Your Wallet Essentials: Must-Have Items

A practical guide to organizing your finances and protecting your peace of mind.

Your wallet says a lot about you. It holds your essentials—ID, cash, cards—but it can also be a reflection of your financial habits, your goals, and even your preparedness for the unexpected.

At Lampco Federal Credit Union, we want to help you make sure what’s in your wallet is working for you, not against you. So let’s take a closer look at what you should (and maybe shouldn’t) be carrying—and how we can help you stay organized, secure, and financially confident.

What You Should Always Carry

1. Your Debit Card
Your Lampco debit card offers secure, convenient access to your checking account, and it’s safer than carrying a lot of cash. With fraud protection, mobile alerts, and easy online access, it should be a staple in every wallet.

2. A Credit Card, Used Strategically
A credit card can be a powerful financial tool when used wisely. It’s great for building credit, earning rewards, or covering emergencies. Just make sure it’s from a trusted institution (like us!) and that you’re only charging what you can comfortably pay off each month.

3. A Valid Photo ID
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget this essential. Whether you’re traveling, making a large purchase, or verifying your identity at the bank, a state-issued ID or driver’s license is a must.

4. Emergency Cash
Cash is still king in certain situations—like small businesses, tipping, or power outages when card systems are down. A modest amount (think $20–$50) can go a long way in a pinch.

What to Skip: Less Is More

1. Multiple Credit Cards You Don’t Use
Carrying several unused cards can increase the risk of loss or fraud. Keep one or two active cards in your wallet, and store others securely at home.

2. Your Social Security Card
Unless you need it for a specific reason that day, leave it at home. Carrying it regularly increases the risk of identity theft.

3. Receipts You Don’t Need
Cluttered wallets often lead to missed payments or forgotten charges. Go digital when possible, or make it a habit to clean out your wallet weekly.

Tech Tools That Lighten the Load

If your wallet is bursting at the seams, consider using Lampco’s mobile banking tools and card control features to keep things simple:

• View balances and transactions in real time

• Set alerts for spending or unusual activity

• Lock or unlock your card instantly from your phone

• Transfer funds, pay bills, and even apply for a loan—all on the go
  
  

Digital tools aren’t just convenient—they give you control over your finances in a way that old-school wallets never could.

Want to Get Even More Organized?

Your wallet might be a small space, but it reflects a bigger picture: your financial life. That’s why Lampco also partners with GreenPath Financial Wellness, offering free tools to help you get organized, reduce debt, create a budget, and plan for your future.

Whether you’re cleaning out your wallet—or rebuilding your financial foundation—we’re here to support you.

Visit your local branch or contact us online. We're happy to help. Because at Lampco, it’s not just about what’s in your wallet—it’s about what’s working for you.