Question: I remember you did an article about cleaning out your wallet? Could you do that one again and help me

with this wallet?

Answer: I would love to update that information and let’s get into that wallet and see what interesting stuff is in there! This advice applies to BOTH men and women. So pull out those wallets and purses.

First, clear off a spot on the table then dump or take everything out of your wallet/purse. Next sort out the things you must carry; your driver’s license or ID; your insurance cards; your cash; your credit cards (that you are currently using); your emergency contacts (ideally Health Care Proxy) and your list of current medications. Place these items back in your wallet/purse after you’ve checked to be sure they are current and not expired. Check your medication list. Is it up to date?

I again want to stress that Medication list. Take that list to the place where your prescription bottles are and match them. Do you still take two a day? Do you take the generic instead of the name brand. That doesn’t feel like it matters, but you should have this important information VERY accurate.

Also emergency contacts. Are your emergency contact numbers/addresses still accurate? If this information is outdated, you contacts will not be reachable if necessary.

What is still laying there on your table? Those little pieces of paper with phone numbers, addresses, and names on it? Could you use a small notebook for this information, or a list of these numbers on a bigger piece of paper, that would be easier to keep track of? Maybe you don’t even remember who these people are and why they are there? The appointment cards, do you have those dates written on a calendar so you remember to go? Your credit card receipts, put them in your files, after you match them to your credit card bill.

How about those membership cards, you know the AAA, the Legion, the NRA, AARP, Library cards, etc. How many of each of those do you have? Do you really need four (4) copies of those cards in your wallet? I know they send you that many, but you don’t have to carry them all with you. Keep the most current, put an extra one in your files as a back-up, and then destroy the rest.

I bet that pile of stuff on the table is much smaller. The rest is maybe stuff that at one time you needed in your wallet/purse, but you probably don’t need it there all the time. Put it in your files or the kitchen junk drawer or throw it away. Doesn’t that feel better? Now when you go to find a card in your wallet, you will be able to. We all put stuff in there and then never remove it. We should make this a semi-annual event don’t you think?

A few more tips, photocopy the front and back of all your ID and credit cards. That way if they get lost you know what credit cards and other cards you have and how to contact the companies. Put the photocopies in a lockbox or in your files.

I see people who keep all their credit cards bound with a rubber band. Every time they try to find the one they want to use, they have to get out the bound pile and sort through them. This could lead to you leaving one or more on the counter or the floor around you. I advise you get a credit card holder, which would keep them more secure in your purse, and while using them at a cash register. Credit card holders are a very good way of keeping cards organized, safe, and accessible. Now that zippered holder keeps them all together and visible when you unzip it to find the one you want.

A smaller wallet, or lighter purse will be helpful to your back, hips, and shoulders. The added weight and bulk of those items is hard on your body.

Many of us now have SmartPhones, and some of this information and clutter from your purse, and wallet can be stored on your phone. Take a picture of the information or enter it into your contacts or notes. You won’t need to carry as much paper with you.

Lots of ideas to lighten the load! Hopefully some of this helps.

Janell Sluga is a Geriatric Care Manager helping seniors in our community access services and insurance. To reach her, please email editorial@post-journal.com.