By Betty Berry, Tuesday, August 23, 2011 Q: During a recent business trip, my husband lost his wallet and I’m trying to replace the contents. This is a difficult job, since he doesn’t remember everything he carried. Please tell others to inventory what they carry with them in case they should have the need to replace a wallet’s contents.
A: This is something I have addressed before but find it does not hurt to repeat it on occasion. This is a difficult job. I’m not sure most of us could accurately list the contents of our wallets from memory.
An inventory can provide an accurate record of your wallet’s contents and give you an opportunity to “weed out” what you carry.
Experts advise that a thinner wallet is safer, as potential thieves would have less information and therefore less opportunity to defraud.
To do your inventory, set aside a block of time, and with pen and paper, sit at a desk or table and empty your wallet. Review each item to determine whether this is something you need to carry, put away for safekeeping or throw away.
Your Social Security card, for example, should not be carried with you. The Social Security Administration recommends it be placed in safekeeping and carried only when you need to present it.
List all items to be carried in your wallet on an inventory sheet. Your inventory should include the identity of the item (XYZ credit card/ California driver’s license), the account or registration number, the name of the person it is registered to, the expiration date, if applicable, and a number to contact to report its loss. Date the list and file it with your important papers.
Always update your list when you change any contents of your wallet.
If your wallet is ever lost or stolen, you will find the short time it took to do the inventory well worth it because you will have all the information at your fingertips that you need to request replacement of lost items.
Q: I live in Simi Valley and in years past have enjoyed the information expo held at the senior center. Do you know whether that event will be held this year?
A: I am glad to be able to tell you the event is scheduled for next month.
The Simi Valley Council on Aging will host Wellness and Information Expo 2011 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 7. As in the past, it will be at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi.
The expo will feature more than 60 vendors and agencies that specialize in providing resources for seniors. Information will be available on health, social services, legal assistance, long-term care and housing.
There also will be several types of free health screenings available. These will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Screenings to be offered include carotid artery, glucose, blood pressure and heel scan for osteoporosis.
The entire event is free and a wonderful opportunity to learn what is available.
For more information, call the center at 583-6363 and mark your calendar. Perhaps this would be a good time to reach out to a neighbor or friend and bring them along to enjoy the day.
Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. Call 495-6250 or email betty@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number). You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.
