As you might imagine, I have purse issues on the brain. My purse was stolen a week ago, and my husband and I have spent untold hours working on all the credit card/ checking account/driver's license issues.
(And also? I have gone purse shopping, and I have a very cute one to show for my efforts. My grandmother called me as soon as she heard about the theft, her voice full of sympathy and righeous indignation. "Honey, I want to buy you a new purse. Even if it's not on sale." Those are fightin' words for the women shoppers in my family. We even went out for a Sonic Diet Coke afterwards, so my weary soul is feeling soothed.)
Now that I've had my purse stolen TWICE in eight months, I've learned a few tips I'd like to share with those of you who have not yet had my encounter with criminal dark side of humanity:
1. For the frickin'-frackin' love of Pete, do not EVER leave your purse in your car. EVER. Even if it's daylight, even if it's a good part of town, even if you're just running inside, even if your car is in your garage.
2. If you are ever tempted to leave your purse in your car, smack yourself in the head with it and read #1 again.
3. We've always had one credit card and one checking account. Not anymore, as a result of this little adventure. Now we have two of each. One credit card and checking account is for actually keeping with us in my purse and/or Hubs' wallet. It's only for daily purchases. We are setting up separate credit card/checking accounts for all our automatic fund withdrawls, and [*insert flashing lights*] WE ARE NOT CARRYING THOSE ACCOUNTS WITH US. THEY WILL BE LOCKED IN A DRAWER AT HOME. That way if this happens to us again, we won't have to cancel those "locked-up" accounts, and we won't lose a week of our lives moving all the automatic transfers over.
4. Photocopy everything in your purse, and keep it in a safe place. Driver's license, credit cards (front and back), health insurance cards, everything should be copied!. This may sound high maintenance, but I promise, if your purse is ever taken, you will weep with gratitude that you did this.
5. Did I mention you should never leave your purse in your car?
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This is seriously good advice. I have some work to do & I need to stop leaving my purse in the car. Used to do it all the time - I promise I will quit!
Posted by: Nicole @ Life in Progress | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Thank you for the advice! I have always heard that it was a good idea to photocopy everything in your wallet, and this is jsut the kick in the pants I needed to make me do it.
Great idea about the 2nd bank account!
Posted by: The (Almost) Amazing Mammarino | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:25 PM
sorry to hear about your mishap!
also you can try an online checking account line www.ingdirect.com. You don't have paper trails since everything is electronically! =)
Posted by: A happy mommy | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:28 PM
I've never thought about opening a 2nd bank account. That is wonderful advice.
I leave my purse in my car all the time. I'm so guilty. I'll stop, I promise.
Posted by: Domestic Spaz | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Having had a purse stolen as well- I heartily second your photocopying tip... There is no feeling worse than knowing that someone may be emptying your bank account and running up credit card bills while you're hunting down your account numbers!
Posted by: LeeAnn (AKA FrazzMom) | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:32 PM
You mentioned the broke into the car - any damage? :(
I've never had a purse or wallet stolen. Mostly lost out of my own sheer clumsyness. Well, I did have one very vicious purse that "lost" my wallet for two weeks and destroyed a $300 camera I'd bought with a bonus/raise I'd earned.
Want to try to break the jinx of a very cute black and white shoulder purse that closes with a single magnet/snap?
Posted by: aunt mommy | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:32 PM
I'm so sorry you had to learn all this the hard way, but thank you for the advice. I will be putting this to good use. I am glad you got to get a new purse out of it, though! :)
Posted by: Blue Castle | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:33 PM
I've heard a million times that I should photocopy both sides of all my cards, and yet I keep putting it off. Tomorrow, mark my words, I'm going to make myself do this.
Also, cancel any accounts that you aren't using. You know the ones I mean--where they talk you into signing up for the store's credit card and you do it so you can save the extra 15% and then you never use it again. Cancel them before someone else maxes out your account for you.
Posted by: Teble | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Murphy's law strikes again!
I'm just so sorry it's struck your purse twice.
Posted by: Joy | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:45 PM
REALLY good tips... You made a lot of points about things I KNOW I should and shouldn't do... like leave my purse in the car... I am REALLY guilty of this one. Thanks for correcting me!
