For as long as I can remember, I have had a wallet in my back pocket full of all sorts of stuff – multiple credit cards, business cards, insurance cards, actual money, phone numbers, receipts, etc.. – and I am done with it. I am done carrying around stuff I rarely, if ever, need when I am out and about just because it fits in my wallet. Full wallets in your back pocket are bad for your back and a target for thieves, so 2 weeks ago I downsized to just a simple money clip with just the bare essentials in it. Here is what my full-size wallet looked like:
And here is what my money clip looks like in comparison:
Looks a lot smaller, right? It fits in my front pocket, where it is less likely to get stolen or cause me back problems down the line. And it only contains those things I might need on a daily basis:
1. Some money
2. Debit card
3. Credit card
4. License
5. Health insurance card (which I won’t need in a few days, as losing my insurance and going without)
6. 1 business card
That’s it! All my other stuff is at home in the safe that I used to carry around with me, as I always have my iPhone for contact information, access to Evernote and Dropbox for documents and files, and receipts just come home with me to be scanned into the computer and shredded that day. No more bulky wallet, no more carrying around more than I need, and no more chances of being pickpocketed. Ah, simplicity…
My husband has always uses a money clip. It makes things so much easier. One thing he has noticed though is that the money clip will start rubbing through the cards if the money isn’t there to protect it. He grabbed one of those ATM card sleeves from the bank and no more weird rubbing marks. (Which can be a problem if it is on the magnetic strip)
Good thinking! I usually always have a few bucks with me, but I will keep that in mind for sure if I don’t!
I simply reuse rubber bands that I get already. Reuse, cheap, no additional use of resources in the form of a money clip.
I’ve been using a Money-Band all year and never looked back. It’s perfectly flat, and doesn’t pinch/rub like a clip.
Just necessities — money and ID. Insurance cards and stuff i almost never use gets left in my bag or car.
http://www.money-band.com/
I use an Umbra Bungee Card Case. Its metal with a plastic lid held by elastic. It will fit about 6 cards or a combination of cards, & some paper money. I usually carry a debit card, a credit card, my license and some bills. What I like about it is that nothing falls out of it, and the cards don’t bend in your when you sit.
Bill – well since mine was a gift from a wedding I was in, had no choice but to accept it 🙂
Way to do, especially for getting your wallet out of your back pocket.
I just switched to a very small bi-fold made by a company here in Israel. It’s got just enough room for my bus pass, 2 debit/credit cards, ID, business cards, and cash. Israel is a cash driven society so I can’t rely on being able to use debit/credit and have to have cash on hand…but I love this little wallet!
I use an L.A. Wallet that I bought from Countycomm. There’s enough room for my license, credit cards, medical cards, etc. I keep it in my front pocket, along with my cash and other EDC stuff such as a Leatherman Squirt and a small flashlight. It’s nice not to be sitting on a “Costanza” wallet, and my back feels the difference.
I’ve been considering switching to a money clip since I just keep a few cards (license, health insurance card, a debit card or two, and library card).
How secure are they, though? I’m asking because I’d be dropping in in my purse with a lot of other stuff instead of sticking it in a pocket and I don’t want to lose any of the cards down in there.
I second the Money-Band. One of the best decisions I have made. You could even use a wider/thicker rubber band.
Once I was done toting a diaper bag around (for the babies) I said “That’s it” with toting something around. For the past 25 years I have used a man’s bi-fold wallet in the front pocket of my 5 pocket jeans. As I have always been able to wear 5 pocket dress jeans (black) to work, it has never been an issue.
Works for me.
One back pocket has a small comb.
Other front pocket has keys and a pocket knife and change.
Like some others, I use one of those simple credit card wallets. Fits the ID and a few cards..and cash if you need it. Back or front pocket. Doesn’t flip open or anything. Real simple and easy. I used a rubber band for years, but found that securing the cards in a simple wallet like this was much safer/easier to handle.
BTW, I referenced your 10 things challenge over at Lifehacker and left your link there. I think your site is useful, so I’m trying to help spread the word and link to your helpful posts.
This is so cool! I’m in the process of downsizing my work bag and will be doing a post about that process soon. My back is thanking me. 🙂
Check out my invention called the Bandit Wallet…. I designed the Bandit to be a money clip, rubber band, hair band, paper clip,… killer.
The bandit is basically a rubber band wallet, but that works. It’s made of elastic fabric and it does not break. It’s rubber on the inside and smooth on the outside.
If you are looking to downsize your wallet and use a product that actually works try the bandit….
I second the Money Band. Works great.
I’m sure you’ll not look back now that you’ve switched to a money clip. It’s funny how few cards and other things you don’t need when you’re out and about!
Great ideas! Check out this thing; http://www.saddle-lite.com
It works great and really cool looking!
I carry a wallet that fits into my front pocket.