I was reading a blog about losing a wallet and then having to run around cancelling card, etc.  The couple thought they had “misplaced” their wallet instead of actually losing it until fake charges started showing up.  Personally?  I always assume if I can’t find my wallet I’ve lost it.  Why?  Because I happen to be one of those awful people who misplaces and loses everything.

Thus far in my life I’ve lost my wallet 3x since meeting my DH and at least 2x before I meet him.  In college I got a new ID every quarter because somehow I’d lose mine.  I’m better now, only about once a year do I lose my ID.

Thus I have an absolutely immaculate system on the computer in place to help me out.  You are probably reading this going OMG she’s an idiot.  And yes I have a very bad habit of leaving my wallet or dropping it as I walk around. I have a tendency to get distracted and walk way.  But hey no one’s perfect.

Anyway, I have an excel spreadsheet on my computer, backed up on my external harddrive and a zipped copy on a CD in our firesafe. So this spreadsheet has the numbers of every credit card I’ve gotten after college, I wasn’t so diligent in college, in second column.  In the third column 1-800-# on the back for customer service.  The fourth column has the 3 digit code, the fifth column is the expiration date, and the sixth column is to check off after I’ve called them and who I talked to.

I got really tired of trying to dig everything up everytime I lose my wallet.  Instead I just open up the document and get to work on cancelling cards, etc.  And yes I know I probably need to start being more careful.  I haven’t lost a wallet in over 3 years, but I put this method together a long time ago and it takes very little effort to maintain.

Consider doing it as well, in case you are mugged, or your Identity has been stolen.  Also when travelling it helps if you wish to carry a copy in case of emergency and leave it in the hotel safe.  That way you can cancel your cards if you are pickpocketed.

Hope this helps.