When was the last time you cleaned out your wallet?  Sure you look at it when you take out money, your debit or credit card, but have you checked to make sure you're not carrying things you shouldn't?  These are five things to never, ever carry in your wallet.

Identity theft is on the rise and the last thing you want to do is make it easier for someone to get access to your identity or money.  While it's never fun to lose a wallet or worse, have it stolen, there are some ways to protect yourself that simply involve never keeping them in your wallet.

What not to carry in your wallet.
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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1.  Your social security card and anything with our SS# on it:

That's the number one worst thing to carry in your wallet.  Never put it in your wallet or purse.  Memorize the number and keep it in a safe place at home.   A thief with your SS# can open credit cards and other things in your name.  That's when the trouble really starts.  Protect your identity and keep that SS# safe at home.   A Medicare card has your SS# on it too.    Keep the card at home and then photocopy the front and back, black out the SS# and carry that photocopy with you.

social security card
Flickr/401(K) 2013
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2.  Password Cheat Sheet:

The average person has to remember seven passwords, so it's not a surprise that some people carry a little cheat sheet in their wallet.   However, that's another bad idea.  Someone who's got your wallet with the debit card and password can clean out your account in seconds.

passwords
Flickr/paul.orear
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3.  Spare Key:

As tempting as it may be to carry a spare house key with you, it's not a good idea.  Your wallet has your license or other form of ID with your address on it.  If a thief has that and a house key, it's an invitation for more loss.

keys
Flickr/Emmaline
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4.  Passport:

The safest place for your passport is not in your wallet.  If your wallet is stolen, your passport can be used by a thief to travel as you, open a bank account in your name and even get a replacement Social Security card.

passport
Flickr/swimparallel
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5.  Blank Checks:

Only carry blank checks if you know you're going to use them that day.  Otherwise, it's not a good idea.  Why?  A thief can use your check's routing and account number to electronically transfer money from your account.

checkbook
Flickr/RikkisRefugeOther
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(Source: kiplinger.com)

 

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