I have to admit: I carry too many things in my purse.

Ideally, I want to be prepared for anything. I'm lugging a ton of things around in my handbag. I have a nail file and hand lotion, extra lipstick, lip balm, and even an extra pack of tissues - and this one thing has been a godsend in all manner of situations.

But I digress.

In spite of my urge to be prepared for literally everything, I'm also lugging around some things I should probably purge.

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Experts advise Arizona to remove this from your wallet
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I have an old copy of a medical ID card in my wallet, and I haven't used it in at least three years. For what purpose, I can't even guess. It's useless, yet it's still taking up space.

I have a roll of mints in the bottom of my bag, too. I'm not going to eat them, yet there they are, still floating around with the random dimes and lint that have fallen to the bottom of my satchel.

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Clean Out Your Wallet and Remove THIS Item

There is one item I never carry with me: my Social Security card. In the past, I've been tempted to carry it around in my wallet, but trust me, that's a big no-no.

Experts advise Arizona to remove this from your wallet
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Here's why:

First, if your wallet or purse gets stolen, your Social Security card is like a golden ticket for identity thieves.

Thieves can use your SSN to open new credit card accounts, file tax returns in your name, and even get medical treatment pretending to be you. It's a one-stop shop for crooks, and it will wreak havoc on your life.

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One Way to Stop Identity Theft in Arizona

We already know that identity theft is a huge problem. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over a million reports of identity theft last year alone. Citizens were swindled out of over $10 billion as a result. That's a lot of people dealing with a lot of headaches.

So, what can you do?

The Social Security Administration advises that you keep your Social Security card in a safe place. That means leaving it in a secure location at home. You should only bring it out when it's absolutely necessary, like when you're filling out paperwork at a new job.

READ: Could You Be Fined? Legal to Park an RV on the Street in AZ?

When you're done, take it home and put it back in that safe place. It's easy to forget you're carrying it around in your wallet until it's too late.

Experts advise Arizona to remove this from your wallet
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Take my advice: clear out the stuff in your purse you've been hauling around needlessly. Dump that old tube of Chapstick, and put your social security card away today!

Sources: Social Security Administration Kiplinger | Experian | Bureau of Justice Statistics | Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

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