contact this person” and has all the relevant deets of my sig other.
October 14, 2010 at 3:24 pm
while my wallet is small, (1 credit, 1 debit, license, library and health card, 1 store points card) it tends to get larger at christmas and birthdays because I’m away from home so I get sent gift cards for various stores. At christmas last year I received 15 from various sources. That made for a thick wallet.
my purses on the other hand, tend to carry a lot around: phone, digital camera to take site photos and blog photos, ipod (you’d think I could amalgamate those more conveniently) a sketchbook (important in the architectural profession) pens, pencils, bus tickets, business cards, and a purse sized umbrella (you just do in vancouver, no matter what the weather starts out being).
on the other hand, my purse is highly organized and full of pockets. but I do bring out one shoulder bag every once in a while that I get tons of compliments on, and I got it at Old Navy with a 20% off coupon for under $20. Who knew?
October 14, 2010 at 4:44 pm
PURSE? Just ONE? PLURAL and one of everything I need in each of them, although the wallet itself is interchangeable. All kept neatly in a plastic bin in my closet.
‘Fess up sisters, you do the same thing.
October 14, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Tamar: No, really. One wallet, one handbag. (Except for the tiny shiny thing that goes with the evening dress and couldn’t hold my wallet, so I usually carry a fifty loose in it, my second house key, a paper handkerchief and a chapstick. I always forget to put the ID card in.)
October 14, 2010 at 6:15 pm
If you are going to use your SIN as i.d. (i.e. for opening a bank account or for a credit app..(sensible credit only of course..lol) )…then you need to actually produce the card…just knowing the number is not enough and a photocopy is not acceptable either…health cards cannot be used as i.d. in the province of Ontario..only for medical services…I am not sure if a photocopy of your health card is acceptable or not but with all the health care fraud out there it wouldn’t make sense to accept anything other than the original card…just mt 2 cents
October 14, 2010 at 6:42 pm
@ Isabel
- don’t listen to everything the government tells you.
- if you lose it, you have to pay them to make you another one.
October 14, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Good post… we went shopping in the States on the weekend, and as I was paying for a purchase, DH asked, “How many cards do you have?”… Hmmm… too many that I carry around that I don’t use very often… But the other issue I have is, if I get rid of some of the cards and store them at home, I need a new wallet, because mine has been stretched to accomodate the extra cards, and if I remove any, the rest will all fall out! It’s all about the budget and buying things I need vs want LOL!
October 14, 2010 at 7:58 pm
I love your show and your jars. I just started using them… check out my site! Anyway… I don’t ever carry cash, $20.00 tops. But since I started using the jars, today I have some cash to stop at the store for a couple of things tonight. Yep, that’s right – no Debit!
I will rethink my cash carrying ways and maybe find a 50.00 or so to stash in a save corner of my wallet!
thanks for all your hard work Gail, I really need you in So. Cal if you ever get here!!
October 14, 2010 at 8:03 pm
@Tamar
Yes, plural purses and one wallet…alas, mine are not neatly organized in the closet they end up strewn along the floor by my bed as they are changed WAY to often and sorted out infrequently.
I won’t even try to answer Gail’s question as the list is far too long…hello large purse!!!!
October 14, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Yikes. I’ve pretty much broken every rule on here!
The only thing I would suggest is that it is helpful to have another credit card in your wallet, especially if traveling, because if you lose one you still have another for emergencies. If your extra is at home but you’re overseas, you’re pretty much screwed!
October 14, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Good for you! Nothing wrong with rewarding yourself to keep your reward system in check, I believe it attracts more abundance into your life.
October 14, 2010 at 10:45 pm
@ Cas, you made me laugh ’cause that is what happened to me. I cleaned out my wallet and the cards that are in there now fall out. I try not to tip my wallet that way. I have been carrying a fair amount of cash but had a light bulb moment today when I read that ” I shouldn’t carry more than I’m prepared to lose. “. I’m going to remedy that before bed tonight.
In my wallet is my driver’s license, health card, auto insurance, organ donor card, air miles collector card, safeway club card, air miles am ex, Hbc cc, hbc rewards card, and then two or three loyalty cards. I keep change to a minimum. I also have a ph number of who to contact in case of emergency.
I like the idea of keeping a bit of cash in the car for emergency fill up but I’m leary. I live in car
theft capital so i think I’ll just keep it in my wallet.
