Check out these 5 simple tips from Financial Organizing Expert, Nanette Duffey, on how to better manage your finances and protect your identity while on vacation.

An enjoyable vacation awaits you, but being charged overdraft fees, being buried with medical bills, or dealing with identify theft should not be part of anyone’s post-travel routine. With these five quick tips you can organize your finances, put your mind at ease, and recharge your batteries during your time away.

Tip #1: Lose weight by clearing out our wallet. Gather up your current wallet and then find a comfortable seat with a flat surface such as a table or counter. Begin by emptying out 100% of the contents. Discard out-dated items, return items you’ve been carrying for others, and remove unnecessary paper bits. Be honest, do you really want to carry 14 days of credit/debit card purchase receipts in your wallet? Finally, replace those items you need on a weekly basis to your wallet. Not convinced you can live without it? Try going 2 weeks with a lighter load and you’ll never look back.

Tip #2: Avoid fees by signing up for text alerts from bank & credit card issuers. These tiny reminders are now readily available from most major issuers. Start by logging onto your bank and card issuer. Sign up for alerts that notify you when you’re entering a “danger zone” such as low balance on your checking or over the limit on credit card accounts. With the average American now carrying 3.5 credit cards, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of Boston study, a low balance alert will be the best text you get all week if it helps you avoid just one $29 fee or notifies you of fraudulent activity.

Tip #3: Exercise caution when withdrawing cash at ATM. Your relaxed attitude makes you more prone for ATM PINs at risk for scams, and unfamiliar ATM machines make it easier for thieves to use skimming devices to steal your personal data.

Tip #4: Verify your health insurance cards are current. Nobody likes a health emergency, but in the unlikely event you are injured while away from home, having your current coverage and contact information becomes critical. Leaving on a vacation tomorrow? No problem, many major health insurers (Blue Cross, Humana, and United Healthcare) allow you to print replacement cards online. Having current coverage info means faster access to care and you also avoid the hassle: claims filing, billing headaches, and follow-up calls.

Tip #5: Stop identity thieves at your mailbox. A full mailbox broadcasts broadcasts “I’m NOT Home” and rolls out the welcome mat to potential identity theft. Next time you have travel plans, stop mail in less than 30 seconds. This is especially important for those who still receive paper bills and home-based business owners.

With these five easy tips for organizing your finances, you gain time and peace of mind to enjoy your trip without worries about managing your finances. Now you’ll have plenty of time to review your photos, share memories, and begin daydreaming of your next big adventure!

About the Author

Nanette Duffey, Daily Money Manager & Professional Organizer, is an award winning entrepreneur, speaker, and self-described numbers gal. She created Organized Instincts to share her organizing talents and personal finance knowledge with the world. She helps people quickly and effectively manage any activity that has financial ramifications. Nanette is passionate about helping busy adults who need “practical organizing advice and solutions that work in the real world!”

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