Posted by: LifeatTheCircus | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:55 PM
I really needed this reminder -- I am so bad about leaving my purse in the car. It's so easy to rationalize that it's daytime, it's a safe area, I live in the country, etc.
Your suggestion about having two credit cards/bank accounts is really smart -- I never considered that before. You're right, it would save a lot of time and headaches.
I'm so sorry you had to go through this -- but I appreciate you sharing your "lessons learned."
Posted by: Michelle@Life with Three | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Great advice.
(And thanks for moderating the WFMW. It's a hard job, and some of us could easily take it for granted. Thanks.)
Posted by: Christy | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:57 PM
This is all true. My husband manages a bank and you won't believe how many people come in per week because their purse was stolen. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PURSES OR ANYTHING OF THE LIKE VISIBLE IN YOUR CARS. We live in a pretty nice area and theft has gone up in this aspect quite a bit. Great adivce.
Posted by: Andrea | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Thanks for this great reminder! I will photocopy my wallet right now. Tips we use: we have three different credit cards. One number we use just for on-line purposes. Another one for the husband, and another one for me. This way if his wallet is stolen we have mine (in both our names). If mine is stolen we have his (also in my name). And another tip: all mail that is money related (most of it!) goes to a PO Box that has a different zip code. If someone gets your card they will usually use the zip code of your home address. It won't work.
Thanks again!
Posted by: Darla | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Oh, the copy everything is a great tip I have never thought of. Guess what I'll be doing with a few minutes of tomorrow??
Thanks! :-)
Posted by: momrn2 | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 11:04 PM
I am so sorry for this latest purse caper. Especially since this is the second go around.
But I have to tell you that today, when I parked in the street across from the kids school today, I took my purse with me. I NEVER did that before. I just figured I was right out side the school, and would only be a minute. Plus, there are people milling about all over the place...right?
I thought of you as I flung my purse over my shoulder, and was grateful that you shared your story so that people like me can learn!
Hang in there!
Posted by: kellie | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Can we see a picture of the new purse? (Or are you afraid putting up a picture online would be like setting out a target on a shooting range?? ;)
Grandmas are great!
Posted by: Mommy | Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 11:08 PM
I had my wallet stolen at the grocery store a couple of years ago. Not fun. You'd think I would've learned, but no. But maybe this is a good kick in the pants to go photocopy that stuff!
Posted by: Sandwiched | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Great tips! I've photocopied the contents of my purse when traveling abroad, but haven't thought about the fact that I really should do it here--especially since my purse has so much extra info in it that I never carry on vacations!
Posted by: Green Baby | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Been there, done that! Only once, it is quite traumatic isn't it? I'm so sorry it happened twice to you.
Now, I'm pretty intense about not leaving my purse or anyone else's in my car anymore.
Love the WFMW and thought I'd play today.
Posted by: Hislifeformine | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:14 AM
I love the advice about the double accounts - that is a truly fabulous idea!!!! Plus, if you don't use those ATM cards, you're much less likely to have them copied and used fraudulently, leaving less work later!!!
Posted by: Julesie | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Thanks, Shannon. I hate that you've had to experience this in order to give us this phenomenal advice, but I am ever so appreciative. I have never thought of the separate account for automatic withdrawals. And to be sure, I haven't photocopied anything, but I will be at office depot bright and early in the morning to do just that.
Posted by: Karen (Simply A Musing Blog) | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:25 AM
those are great tips. thanks.
Posted by: chickadee | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:33 AM
AWESOME advice... best of luck for no future purse thefts :-) I had mine stolen and I now wear a fanny pack (as in, I never put it down!). I do feel a little fashion challenged at times, but it's worth it I think. Oh yes and I keep photocopies of everything in my wallet - no originals (except for a credit and debit card). What was really infuriating about my purse theft was that I spent $$$ replacing everything, and then a week later got a phone call from someone who had found it... everything was there, all my ID, etc., - only cash was missing. So I went to the expense of replacing everything for nothing. Arrrgh!! lol
Posted by: JeanneE | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:39 AM
I'll have to take your advice. I leave my purse in the car and hide it under a coat. But, I bet thieves probably know that trick and aren't fooled by it.