Love the blogs! Thanks gail
October 15, 2010 at 12:23 am
I put all the loyalty cards in an elastic band in my purse – saves hunting madly at the cash register for the proper one! also saves my wallet from being stuffed. In the purse – pens, about 12 cents, wallet, coupons, assorted receipts, tylenol, and thats where the glasses case, cell phone and keys go when they are not in use
October 15, 2010 at 7:04 am
What is in my wallet:
I have one of those long, skinny ones as I felt the fat ones (?) were too ackward to fit in my smaller purses
- drivers license and health card
- debit card
- credit cards
- union cards
- aeroplan, cineplex, amc rewards cards
- goodlife membership
- business cards with important info on it (doctors, school numbers for me and hubby)
- school ID cards
- MEC co-op membership
- Costco card
- Loblaws discount card
- Alpine club of canada card
- video store memberships
In my purse I have just lipbalm, a notebook, pens and my crackberry
October 15, 2010 at 8:12 am
My purse has to be able to be slung over the shoulder and across my chest so I’m hands free to lug kids and diaper bags. It also has to be large enough to hold 2 emergency diapers. Other than that, I go with the smallest one that fits those categories. I don’t have a wallet. I just put the cash in an envelope.
October 15, 2010 at 1:11 pm
I put the numbers to both my Aeroplan and Air Miles cards on a label on my keychain. That way I don’t have to carry the cards around in my wallet and I *always* have my numbers if they ask. It’s thinned down the bulk in my back pocket and I’ve earned a lot more points as well because my keys are always with me.
October 15, 2010 at 3:15 pm
oh, handy tip, when I want to downsize what i carry in my wallet, i either tie an elastic around the gift/rewards cards, or put them into a business card holder. then use when I know i’m shopping there.
October 15, 2010 at 4:09 pm
I chuckled when I read this post. A few weeks ago, I attended a friend’s bridal shower. One of the games was a purse scavenger hunt-guess who won?! Yes, it’s time to downsize and keep the essentials in my wallet and purse!
October 15, 2010 at 5:46 pm
I carry a teeny purse with a big wallet!
In the purse: Blistex, a pen, bobby pins, blush, my inhaler, cell phone
In the wallet:
Cash (from our jars)
1 credit card
1 debit card
Driver’s L.
Insurance Card
Health Card
Eye glass prescription (what if I step on my glasses while on a road trip?!)
Shoppers, HBC, Airmiles, Pet Store, Porter Airlines Reward Cards
Few Biz cards
Coupons
Christmas Gift/Idea list
Also *for the ladies out there*… who have those zippered purse pockets full of ‘lady products’… consider the Diva Cup… it’s changed my LIFE and you don’t have to carry those “products” with you in your purse anymore.
October 16, 2010 at 2:59 am
[...] A New Handbag « gailvazoxlade.com As for the content of my wallet 1 debit card, 1 credit card driver's licence, OHIP and health insurance card…and no cash. I find that when I have cash in my wallet it always disappears very quickly on small things like a bottle of . [...]
October 17, 2010 at 8:47 am
I’m late for this one, but I was curious to see what was in my wallet. It’s 4″x4″ and worn out.
-Driver’s Licence
-Metropass
-Bruce Trail Club Membership
-Health Card
-Group Benefits Card
-Tim Horton’s Card (and 2 receipts)
-2 debit cards
-1 credit card
-My union steward’s card
-Library Card
-Company credit card (shouldn’t keep that in there)
-Air Miles Card
-St. John’s Ambulance First Aider Card
-Old Blockbuster card
-Canadian Tire money
-2 emergency subway tokens
-American quarter and dime
-$1.73 Canadian
-4 ABM receipts
-Movie gift card
October 17, 2010 at 9:14 am
I keep my camera & Flip video in my purse. Both have come in handy! When I’m in a huge parking garage I take a pic of where I’m parked (spot & closest marked pole). At work I walked in & the guys were cleaning up a flood from the night before. I took a quick video of what had happened in case there were any questions from the insurance company.
October 17, 2010 at 10:01 am
Someone had mentioned carrying their husband’s business card so that they would know who to call in case of emergency. A tip that I read somewhere, besides carrying the card, in your cellphone save your hubby’s info referenced as ICE (in case of emergency).
October 17, 2010 at 10:12 pm
nothing but my work license and drivers license. I am one of those who never carry money. I am working on it. I am slowly changing my money habits. It is a hard slow process.
October 19, 2010 at 6:19 pm
hi………………………
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lisha
Debt Management
October 19, 2010 at 6:20 pm
After reading this article I just took out my SIN card, memorized it and put it in my safe. Now the only thing I keep in my wallet is:
- Debit Card,
- Credit Card
- ACTRA membership card
- Optimum Card
- Library Card
- Smart Serve
- Drivers License
- Health Card
- Rogers Movie Rental Card
- Cash
- Business cards