One of the easiest ways you can protect yourself is by only carrying the items you need that day.  If you think about it, just by reducing the amount of personal identifying information you carry on your person, you can limit your potential exposure to identity theft in the event that your wallet or handbag is lost or stolen.  An added bonus is that you won't lose as much time notifying the card issuer for all of those companies represented  in your wallet's collection of cards and documents. 

It does mean you will have to plan ahead and know what you will require that day.  And it will take a minute or two to double check what is still there from yesterday.  But isn't it a good idea?

Here are some basic guidelines for what you should and should not carry on you.  Add and subtract items, based on your individual needs, and what you will require on a specific day.

These should be in your wallet or handbag:

1. Driver’s license (or some other form of state issued identification)
2. Automobile registration and proof of insurance, if required by your state law
3. One or two credit/debit cards for that day (don’t write PINs on the back or carry them with you)
4. Any other personal identification document you need, for that day only

These should be removed and kept in a secure place:

1. Passport
2. Social Security card
3. Any form of identification containing your Social Security number
4. Excess credit and debit cards
5. Checkbooks
6. Passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs)
7. Account numbers
8. Health insurance cards
9. Medicare or Medicaid cards
10. Frequent flyer cards
11. Car rental cards
12. Store loyalty cards
13. Any other personal identification document you don’t need that day

Most of us typically accumulate vast amounts of personal information in our wallets and handbags, without giving much thought to whether we need all of that.  Do some housecleaning in your wallet -- and while you are at it don't forget your car's jockey box!