I've accidentally signed up 4 times on Mr. Linky. When I reloaded this page 3 times, it automatically signed me up. So, I need to be deleted from #66,#67, #70
Posted by: Ellen | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 01:04 AM
Thanks for the great purse advice. My grandma had hers stolen while she had her back turned to put the groceries in the trunk. Right out of the grocery cart! I think of her every time I'm headed back out to my car with my groceries... and I put my purse in FIRST... and then the kids. lol!!
Posted by: Runningamuck | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 01:06 AM
thats sucks about your purse! I had my iPod touch stolen just before Christmas, it was a birthday gift from my wife...............i was so angry & uptight afterwards that i was almost physically sick, i honestly would have assaulted the guy or girl if id seen them take it!
grrrrr
Posted by: ally simpson | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 03:11 AM
I have an additional tip on the credit card photocopies that might be helpful. Instead of photocopying both sides of the credit card, just make a copy of the front, and then write down the three-digit verficiation number from the back of the card *in a separate place.* That way you have all the information you would need if you had to replace the card, but if somehow your photocopy of the card made it into the wrong hands, they wouldn't have that three-digit number.
I got that tip recently when I was traveling abroad, and I was taking a copy of my credit card with me, so it may not be as big of a deal if your copies are locked up somewhere at home. But I thought it might help someone. :)
Posted by: Amy | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 05:42 AM
I'm so sorry your purse got stolen. Thank you for the tip of photo copying everything in my purse. I wouldn't have thought about that.
Last year I began making a listing of all of our "big ticket" items in the house; recording serial/model numbers, descriptions, etc. My husband thought I was NUTS, with a capital "N"
That was until last Thanksgiving when we were broken into and my only pieces of good jewelry, our tv, and our cameras were stolen. It only took me a matter of minutes to locate all the information for the police and for the insurance company. He didn't think I was so "NUTS" then!
A little pre-planning goes a LONG LONG way!
Blessings,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 06:02 AM
Thank you for the tip! I entered the WFMW for the first time today, thanks for hosting.
Posted by: Happy Mommy | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 06:11 AM
I need to heed this advice!
Thanks for hosting and thanks to everyone for sharing!
Posted by: Heather L. | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 06:40 AM
That's too bad about your purse! I hope you get everything worked out!
Posted by: Carrie | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 06:50 AM
Oops...I added my name, but forgot to actually put what works for me next to it. Feel free to delete number 137 (i did it correctly in number 139). Sorry.
We need to see pictures of that cute new purse!
Posted by: lynley | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 07:02 AM
Shannon,
Thanks so much for posting this. It has really struck home with me. We have had instances similar, and you have inspired me to prepare (ie: make copies). Thanks so much! And I'm terribly sorry that you've had to deal with this TWICE! What a pain! Blessings! Lori
Posted by: Lori | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 07:06 AM
Great advise! I never leave my purse in my car but I don't have a very good backup plan. I think I'll lay out my cards on our scanner and save a file on the computer.
As far as the second account goes, we do this with the internet too. I kept my old student credit card with the very low limit and we use that for our online purchases. That way if someone gets our number there is very little they can do before they reach the limit.
Posted by: canadacole | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 07:24 AM
Just and FYI - the Mr Linky text color is really difficult to read because it is so light and then when you click it changes to pink and is even lighter. Us older folk LOL need better glasses.
Posted by: Kim | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Back in my teacher days, I had my wallet stolen twice. Fortunately, it was a seventh grader who only wanted cash. One time I was looking out the window of my classroom and saw my wallet on a ledge outside of the girls' bathroom mirror. Only the cash was gone.
Those are great tips, and I love your grandmother buying your purse.
Also wanted to let you know that I finally convinced my husband to move our socks down by the back door and it definitely works for me. That was also a great tip.
Posted by: Suzie | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 07:44 AM
That's a great idea with the two credit cards! I always only carry one when I travel, but I haven't done that at home. I shall have to try!
I have a post up on clothing allowances this week! Come on by and check it out.
Visit To Love, Honor and Vacuum today!
Posted by: Sheila | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Great tips! I hadn't thought about photocopying everything in my purse! Guess I will be doing that and it will also help me to get the "unneeded" things out!
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Sonshine | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 08:30 AM
This is such good advice. You would think with my history of having my purse stolen, I would be more responsible. But where do you think my wallet is, right now? In my car. Well, to be fair, the car is in the garage, which is locked, but still, there was a rash of car break-ins in our neighborhood about two years back, and the cars were...in their garages. Unbelievable. Thanks again for the good advice. I've got to go get my purse now!
