Why only two credit cards? Won't decreasing the number of cards we have negatively impact our credit to debt ratio?

The word “receipts” has a “p” in it.

Also agree to an extent w kodemonki: credit score is impacted by the extent to which you make use of available credit card lines. So you want to have high aggregate credit limit and draw on it little.

Other things I keep in my wallet:

A small index card with the correct ink numbers for my printer – I buy alot of ink but also change printers regularly. This way I avoid buying the wrong ink and avoid a return trip to get the correct ones.

Funny but true – A 4″ cardboard ruler – when I go to buy shoes and I want to make sure they are under my limit (usually 2.5 – 3 ” for the heel) this ruler has helped me out numerous times. It has become a joke among my friends but it has saved my feet at important events and helped me to avoid returning those 4″ heels that always kill me after an hour or two!

Professional association cards – I have 7 professional cards that need to be with me at all times. As a physician – these are a requirement.

Lastly – a couple of bandaids for those nasty papercuts!

All of the above are small, lightweight and very handy for me. Hope this helps!

I too am intrigued by the discussion on credit cards. I have three: one for joint purchases with my husband (he has his own card for the same account), one for personal and work purchases (I often have to buy props for my magazine editing job), and one for my freelance work (I'm a licensed esthetician and do some work in that space). I've often wished I could have only one card and one “emergency” card as you say, but I love that with these three cards I can keep track of expenses for taxes and also for getting reimbursed at work. With only one card in my wallet, it would be really hard to do that… What do you all think, or do you have any suggestions?

I've always felt that I carry around way to much in my wallet (especially since it's a small zip pouch), but this post helped me to realize I do only carry around the necessities. After years of racking up discount cards and credit cards from various stores which only adding to my debt, I've simplified my wallet down to a few choice items – driver's license, student ID, debit card, credit card, medical/dental benefits cards, AAA card, Starbucks rewards card, Regal Cinemas rewards card, Rolls N Bowls rewards card (local sushi restaurant), and a various thin rewards punch cards for local businesses. I'm very bad about carrying cash (I only have $5 right now), but my favorite wallet item is my Bank of America check card book. My lower income doesn't always keep my checking account at a high balance, so I keep track of every cent, right up to the remainder rolled over with the Keep the Chance program. I recommend to anyone with past overdraft issues to find a small book for recording balances on the go; you never know when a birthday check written months ago is going to spring up and put your account into the negatives.

I would add to this list a drivers license (or other photo ID if you don’t drive) and a library card if you have one. Also any work or student ID if applicable.nnI also carry a few business cards and some “mommy cards” – basically business cards I got free from Vistaprint that have our home address, phone, and email. They are a great way to exchange info with other parents – so much easier than standing at the ball field or playground scribbling down each others info on scraps of paper. nnI would recommend NOT carrying a check. If your wallet is stolen and contains a check, you probably will have to close your checking account, which means you also have to change your direct deposit at work and may have to put up with paper checks for a month or more until your job’s payroll dept can make the switch. This happened to me and was a serious hassle.nnI would also recommend NOT carrying gift cards with you unless you are planning to use them at once. Unlike the other contents of your wallet, gift cards are not replaceable so if your wallet is stolen, you are out the value of those gift cards which could add up to a sizable loss.n

This learnvest seems to be geared for young people with little experience. I have not learned anything yet. It is pronounced AM-EX not A- Mex as she stated in the video. Hello, what about and ID?

Waste of space to include frequent flyer cards. If you have a smart phone create a contact card for yourself and put all important membership numbers in there for handy access. I save library card info, hotel reward program membership numbers, airline membership numbers etc. For store reward cards like CVS, it seems much easier to use your phone number (I usually use my work number since I hate handing out personal info) and I keep a small key ring for those mini-cards they used to give you (seems like fewer stores offer this option though).

Im really bare bones. The less clutter; the less stress trying to find things. I use my iphone to capture info and take pictures in case I need to show someone. I like Capital One cc b/c it allows me to upload a picture of myself, which is an additional form of ID in banks you bank with. The little cards, like gift cards, I leave at home b/c in MA they dont expire; it a mandate here. Library card, nope. I dont carry a check. I have my account # in my phone and if I need to take out cash, I’ll show my ID and put my account # on the bank’s check payable to me. I dont carry or use AAA anymore, they dont offer anything I want really. They use vendors that offer them kickbacks. Its best to shop around than to “trust” AAA, lot of seniors dont know or want to hassle shopping around for better deals like auto, life insurance. I can still get roadside assistant through all auto insurance for the same price. Dental and Medical ID and metro cards are a must to carry. My work’s travel agency also provides travel assistance for a small fee like $15, so when people are waiting in line for a cancelled flight, Im already on board the flight you want. I rarely carry receipts, I have a http://www.shoeboxed.com envelopes in my car, at work, and home. Whenever someone gives me a receipt, a bill, any documentation like IRS tax returns, I place it in the envelope and when its full, send it to them for free. they will do the data entry and make expense report and paper recording mgt a breeze.