Whether big or small, a purse can carry it all — or at least carry your essentials.
For instance, bringing along your top rewards credit cards is a great way to ensure you make the most of any daily purchases. But there might be some things you overlook that can prove to be incredibly valuable at the right moment, like a portable charger.
Before you leave your house next time, make sure you have these items tucked away so you can easily reach them.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Wallet
A wallet or card holder is essential even if you don’t plan to go shopping and spend money.
A credit or debit card is something you should always have with you in case of an emergency or just for unexpected everyday purchases in addition to things you expect to spend money on.
Cash
While plastic is a great payment method for most items, keeping a small amount of cash in your purse could come in handy.
Try to carry at least $20 in cash for things like tips and garage sales. Some places may even offer a discount if you pay in cash.
A quarter
Speaking of physical money, if you’re a fan of Aldi, make sure to carry a quarter in your purse to pay for your shopping cart.
Aldi is a great grocery store to save money, but you’ll need a quarter to rent a shopping cart.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Snacks
Snacks are essential for parents with kids who get a little hungry and need a bite, but they’re also important for adults.
Toss in a small bag of nuts, granola, or dried fruit so you always have something on hand when you need a small bite to keep you going.
Adhesive bandages
It’s always good to have some first aid essentials in your bag, starting with adhesive bandages.
You can grab some for scrapes and scratches or have a few on hand if you’re worried your new shoes will give you blisters.
Trending Stories
Phone
There used to be a time when you didn’t even have the option of a smartphone, but they’re now essential for keeping you connected.
Make sure you have your phone with you to look up information, such as directions to a new restaurant, or compare prices online with an item you find in a store.
Hand sanitizer
The COVID-19 pandemic may have made you extra aware of carrying hand sanitizer, but it’s still a great option today.
Carry a small container of hand sanitizer to clean off your hands after touching things or to give your hands a quick clean before eating.
Keys
You’ll be thankful you double-checked your bank for your keys so you don’t lock yourself out of your house.
Keys are also essential for your car, and don’t forget any keys you may need for your job.
Portable charger
Some items in your bag, like your phone or tablet, may need a recharge. A portable charger can recharge them to 100%.
Keep an eye on your charger to ensure it’s fully charged before you head out so it’s ready if you need to plug in and charge up.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Sunscreen
You never know when you may end up sitting outside in between appointments. Or you may snag a great table with your friend on the patio of your favorite restaurant.
Keep a little sunscreen in your bag to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun when you’re outside.
Breath mints
That pasta dish was a great option for lunch with coworkers, but now your breath probably smells garlicky.
It’s OK if you have some breath mints on hand to keep your breath fresh throughout the day. They also last longer than gum, which can get sticky and gross in a hot purse.
Medication
Don’t forget to keep some medications like ibuprofen in your purse so you always have some on hand.
You’ll also want to make sure you have emergency medications you need like an inhaler or something to counteract an allergic reaction.
Sunglasses
A pair of classic sunglasses is the perfect fashion accessory for any outfit, but it can also be essential for healthy eyes.
Sunglasses can protect the sun’s harmful rays from your eyes and prevent eye strain by blocking out the bright sun while you’re walking or driving.
Bottom line
Carrying items in your purse is a great way to have everything you need on hand whenever you’re out.
You can save money by keeping items close to you instead of needing to buy them when you’re out.
It’s also a good idea to dump your purse out occasionally to throw away any clutter, clean the inside of your purse, and reassess what you want to carry and what should stay at home.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details