Posted by: Kristenkj | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Very sound advice. I'm so sorry to hear about your purse, but I would really hope that the person who took it had a *really* good reason, like a family to feed. I had a wallet stolen once and *everything* from one Christmas stolen from my luggage at the airport flying home from my family's, so I know how horrifying it feels, and how raw you are, and how tough it is to pick up the pieces. Big hugs to you!
Posted by: ames | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 08:43 AM
That's why I buy great looking purses...I HAVE to carry it with me....I used to leave mine in the car all the time...until I caught a neighbor boy in my car going thru my purse!
Posted by: Bella | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Thanks for the tips, especially the making copies part. I had my wallet stolen from my car several years ago; I had 14 credit cards in it! What a nightmare! Just one more good reason to stay out of debt ;)
Shannon, please read my post today for a personal message!
Posted by: fuschia | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 09:23 AM
I'm sooo sorry about your purse! Good advice. My mom taught me to always cover your purse with something if you leave it in the car or throw it in the trunk...but I just looked in my SUV and my girls have a total of three purses scattered around in plain sight of anyone looking in!!! Guess I need to pass on the advice:)
Posted by: Kara | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 09:30 AM
one more tip (although its not always one that I like to follow) - carry purses that have zipper closures, not snap ones (or no closures for that matter!). Pickpockers will have a harder time getting to your wallet inside a zipped bag than a snapped one. And since I am just as likely to lose my wallet because it fell out (on its own, clearly!) than I am to have someone reach in and take it - zippers prevent that as well!
Posted by: Rachel Silverman | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 09:44 AM
A few months ago I had my credit card stolen online and I was advised by my Father and the credit card company to call the national credit-reporting organizations and place a fraud alert on my name and social security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your info was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. This can stop a thief in his tracks.
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Posted by: kdaily | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Great tips Shannon! I had my car stolen last summer with my purse in it and it takes FOREVER to cancel CC and figure out what all was in there.
I'll definitely copy my wallet belongings, never thought of that!
Posted by: Anna | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Tip #3 is sheer brilliance. Would have never thought of that!
Posted by: Starr | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Very sound advice...which I should take...and so should YOU other reader
Posted by: Mrs. Annie | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Great tips. I have a friend whose purse was stolen THE EXACT SAME WAY about a month or so ago. She as just running in 'really quick,' and when she got back, the window was broken, and the purse was gone.
I especially like your tips about the second checking account and the photocopies. I'll talk with my hubby about getting those things started up.
Posted by: Sherida | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 10:38 AM
I've had my purse stolen. I can feel your pain. Another tip do not ever leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart.
Posted by: Blakely | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 10:50 AM
So sorry for your theft. It is awful to have things stolen. Hubby and I have both had our cars broken into since our recent move...our cars are parked right in front of the house, in plain sight...no matter to a thief though. (they only got away with small things like cigarette lighter plug-in adapter/MP3 transmitter...not cheap stuff, but not super expensive either)
I did wonder about your purse though. Did you try to hide it at all? On the occasions that I have left my bag in the van, I usually throw a blanket, diaper bag, kids back pack, McDonalds bag (get the picture) over top of it so that it is not visible.
Perhaps your van is much cleaner than mine? =)
Posted by: Phyllis@Aimless Conversation | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 10:59 AM
I don't leave my purse in the car. I just don't. I figure if I've lugged it with me, it's staying with me. :^) I have actually now downsized to a small pouch that has a real long strap that I hang around my neck & under my arm. It holds a cell phone and a few credit cards, my chapstick, lipstick and business cards. I love it.
I photocopied everything a few months ago when we got a new printer and I wanted to check out the settings LOL I thought it was a good way to use my resources. Then I put all of the credit cards I rarely use in another location and just kept one of two in my purse pouch.
One thing folks about canceling your credit cards -- if you are planning on getting a loan or are needing to move, your credit score might go down if you cancel too many cards all at once. If you aren't planning on needing a great credit score in the next few months, then go ahead and cancel those cards.
Have a great day!
Kristin
Thanks Shannon!!!!
Posted by: Kristin | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I leave my purse in the car all the time, but I also have dark tinted windows & hide it under the seat.
