Everyone knows you have to shred critical documents that have identifying information on them. Here are a few simple easy tips to organize and protect your important financial information AND your identity.

1. Organize your credit cards (as well as any other cards you have including gift cards) using a binder and plastic trading card pages (Avery makes them). Insert each card into the card holder pages according to type. Use post-it notes to include notes such as what the interest rate is, etc. but NOT PIN Numbers! That way you can see all your cards at a glance and know if any are missing. TIP: Don't label the binder as credit cards - give it a code name and keep it in a secure, locked place.
2. If you must write down your passwords, never write down the real word!!! Establish a code system. For example, if you use the word "neat" write down n*t. Use any kind of code system like that you can remember. If you use variations of the same word, vary the code for each - so "neat123" would become "ne*1". Another type of code system you could use is: if you use your sister's name, write her birthday - only you will know it's really her name.
3. If you have multiple credit cards, only carry one with you.
4. Make a copy of all the contents of your wallet, and update it regularly. (Try programming a recurring reminder into your calendar or any electronic reminder tool you use. I use Outlook for all my reminders.) If your wallet is stolen, you'll able to immediately alert all the relevant parties in case of potential identify theft.
5. Don't carry your social security card in your wallet.
6. Always use the same card for all online purchases. That way it if there is a problem, you only have to cancel one card.

Ariane Benefit

Ariane Benefit is a professional organizer, speaker, and author of the popular Neat Living Blog which provides free organizing tips, home makeover photos and much more.

Her mission is to inspire people to simplify, clear clutter, and get organizes so they can get things done easily, and have more time to enjoy the things they really love!!

Contact me at 973-429-2100 or abenefit@neatliving.org. Article or book writing requests are welcome! I am also available to provide content expertise to other writers.

Background: Having grown up in an extremely cluttered home and having moved frequently, I learned first hand how to overcome the need to keep everything. Being the first and only person in my family to go to college, I also learned early on how important it is to organize yourself to achieve your dreams and goals.

I am especially empathetic to creative people, people in crisis, people with ADD/ADHD, young people, students, packrats, sentimental collectors, people moving, merging households, and anyone who needs to downsize.

I have a Master's Degree in Education with a minor in Business and a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish from the University of Miami in Florida. With over 20 years experience in corporate performance consulting, I am also certified in Process Facilitation, Management Development Training, and Accelerated Learning Methods.

My personal and professional qualifications uniquely enable me to help people not only get organized, but acquire new skills and habits so they can STAY organized.

I am an active member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (where I am currently pursing the newly established Certified Professional Organizer designation), the American Holistic Health Association, and the International Society for Performance Improvement.