The Simple Wallet: Four Cards and Four Bills

Remember the Seinfeld episode when George complains of back pain only to learn it’s his brick-size wallet in his back pocket causing the problem? Someday, I hope to have the ultimate simple wallet. What would be in there?

My dream wallet has just one credit card, one debit card, my ID, my health insurance card, and a bit over $100 cash for emergencies. That’s it!

For the ultimate in financial simplicity, I would also pick the right credit and debit cards.

American Express Blue or Blue Cash would be my credit card. Blue if I still had a balance to carry due to its low regular APR, and Blue Cash for when I’m finally done with credit card balances (can’t wait!), because of the great cash rewards.

Then I’d have my ING Electric Orange debit MasterCard linked to my interest-bearing ING checking account. The only times I’d use this would be to get cash or in the event a merchant didn’t take Amex. (This is becoming less and less common, at least where I shop).

Of course, I’d also need my license, and for emergencies, my health insurance card.

I’m not to this degree of simplicity yet, as I still have two credit cards, one for work and one for personal expenses, as well as my local credit union debit card, because I haven’t switched over completely to my ING account. But I still keep my wallet pretty slim.

Do you have a simple or cluttered wallet?

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some comments

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Crystal D. 13 May 2008 at 7:56 am permalink

Thanks so much for this article. It really inspired me to pare down my wallet. I’m also looking into the Amex Blue too!

Crystal D.
Sparkleizer and Home Organization Expert
http://www.sparkleize.com

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Beth 21 May 2008 at 4:29 pm permalink

My problem is always figuring out where to store all my other cards when paring down my wallet. Unfortunately, it’s tough to be frugal these days without carrying around an affinity card for sales at every grocery and convenience store around. Any suggestions?

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Emma 9 June 2008 at 4:45 pm permalink

I carry American Express Blue and a USAA debit card. The AMEX rarely has a balance on it, but it’s there.

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Walker 11 July 2009 at 6:49 pm permalink

Currently in my wallet I have $72 in cash, a credit card, my library card, my drivers license…and that’s it.

I’ve just got a bifold…money pocket, clear id pocket, hidden pocket, and 3 stacked slots for cards.

Looks like I’ve gotten to this point =)

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