(cringes waiting for Shannon to smack her)
Posted by: Veggiemomof2 | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 11:03 AM
You sure have had the worst luck. I photocopied the contents of my wallet a few months ago. I thought I had lost it and then after I found it I immediately did it to prevent panic from killing my brain.
Posted by: Shelly | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I had my purse stolen the year after I graduated from college. As I had recently graduated and just started a job, my two credit cards were maxed and rejected at both places the thief tried to use them. Sweet!
Posted by: Heather | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Great advise!! Honestly I would have never thought to copy things and keep them in a safe place. I am making that a project for this weekend!
Posted by: tiffany McGuigan | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Got it. Thanks!
Posted by: Denise | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:08 PM
i have all my info copied....it's a good idea to go ahead and copy your house deed and marriage license and birth cert. and other important documents as well in case of a natural disaster...stick em in with your emergency backpack or whatever in case you aren't able to get to your home or your things are destroyed.
if i do have to leave my purse in the car...like we're going on a hike etc...i try to take just my wallet or cover my purse with a blanket, stick it under the seats or in the truck...OUT OF SIGHT.
Posted by: lisa (lost pezhead) | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:10 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your purse being stolen again. (I am several days behind on my blog-reading and was catching up today.)
I once put my purse on top of my car while I was buckling my preschooler into her car seat-she just turned 18 last week and is about to graduate from high school, if that tells you how long ago this happened-anyway, of course I meant to grab the purse before I drove off, but I was in a hurry, as usual, and I completely forgot the purse was on top of the car. I drove down the road, not realizing my mistake, until I got to my destination. I went back along all the roads I had taken trying to see if I could find the purse, but it was nowhere to be found. So I took my preschooler to her parent/teacher conference, which was where we were headed in the first place, and of course she had to tell the teacher ALL about what happened to Mommy's purse on the way there... when I got home there was a message on my phone from the Highway Patrol office saying two teenage boys found my purse and turned it in to the station and I could come and claim it. Those boys had every chance to steal everything and run off with it, because they were not evenfrom our town, but they chose to do the right thing and turn it in intact. Of course I sent each of them an award. That was back in 1994, unfortunately, I'm not sure that kind of thing happens anymore........
Posted by: Sally | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:41 PM
super advice. i had planned to photocopy everything awhile back, but i got lazy. never did it. i will now!
Posted by: Mystele | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Not participating in WFMW today, but I just wanted to say I love, love, love that your grandmother wanted to buy you a new purse "even if it's not on sale!" That just rocks!
Also, thanks for all you do to keep WFMW on the up and up! :)
Posted by: jen | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 01:02 PM
thanks for the advice. i think i have some work to do now!
Posted by: sarah | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 01:16 PM
I have to admit that I have left my purse in the car when I knew that I would be back in just a moment, but I'll never do that again! It's just not worth it. Thanks for the advice!
Posted by: Leslie | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Shopping for a purse. Wow. I hate that, I guess it's because it's the kind of thing you only can know when you see. But oh, the joy when you find it!
I promise I will smack myself in the head with my frickin-frackin purse if I ever leave it in the car.
xox
Posted by: Jen | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Good idea with the 2nd bank account. We'd be in very big trouble if my purse was stolen, though in truth, I'm more likely to leave it somewhere.
Posted by: Amanda | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 02:00 PM
For the love of Pete ... I have to say ... tip number 3 for automatic transfers has got to be the smartest thing I've heard in FOREVER. Thank you, and I'm going to do this soon!!!
Posted by: GiBee | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 02:18 PM
I better go make copies right now! I've been meaning to do that for, well, like forever!
Thanks for warning us not to get paranoid. I immediately reviewed what I've posted in the past few weeks.
Enjoy your new purse.
Posted by: fullheartandhands mama | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 02:43 PM
My works for me Wednesday is a purse tip just for you Shannon!
Posted by: Lisa T. | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 03:52 PM
I hope I did this right! I love the ideas!! My husband is police officer and gets onto me constantly for leaving my purse in the front seat!
Posted by: RhoDelta | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 04:13 PM
I recently lost my purse and it was luckily returned to me with everything there... except my atm card. We were able to get a new one before anyone used it, but what a nightmare.
Posted by: that girl | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 04:15 PM
I almost left my big bag (with laptop in it) in the car yesterday while I ran to get lunch. I immediately remember your post and drug the thing in with me.
Posted by: AF | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 04:44 PM
So do we get a picture of the wonderful new purse? I mean - please share - I love purses and rarely buy one I truly like. I'm carrying a hideous big one now I got for "spend $49 on shoes and get this free tote bag" from DSW shoes. I keep the nice ones in the closet - makes sense huh?
Posted by: Linda Sue | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 04:58 PM
this is really cool! i am a new participant now!!!
Posted by: Kristine J. | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Love that photocopying details idea - thanks Shannon.
Posted by: Anne | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Sorry to hear you had your purse stolen. I like your idea of leaving the info at home.Have you ever thought about getting a safety deposit box at the bank? I just found out recently from my mom they are quite reasonable price. I think she pays something like $50 a year for an 11x14x4 inch box at her credit union. This way if your house/apartment is ever broken into, (heaven forbid!) you are still safe when it comes to those documents. Including social security cards, birth certificates, car titles.. etc.
Posted by: Dawn | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 06:29 PM
Loved this post! I too always leave my purse in the car...especially because I am always carrying a baby and a diaper bag! I need to stop!
Posted by: Carrie Brown | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 07:46 PM
I have a question regarding this WFMW, I know you normally do a backwards day, but I am a little desperate and was wondering if I could write a question on this WFMW but didn't want to do it without your permission ;) THANK YOU!!!! Tamara
Posted by: Tamara Cosby | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Sorry about the purse= that is pure crap. Ugh! I fall completely apart with paperwork and credit accounts and making hideous phone calls to huge megaconglomerates. Hope you had good luck with the aftermath.
Posted by: rechelle | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Thank you for sharing these valuable tips. You are taking your awful experience and using it to help others. It is much appreciated!
Posted by: Alyssa @ Keeping the Kingdom First | Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 10:04 PM
That is an excellent piece of advice about photocopying everything in your wallet and keeping it in a very safe place. Another good thing is to write SEE PHOTO ID on the back of your cards rather than signing your signature. Learned that in an identity theft seminar once.
I always worry about the car being broken into - it's always a shame that there are such bad people in this world.
Posted by: Laura | Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 05:41 AM
Hey, where did my comment from yesterday go?
Posted by: Dawn | Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Don't leave you purse in a grocery cart either. Last night when I was getting groceries a lady's purse was stolen right out of her cart.
Posted by: Debbie | Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 09:31 AM
NEVER thought much about the way I handle my purse...
THANKS for the tips :-)
Jeanette
Posted by: Jeanette | Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 10:49 AM
that's aweful about your purse, you poor mama!
thank you for the reminders, my purse is under my carseat + i'll go get it + scan the cards.
Posted by: mod*mom | Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 12:45 PM
JUST FOR YOU I retrieved my purse from my car at 4:22am this morning when I dreamed it was stolen and I didn't have everything photocopied. My husband thinks I'm crazy and doesn't want me to read blogs anymore. :)
Posted by: Heather | Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 02:23 PM
I am so sorry! I thought that I remembered your purse being stolen before.
I promise. I won't leave the purse in the car at all anymore, even for a few minutes!
Posted by: Bailey's Leaf | Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 09:27 PM
You mention in a good neighborhood. I live in a bad neighborhood and haven't had anything stolen. The crooks leave my neighborhood and go rob the "nice" ones;).
Posted by: NerdMom | Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Shop your way to the end of world hunger...
Go to site: http://www.nonprofitshoppingmall.com and choose the Hunger Project as your charity and then do ALL your shopping on line and tell ALL your friends to as well. With the rice calamity going on right now this site is a great way to take the money that you would already be spending and have some of it go towards a group dedicated to ending hunger around the world. Take a look for yourself and ENJOY!!!
Posted by: mire | Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 02:38 PM
I don't carry a purse. I put my keys,
my credit cards, my license, my auto
insurance card in a little slot on the
driver's side. I put valuables in a cup
holder. One less thing to remember.
I only carry one key. The rest of my
stuff is hid in my car. I AM MEMORY IMPAIRED
Sandy :)
I signed up twice.
I just left the URL to my site.
I love to teach, to read to my kids.
My site is about life, love, family, faith
and learning about this that and everything.
Posted by: Sandy (Learn to Read Tips) | Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 07:40 PM